CollectionsJan 29, 2026
Ghirardelli’s ‘Chocolocket’ Returns for Valentine’s DayThe chocolatier is bringing back its chocolate-inspired locket, offering sets of two to celebrate “perfect pairs.”
IndependentsJun 22, 2015
About Retail: An American takes on Paris
A Pennsylvania retailer has become the U.S. distributor for “The Paris Bracelet,” a price-point, self-purchase item she hopes will make a splash in this market, à la Alex and Ani.
Here are five different crystals patterns available for The Paris Bracelet. Susan Fotos said the most popular color so far has not been black but the nude shade known as “pink beige.”
Lemoyne, Pa.--Across the pond it’s known as “Les interchangeables” but here in the United States, Susan Fotos has given it a name as simple as its construction: “The Paris Bracelet.”
The bracelet is the brainchild of Parisian designer Audrey Bot, who started out making bra straps that were indeed interchangeable and eventually arrived at this bracelet: a ribbon made in Japan--the same that is used as trim for a number of high-end clothing lines--set with Swarovski crystals and Elements in Paris.
Like popular lines such as Alex and Ani and Pandora, The Paris has a price point that will draw customers in time and again, retailing for $29 to $59.
“Alex and Ani and these kind of things are really popular, but who’s ever seen something like this?” Fotos asks. “I think this is something no one has had, and I think the time is right to offer something with sparkle, something easy, something fun.”
Fotos, who owns Higashi Jewelry and Eyewear in the Harrisburg, Pa. suburb of Lemoyne, first came across The Paris Bracelet in the summer of 2013 while attending “Who’s Next,” the Paris version of the ENK show.
She says she thought it was “cool” at the time but she wasn’t ready to act. The Euro still was really strong against the dollar and Bot was mobbed at her booth.
On a return trip to Paris, Fotos decided to move forward and placed a $1,200 order for The Paris Bracelet. She sold them all almost immediately, and Bot asked her to take on distribution for the bracelet in the U.S. market.
Since then, Fotos has brought Prime Jewelry Designs on board as her sales representative and has placed The Paris Bracelet at 176 stores. It has performed well there, and has done the same at her Pennsylvania shop.
She says of those stores that have had the bracelet the longest, since around Mother’s Day, 53 percent have re-ordered. In her store, the bracelets are producing repeat business. Mothers are returning to buy additional bracelets for their daughters, or customers are adding to their own collection in different colors.
“I think this could be the next big thing,” she says. “There’s something really that resonates with people.”
The Paris Bracelet is adjustable, which means they can be purchased for little girls performing in ballet recitals as well brides looking for something for their attendants
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
to wear on the big day.
The crystals on the bracelet come with a one-year warranty--if one falls off in that time frame, Bot will replace the entire bracelet at no charge, Fotos says--and the material is color-fast, meaning it can be worn in the ocean or swimming pool without worry.
Retailers can place opening orders of $600, $800 or $1,000 with Fotos, who says she plans to offer plenty of support. In addition to the sales representation, her husband is joining her to handle shipping and customer service.
Also, retailers will be able to reorder online, at TheParisBracelet.com, but Fotos won’t be selling to online-only retailers. She says while brick-and-mortar retailers that have e-commerce are welcome to add The Paris Bracelet to their online inventory, she doesn’t plan to take it to e-tailers like Amazon.
There are 20 colors and 24 crystal patterns available in the U.S. so far. This Saturday, Fotos will return to Paris to select additional designs for the coming holiday season.
She’s hoping it will be a big one for The Paris here, a market where success lies in differentiation and being able to think outside the box.
Fotos started her store as a place to buy fine pearls but, today, “I go where customers go. They drive the business, and let them drive it. If they want price-point (merchandise), they’re telling you something.”
“Retailers have to be open-minded and try things if they want to stay relevant in this business because it’s hard.”
More on Independents
The Latest
AuctionsJan 29, 2026
These Were Bonhams’ Top 10 Jewelry Lots in 2025The top lot of the year was a 1930s Cartier tiara owned by Nancy, Viscountess Astor, which sold for $1.2 million in London last summer.
SourcingJan 29, 2026
Stuller Website to Mark AGTA-Sourced GemstonesAny gemstones on Stuller.com that were sourced by an AGTA vendor member will now bear the association’s logo.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
WatchesJan 29, 2026
Audemars Piguet Opens AP House in AtlantaThe Swiss watchmaker has brought its latest immersive boutique to Atlanta, a city it described as “an epicenter of music and storytelling.”
Weekly QuizJan 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJan 28, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair to Debut Designer Showcase in TucsonThe new addition will feature finished jewelry created using “consciously sourced” gemstones.
ColumnistsJan 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Setting the Next Generation Up for SuccessIn his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
SurveysJan 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls Below Pandemic Lows in JanuaryThe index fell to its lowest level since May 2014 amid concerns about the present and the future.
FinancialsJan 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Sales Resilient as LVMH’s 2025 Sales SlipThe brands’ high jewelry collections performed especially well last year despite a challenging environment.
CollectionsJan 27, 2026
De Beers London, GemFair Debut New Collection Highlighting Artisanal DiamondsThe collection marks the first time GemFair’s artisanal diamonds will be brought directly to consumers.
SourcingJan 27, 2026
GemGuide Launches Pricing for Montana SapphiresThe initial charts are for blue, teal, and green material, each grouped into three charts categorized as good, fine, and extra fine.
TechnologyJan 27, 2026
Clientbook Launches Appointment Booking ToolThe new tool can assign the appropriate associate based on the client or appointment type and automate personalized text message follow-ups.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Angolan Diamond Cos. Join NDC as Rio Tinto, Murowa Exit Endiama and Sodiam will contribute money to the marketing of natural diamonds as new members of the Natural Diamond Council.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
Francesca’s To Close All StoresThe retailer operates more than 450 boutiques across 45 states, according to its website.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board MembersThe new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.
CollectionsJan 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates 189 Years of Love StoriesThe jeweler’s 2026 Valentine’s Day campaign, “Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837,” includes a short firm starring actress Adria Arjona.
GradingJan 26, 2026
DCA Updates Colored Gemstone CourseThe new features include interactive flashcards and scenario-based roleplay with AI tools.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in TexasFamily-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & MercierThe Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand StrategyElla Blum was appointed to the newly created role.
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone MarketSponsored by RapNet
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a BuyerInvestment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.
SourcingJan 22, 2026
De Beers To Release ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ BookIt explores the history of the iconic tagline and the company’s strategy to redefine the role of diamonds in society.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Swarovski Appoints New North America PresidentRetail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.
