Look Book

61 www.thejewelrybook.com A gemstone and gold necklace from Italian jewelry brand Nanis is on display at a recent Grace Renee Gallery event. Jewelry designer Laura Bicego brings glitz and glamour to the Grace Renee Gallery by way of her personal attire and bling. A trick borrowed from her publisher's tool box? Focusing on subjects that readers and customers can't find anywhere else. That's why jewelry choices to date include Nanis and Pesavento—"Contemporary jewelry that isn't easily found elsewhere in Arizona," she notes about lines that don't conflict with any of her advertisers. "Clients are interested in the story and react well to jewelry from Italy." And when it comes to stories—written and bejeweled—all have a strong human connec- tion. In Spence's magazines, content relates to personalities in the community. In one recent issue, the photography of politician and one- time Arizona resident Barry Morris Goldwater was splashed across the cover and interior pag- es with a companion feature story. On the jew- elry side, Laura Bicego, the force behind Nan- is, was present at Spence's grand opening party and another event this spring, because she helps tell the tale of her creations. Jewelry buyers thus far are responding well. Items like an Ivy collection convertible neck- lace from Nanis appeals to shoppers not for value of the gold weight but simply because they like the style. "People who have bought it tell me they wear it every day," Spence says. As for Spence's art, contemporary Western painters like Matt Josef and modern cerami- cist Jodi Walsh have pieces on display and for sale. Many purchases are shipped out of state—think Florida, New York, and Michi- gan, among other destinations. "I want to fill a niche that people appreciate," Spence says about her jewelry and art direction. Brand and retail jewelry consultant Natasha Lazorova sees opportunity in Spence's bud- ding business for a laundry list of reasons: her personality, the trust between readers and cli- ents, her understanding of marketing and the power of events, and her magazine platform. What's next? Filling the cases with more of the right jewels. "She has so many snowbirds in her area that she will do well with more interesting and hard-to-find lines," observes Lazorova. R E TA I L E R P R O F I L E L I V I N G T H E H I G H L I F E

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