Headlines

Hollywood-Preferred Jeweler Accuses Competitor of Ripping Off Designs, Tampering With a Client

Published

8 years ago

April 20, 2016

INSTORE Staff

Lawsuit alleges that the competitor was caught videotaping the jeweler’s designs.

EF Collection – a jewelry designer in Los Angeles whose clientele includes mega-stars like Angelina Jolie and Taylor Swift – is suing the Sydney Evan jewelry brand and its founder, MyNewsLa.com reports. According to the article, the lawsuit alleges that Sydney Evan founder Rosanne Karmes induced a New York City retailer, Bergdorf Goodman, to stop carrying EF Collection, and that she also videotaped the plaintiff’s designs with the intention of replacing the EF display at the retailer.

In the suit that’s cited in the article, the retailer – which is owned by Nieman Marcus – says that Karmes “threatened to pull her exclusivity with Nieman Marcus and Bergdorf if the EF Collection line were allowed to continue to sell at Bergdorf.” Bergdorf then said Nieman Marcus’ president decided to stop selling EF Collection “in response to the threats of Rosanne Karmes and Sydney Evan.” When EF Collection’s lawyers emailed Karmes directing her to stop interfering with the plaintiff’s sales at Bergdorf, Karmes claimed she had never heard of the plaintiff.

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”