Prestige Promenade pearls and sweets
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1182240
20 www.thejewelrybook.com Love, Romance, and Ice Cream Love and romance have been driving forces in our industry for millennia and comprise the intangible DNA of just about every jewelry design ever made. So, when publisher Nicole Bromstad and I talked about this year's previously named bridal issue, it didn't take much effort to persuade her to change it to romance, the broader reason why jewelry is so signifi cant. Love is the compelling reason behind most jewels, and romance is the attentive- ness and nurturing that special relationships need to grow. Jewelry plays an impor- tant role as a small and precious gift that is rare and cherished—just like the love celebrated between two individuals; what other object could possibly have the same meaning? Diamonds are as scarce and remarkable as true love, so it seems only fi tting that the two should fi nd common ground in wearable symbols of rela- tionships. This is why diamonds endure as focal points in engagement rings, why push presents exist to celebrate the offspring of romantic unions, why promise rings serve as stands-ins to remind wearers of future commitments, and why an- niversary gifts are visible refl ections of momentous milestones achieved. Cars, electronics, and the hassles of travel have no place in the realm of romance and simply cannot compare to the cachet of tiny boxes containing the rarest materials Mother Nature has to offer. It's good to remind ourselves of the "why" behind the bling. Whether a jewel is purchased for someone or for oneself, love is always the motivation. In this issue, we hope you'll be inspired by the romantic stories shared by retailers, designers, and contributors. Columnists Peter Smith and Pat Henneberry open up about a personal proposal and tips to perfect selling to wedding jewelry shoppers, respectively, and we cast a spotlight on a directional trend in wedding jewelry design (think royalty). Ben Guttery shows us how to celebrate love on social media, and in our feature article "Romantic Motions," I share inspiring intimate moments from merchants, artists, and wedding media on how romance is truly the common denominator in our unique line of work. And while our "Giving Back" page doesn't have a romantic hook, the focus is on the efforts of two young women who are raising awareness about campus assault through jewelry. Meanwhile, in my own life, love and romance have played a major role. My hus- band, Jeff, and I will celebrate 20 years of marriage on May 13, 2020, though we have been together for nearly 30. For sure, jewelry has played a role in our romance, but I have to say that my favorite romantic moments with him lack literal sparkle. It's his extreme thoughtfulness that contin- ues to wow me. A case in point: the ice cream and note in the photo. I found this in our freezer one day. That man is always thinking about me, even in frozen foods. Ice cream and love are different, but on this occasion, I think food and love are one and the same. All the best, Jennifer JENNIFER HEEBNER www.uneekjewelry.com info@uneekjewelry.com 1-888-BE-UNEEK Editor's Letter band, Jeff, and I will celebrate 20 years of marriage on May 13, 2020, though we have been together for nearly 30. For sure, jewelry has played a role in our romance, but I have to say that my favorite romantic moments with him lack literal sparkle. It's his extreme thoughtfulness that contin- ues to wow me. A case in point: the ice cream and note in the photo. I found this in our freezer one day. That man is always thinking about me, even in frozen foods. Ice cream and love are different, but on this occasion, I All the best, Jennifer