Press Releases

Plumb Club to Host Retailer Learning Opportunity with Platinum Guild International

The virtual event is on Wednesday, September 14 and is open to the entire jewelry industry.

Published

2 years ago

August 30, 2022

Press Releases

Craig Rottenberg | Kevin Reilly | Severine Ferrari

(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK — The Plumb Club presents an essential retail-learning presentation and panel discussion in connection with Platinum Guild International, USA (PGI). The virtual event, “Unleashing the Untapped Power of Wedding Bands”, will be held in the Jewelers Resource Center Auditorium on Wednesday, September 14 at 1pm (EDT) and is open to the entire jewelry industry.

Wedding bands and commitment rings are redefining the relationship jewelry landscape. Further, they are a great relationship-building and revenue-driving category for the retail jeweler. Attendees will be treated to a presentation and panelist discussion focusing on the opportunity and financial benefits of selling at least three rings to every couple – not only the prized engagement ring. Advice will be given and language shared to help retailers communicate with a customer in an inclusive manner. Current wedding band purchasing statistics will also be highlighted, including helpful tips on inclusive communications guidelines and wedding band-centric events.

Register now and don’t miss out on this important information to help you do business.

Panelists for this essential learning opportunity will be:

Kevin Reilly, SVP, Platinum Guild USA: As Senior Vice President at Platinum Guild International USA, Kevin is responsible for developing strategic partnerships with companies at all levels of the supply chain, formulating programs to help them build their platinum jewelry business. He also leads the organization’s education initiatives, including live, virtual and online sales training for retail sales professionals, technical education for bench jewelers and, establishing partnerships with academic institutions to add platinum education to their jewelry studies curricula.

Craig Rottenberg, President + Co-Owner, Long’s Jewelers: Craig is currently the President and a co-owner of Long’s Jewelers, a fine jewelry and timepiece retailer with 7 stores in the Greater Boston and New England area. In addition to spending the past 17 years leading his family’s business, Craig’s early career focused on roles in finance, investment and technology entrepreneurship.

Severine Ferrari, Founder + EIC, Engagement 101: Severine Ferrari, 2017 Winner of the WJA Awards of Excellence Editorial Category, was born in Paris and moved to the U.S. early in her career. After 10 years as the Publisher of Wedding Dresses Magazine, Severine launched Engagement 101 in 2006. In 2018, Engagement 101 created the Propose Too initiative that empowered a now fast-growing community of women to propose first or back in heterosexual relationships. Severine has continuously forecast successfully new trends and behavioral changes coming to the US market and found ways to support them

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.”