Leser will focus on LovePendants.
After years of creating new collections like Rhapsody, Strand, Jewelmesh and Modern Estate, owner/designer Robert Leser has discontinued the Color Story brand of gemstone jewelry he launched in 1997.
The brand featured a multicolored gemstone palette and uniquely cut stones.
“I loved creating jewelry in combinations of pinks, greens, yellows, purples and shades of blue,” Leser said. “A Rhapsody ring was available in 40 color combinations! It was the stones that sold the jewelry. In the beginning many retailers told me I was crazy and said no one would buy these color combinations. I figured there were stores looking for different goods to carry that would find me. That was 21 years and about 98,000 pieces ago.”
Leser has had a diverse career as a third-generation rough diamond dealer and sightholder for the first 11 years; a dealer in top-tier polished diamonds and private jeweler; creator of the Tulipset brand of engagement ring, which Stuller acquired; U.S. partner in Italian gold jewelry brand Rialto; Color Story; and now LovePendants, the engraved and enameled crystal charm company.
“When people ask me how I got started in the industry, I tell them I started at the top and now I am selling $32 charms,” he said. “Do you think I am a success? I certainly do! I had success in every business and loved what I did in each path of my career. I love what I’m doing now. The pleasure I derive from LovePendants is that I don’t have to reinvent the wheel every year. It’s one cute, unique product with thousands of versions and thousands to come.”
Color Story’s inventory is being sold at a discount at LovePendants JCK booth B26146. All the models, molds and loose gemstone inventory will be available for sale as well.
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Family Legacy, New Chapter: How Wilkerson Turns 89 Years of History Into Future Success
After 89 years of serving the Albany community, Harold Finkle Your Jeweler faced a pivotal decision. For third-generation owner Justin Finkle, the demanding hours of running a small business were taking precious time away from his young family. "After 23 years, I decided this was the time for me," Finkle explains. But closing a business with nearly nine decades of inventory and customer relationships isn't something easily managed alone.
Wilkerson's comprehensive approach transformed this challenging transition into a remarkable success story. Their strategic planning handled everything from advertising and social media to inventory management and staffing — elements that would overwhelm most jewelers attempting to navigate a closing sale independently.
The results speak volumes. "Wilkerson gave us three different tiers of potential goals," Finkle notes. "We've reached that third tier, that highest goal already, and we still have two weeks left of the sale." The partnership didn't just meet financial objectives—it exceeded them ahead of schedule.
