MajorsSep 10, 2026
Lagos Founder Steven Lagos Steps Down as CEO Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.
IndependentsApr 26, 2016
About Retail: Deploying an envoy for silver
At Bailey’s Fine Jewelry in North Carolina, owner Clyde Bailey has begun appointing brand ambassadors to navigate what still may be foreign territory to some fine jewelry salespeople: silver fashion jewelry.
Raleigh, N.C.--Among the definitions Merriam-Webster gives for the word ambassador are “an unofficial representative” and “a diplomatic agent … as the resident representative of his or her own government.”
At Bailey’s, business in silver jewelry has “exploded” in recent years, taking up more case space than ever before, he says.
Because of the growing nature of this segment, Bailey came up with idea of having store-appointed experts for the various silver lines carried at each store. These ambassadors share with other staff members the latest trends and news from the specific designer to which they are assigned.
He says the ambassadors are a powerful tool. They generate and maintain excitement among staff for fashion jewelry and as serve as the experts when customers are on the hunt for a specific designer.
“And that’s all in our silver department. It has grown to be so much more case space,” Bailey says. “I don’t care what the (buying nature) of the lady is. She is respecting the silver fashions.”
If the customer is buying Ippolita, there’s a good chance they’re respecting Alicia Havrish, better known as “Kitty,” the store’s first ambassador who is a go-to expert and fervent lover of the brand created by Italian-born, New York-based designer Ippolita Rostagno.
Havrish started at Bailey’s more than 12 years ago, following her graduation from Gemological Institute of America and a stint at another retail store. Bailey’s started carrying Ippolita in August 2010, before the retailer launched the ambassador program, and for Havrish, it was as if she’d met her first love all over again.
“The first time I saw it, it just spoke to me,” she says. “It touched my soul. I know that sounds crazy but it just spoke to me.”
Along the way, store management picked up on her passion, which she describes as more of an obsession. Lest one thinks she’s exaggerating her feelings about the brand, consider this: “I squeal. I have cried at the counter. I have almost passed out when we get new product,” she says.
What happened when Alicia “Kitty” Havrish had the chance to meet her idol Ippolita in New
York City? She cried and was rendered speechless. “It’s like you’re five (years old) and you met Santa and you don’t know what to say to him,” she says.
Havrish says it is Ippolita’s attention to feminine detail combined with her artistry--she is also a sculptor--that attracts her to the jewelry. She also feels a certain kinship with the designer because they are both former dancers.
“It makes me feel about 10 feet taller when I wear it. It makes me strong and feminine at the same time,” Havrish says. “It’s like if you find those perfect pants that fit you (well) … you’ve got a little extra strut in your step.”
When the store launched its brand ambassador program for silver lines in February 2011, it was only natural that Havrish would be the first one selected and would represent her all-time favorite brand, Ippolita.
In this role, Havrish is the go-to associate for other salespeople’s questions, such as if a certain Ippolita piece comes in different colors or metals (the store carries a full collection of both the designer’s gold and silver jewelry) or what the turnaround time is for special orders.
She says about once a week, she brings to the daily staff meetings some bit of news or information about the brand and also does her own research on what exclusive Ippolita pieces the national chains are carrying.
Having an employee with Havrish’s level of passion has paid off for Bailey’s Fine Jewelry. Havrish says Ippolita is among the store’s top-selling brands, ranking right up there with iconic names such as David Yurman and John Hardy, and the store also is one of Ippolita’s top-selling independents in the country.
“We’ve really done unbelievably well with it,” Havrish says, but she refuses to take all the credit for the line’s success at the store. “Everybody has stood behind it and that’s something I can say for the brand ambassador for every line. I think it works across the board for all brands.”
It’s also paid off in helping to reignite Havrish’s passion for fine jewelry. After a decade as a salesperson in the fine jewelry industry, she says becoming the point person for a certain brand, especially one with which she was so genuinely enamored, helped regenerate her entire focus at work.
“It’s been a really fun program,” she says. “I’ve really enjoyed doing it. I feel like it’s a way I Ippolita-ize the world.”
When asked if that’s her goal, Havrish answers, “Most of it.”
Havrish says it is Ippolita’s attention to feminine detail combined with her artistry--she is also a sculptor--that attracts her to the jewelry. She also feels a certain kinship with the designer because they are both former dancers.
“It makes me feel about 10 feet taller when I wear it. It makes me strong and feminine at the same time,” Havrish says. “It’s like if you find those perfect pants that fit you (well) … you’ve got a little extra strut in your step.”
When the store launched its brand ambassador program for silver lines in February 2011, it was only natural that Havrish would be the first one selected and would represent her all-time favorite brand, Ippolita.
In this role, Havrish is the go-to associate for other salespeople’s questions, such as if a certain Ippolita piece comes in different colors or metals (the store carries a full collection of both the designer’s gold and silver jewelry) or what the turnaround time is for special orders.
She says about once a week, she brings to the daily staff meetings some bit of news or information about the brand and also does her own research on what exclusive Ippolita pieces the national chains are carrying.
Having an employee with Havrish’s level of passion has paid off for Bailey’s Fine Jewelry. Havrish says Ippolita is among the store’s top-selling brands, ranking right up there with iconic names such as David Yurman and John Hardy, and the store also is one of Ippolita’s top-selling independents in the country.
“We’ve really done unbelievably well with it,” Havrish says, but she refuses to take all the credit for the line’s success at the store. “Everybody has stood behind it and that’s something I can say for the brand ambassador for every line. I think it works across the board for all brands.”
It’s also paid off in helping to reignite Havrish’s passion for fine jewelry. After a decade as a salesperson in the fine jewelry industry, she says becoming the point person for a certain brand, especially one with which she was so genuinely enamored, helped regenerate her entire focus at work.
“It’s been a really fun program,” she says. “I’ve really enjoyed doing it. I feel like it’s a way I Ippolita-ize the world.”
When asked if that’s her goal, Havrish answers, “Most of it.”
More on Independents
The Latest
CrimeSep 10, 2026
FBI Offers $50K Reward for ‘Most Wanted’ Fugitive in $1M Jewelry HeistAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged in the armed robbery of a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and remains at large.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Massive Matched Pair of Paraíba Tourmalines Head to Sotheby’sThe “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
SourcingSep 10, 2026
AGTA Announces 4 Newly Elected DirectorsFour directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.
Weekly QuizSep 10, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Former Sotheby’s, Christie’s Exec Appointed CEO of Julien’s Auctions Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.
FinancialsSep 09, 2026
Signet Jewelers to ‘Double Down’ on Blue Nile Amid Strong SalesThe jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
SourcingSep 09, 2026
Fura Gems Notes ‘Remarkable’ Interest in Larger Rubies at Latest SaleThe auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.
MajorsSep 09, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Catalog Includes Its New Demi-Fine CollectionFine Jewelry 2027-2028 has more than 900 new styles, including silver, gold-filled, gold-plated sterling silver, and vermeil jewelry.
Policies & IssuesSep 09, 2026
8 Key Changes the FTC Made to the Jewelry Guides: A Refresher Learn more about the new terms for lab-grown diamonds and composite gemstones, and the major changes in store for precious metals jewelry.
TrendsSep 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Hot Take on September’s Birthstone With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.
ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing MatterLaughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.
MajorsSep 08, 2026
Former Tiffany & Co. Exec Joins Exemplar Luxury GroupGretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of AmericasArnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry BoxThe stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.
