Prestige Promenade pearls and sweets
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1146463
18 www.thejewelrybook.com J e w e l r y I s a F e m a l e - P o w e r e d I n d u s t r y e d i t o r ' s l e t t e r Jennifer Heebner Hello, friends! As I write this, we are putting the finishing touches on this summer issue, which highlights some directional jewelry motifs and styles as well as some of the incredible women in our industry. Women—from those who design many of the beautiful products we wear to those who run busi- nesses to the ever-important consumer collectors—are the driving force in our industry! For this reason, our summer issue casts a spotlight on some you may know. Our cover advertorial takes a closer look at designers Theresa Bruno of Jordan Alexander and Lika Behar and Julez Bryant of the same-name firms. I have known these three for years, so I was de- lighted to chat with them again and bring their recent stories to life! Theresa's entrée to jewelry was with innovative sliced pearls set in sterling, but now she's graduated to oversize gold pieces with drool- worthy gemstones in oversize proportions. Her creations are an elegant homage to her discriminating taste and classical music background. See Theresa's story on page 23. Lika's stunning designs, meanwhile, reflect her Mediterranean heritage, while I count the artist herself as one of the industry's greatest treasures. Lika supports every facet of the industry through kind words, public recognition, and support to associations and publishing outlets big and small. Flip to page 24 to read about Lika. Finally, Julez is a powerhouse designer with a kind soul and an astounding inner peace and drive that inspires and aids many. Julez's story is on page 25. Our feature article this issue focuses on female proprietors who are adept at selling to their own kind. Their secrets? Read about them on page 34, but I'll give you a hint: connection is key! Even some of our contributors focused their content on women. Pat Henneberry, with her impres- sive 30-year history in diamonds and jewelry, talks about some influential female peers on page 42, while Peter Smith dives into the shopping differences between men and women on page 44. And while Benjamin Guttery's column isn't female focused, it does talk about a topic with wide impor- tance to everyone: Instagram myths! Find it on page 32. Our Giving Back department reveals the beneficent practices of Lani Nguyen of Valentina Dia- monds. Lani has been a private label designer of diamond jewelry for many years but is now step- ping into the well-deserved limelight and has a business model that everyone should support. Turn to page 46 to learn more. We also have a new department dubbed the Jewelry Box. It lets us take a closer look at news in specific industry segments, and we kick it off with a page about platinum. Find it on page 40. Finally, you might remember my last editor's letter wherein my family had lost a treasured pet. Well, in the spirit of this female-powered issue, the Heebner family is proud to reveal its newest member: Elsa, a 101-pound Caucasian shepherd dog. I did a volunteer vacation in Sarajevo in June, and you can read all about it under Opinion on my website, www.jenniferheebner.com. Elsa flew home with me after a harsh life as a street dog. Hope everyone enjoys the rest of summer! Have an opinion or a story you'd like us to write? Please reach me at Jennifer@jenniferheebner.com. Jewelry Is a Female-Powered Industry The author's new dog, Elsa Pamela Zamore