EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking AboutFrom a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
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
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
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
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election NightGroundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.
MajorsNov 06, 2026
SNL’s Colin Jost Finds the Perfect Gift in Kay Jewelers’ Holiday AdJost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
Weekly QuizNov 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearFrom shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia AirportA Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition YetThe citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New PresidentLanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for AuctionA replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 ApplicationsThe grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship WinnersThe winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s GenevaThe rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ CollectionThe jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising OfficerAlexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington StateThe Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.
