Press Releases

Leading Jewelers Guild Celebrates 60th Anniversary

Published

6 years ago

July 30, 2018

INSTORE Staff

(PRESS RELEASE) NEWPORT BEACH, CA — Leading Jewelers Guild Vice President, Tobey Ritchie (Harry Ritchie’s Jewelers, Eugene, OR) opened the membership meetings by recalling her grandfather’s stories of the early days at L. J. G. “He and Joe Sherwood, Stanley Schaffer, Gus Kisch, Syd Klenner and others created the Guild back in 1958!” said Ritchie, “As we celebrate our 60th Anniversary, the group is more resilient than ever!”

The Leading Show featured 72 carefully selected vendors including jewelry manufacturers, diamond houses, a testing lab and various internet and service vendors. Thirteen vendors were new to the group, one of whom commented: “Our first ever trade show in the 100+ year history of the company… you have all done a great job in inviting the best in our industry.”

“One of our goals for the 60th anniversary is to strengthen the group by forming stronger partnerships with our vendors.” said Leading Jewelers Guild President Steven Singer (Steven Singer Jewelers, Philadelphia, PA) “This starts by addressing their needs and showing them the love and respect they deserve.” Singer, along with the Operations Committee, presented each vendor with a specially inscribed copy of Start with Why by Simon Sinek.

The 60th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee “White Party” featured special awards of recognition. Harsh Shah of IDD/Sandeep accepted the honors as Vendor of the Year. Robert Marks (Rogers Jewelry, Modesto, CA), Jeff Wickersham (Wickersham Jewelers, Rothchild, WI) and Tony Prater (Jensen Jewelers, Twin Falls, ID) were each recognized for their contributions. The evening featured cocktails, assorted food stations, and dancing with LeVian’s own Leonardo Kashi as DJ.

“Leading Jewelers Guild is a progressive organization founded on strong member collaboration, and provides invaluable resources in merchandising, marketing, advertising and more, dedicated to the overall business needs of their member companies,” said Board Chair, Tyna Wheat (The Diamond Galleria, Evansville IN) “Forty-eight member companies currently enjoy the benefits of membership. That’s approximately 150 retail locations throughout the US and Canada.”

For more information contact James “Jimmy” West, Executive Director at (310) 216-9106.

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You Wouldn’t Cut Your Own Hair. Why Run Your Own Retirement Sale?

After being in business for over a quarter of a century, Wayne Reid, owner of Wayne Jewelers in Wayne, Pennsylvania, decided it was time for a little “me time.” He says, “I’ve reached a point in my life where it’s time to slow down, enjoy a lot of things outside of the jewelry industry. It just seemed to be the right time.” He chose Wilkerson to handle his retirement sale because of their reputation and results. With financial goals exceeded, Reid says he made the right choice selecting Wilkerson to handle the sale. “They made every effort to push our jewelry to the forefront of the showcases,” he says, lauding Wilkerson for their finesse and expertise. Would he recommend them to other jewelers who want to make room for new merchandise, expand their business or like him, decide to call it a day? Absolutely he says, equating trying to do this kind of sale with cutting your own hair. “The results are going to happen but not as well as if you have a professional like Wilkerson do the job for you.”