Majors

Cast Debuts at Nordstrom, Closes on More VC Funding

MajorsNov 29, 2023

Cast Debuts at Nordstrom, Closes on More VC Funding

The growing company also plans to open more of its own boutiques.

Cast StyleBar Nordstrom
The new Cast StyleBar concept, created in partnership with Nordstrom, features a marbled-top bar and plush seating for customers to explore and try on jewelry from a “shoppable capsule” of pieces from the brand. StyleBar is in six Nordstrom stores.
San Francisco, Calif.— Cast has announced a new partnership with Nordstrom, following the closing of its latest round of venture capital funding last month.

Cast, the startup venture co-founded by Rachel Skelly, formerly vice president of creative for Olly vitamins and Plum Organics baby food, and Eric Ryan, founder of Olly, Method, and Unilever-owned Welly bandages, was launched in 2021. 

Rachel Skelly and Eric Ryan
Cast co-founder and Chief Creative Officer Rachel Skelly with co-founder and CEO Eric Ryan

 
The self-defined “jewelry collective” offers collections exclusive to the platform, developed by Skelly in collaboration with design partners like Alice Cicolini.  

It also features “guest brands,” a rotating curation of pieces handpicked by Skelly from designers such as Bea Bongiasca, available to shop for a limited time. 

While customers in the Bay Area can shop in-store at Cast’s Corte Madera boutique, its newest partnership with Nordstrom expands its physical footprint to Oregon, Florida, and other areas of California. 

Cast’s first StyleBar at Nordstrom includes a “shoppable capsule” of rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings for all occasions ranging in price from $275 to $8,500 with new item drops available at “a regular cadence,” the brand said.  

No pictures of the jewelry were provided as of press time. 

Similar to the feel of a beauty counter, the StyleBar is designed to invite shoppers to try on pieces with the same ease of testing out a new lip color, Cast said. 

“Bringing the Cast StyleBar to the Nordstrom fine jewelry floor will be an entirely new shopping experience for the Nordstrom customers,” said Skelly, who is also chief creative officer for the brand. 

“You’re invited to lounge at the StyleBar and collaborate with a Nordstrom salesperson to try on, play, and build out your jewelry wardrobe. With constant newness to discover and explore, it will be an exciting and playful destination in fine jewelry.”  

The StyleBar’s design is inspired by the brand’s Cast Clutch packaging—boxes made of 100 percent recycled resin designed to be kept and reused.  

“We’re committed to providing our customers an opportunity to discover the latest in fashion and design,” said Debbi Hartley-Triesch, Nordstrom executive vice president and general merchandising manager for beauty, accessories, and home.  

“They look to us to introduce them to inspiring jewelry designers and curators, which makes our partnership with Cast a natural next step. We hope to drive curiosity through the in-store StyleBar experience as customers interact with pieces and look at ways to grow their jewelry collection.” 

 Related stories will be right here … 

The Cast capsule collection is available on Nordstrom.com as well as at the Nordstrom stores in Portland, Oregon; Walnut Creek, California; Palo Alto, California; San Jose, California; Tampa, Florida; and Aventura, Florida.   

Cast said it also plans to open two more of its own brick-and-mortar locations in California by the end of this year, one in San Jose and another in Palo Alto. 

Last month, the company successfully closed its latest round of venture capital funding.  

Lead participants in the round include retail- and consumer-focused investors such as True Ventures, Base Ventures, Fuel Capital, and LifeLine Family Heritage Fund. 

“Cast is creating a welcoming space that invites everyone to be jewelry lovers and collectors. We were excited to be a part of something that was new and different in the industry,” said Humble Lukanga, founding partner of LifeLine Family Heritage Fund. 

Tony Conrad, partner at True Ventures, added, “With the opening of their first boutique, the Cast team created an entirely new fine jewelry shopping experience that hadn’t existed before. We saw their unique and elegant vision and doubled down.” 

The Latest

Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco, Engagement Ring
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Selena Gomez Said ‘Forever Begins Now’ to Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring

Estimates on the size and value of the solitaire diamond, which is mounted on a diamond pavé-set yellow gold band, vary.

Martin Katz tanzanite drop earrings
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Piece of the Week: Martin Katz’s Tanzanite Drops

These half-moon tanzanite earrings totaling 25 carats are part of a special trunk show taking place this weekend in Dallas.

My Next Question webinar graphic
Recorded WebinarsDec 13, 2024
Watch: The Highs and Lows of 2024

The National Jeweler editors recap the top news, the best jewels, and their favorite stories of the year.

ja nj btyb.jpg
Brought to you by
Advocacy and Excellence: How Jewelers of America Is Committed to Elevating Our Industry

For over a century, Jewelers of America has been the voice of the industry and valuable resource to jewelers across the country.

Tom Brady’s Rolex Daytona Paul Newman “John Player Special”
AuctionsDec 12, 2024
Tom Brady’s Watches Top $4M at Sotheby’s Auction

The highest-grossing lot of the sale was the retired QB’s Rolex Paul Newman Daytona “John Player Special.”

Weekly QuizDec 12, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Grizzly emerald mining
SourcingDec 12, 2024
Grizzly Emerald Auction Garners $22.4M

Recent expansion initiatives at the Zambian emerald mine have shown strong production numbers, said Grizzly founder Abdoulaye Ndiaye.

Models wearing jewelry by 2024 Shining Light Award winners
SourcingDec 12, 2024
De Beers Announces 2024 ‘Shining Light’ Award Winners

The competition awarded 12 designers, each from a country where De Beers recovers diamonds, with business support and tuition assistance.

undefined.png
Brought to you by
Protecting Your Sparkle: Why Screening Has Become Essential

While no reputable jeweler would knowingly sell lab-grown stones as natural, it's a growing possibility.

Woman wearing a snake ring and bracelet
CollectionsDec 12, 2024
The Jared Atelier x Vera Wang Collection Emphasizes Elegance

The high jewelry collection features 14 one-of-a-kind pieces, with serpent and ribbon motifs winding their way through the collection.

Stock image of a gavel
CrimeDec 11, 2024
Former Tiffany & Co. Factory Supervisor Sentenced for Stealing Precious Metals

A federal judge gave Benjamin Preacher 59 days in jail, plus 10 months of home confinement and two years of supervised release.

Grader looking into microscope at IGI lab
GradingDec 11, 2024
IGI Set to Go Public Next Week

In a CNBC interview, CEO Tehmasp Printer discussed the IPO in India and what declining lab-grown diamond prices mean for the company.

Heuer Monaco Ref. 1133B
AuctionsDec 11, 2024
Sotheby’s Important Watches Sale Fetches $16.6M

The offering included vintage Rolexes, timepieces worn in “Titanic,” Steve McQueen's watch, and a special Citizen pocket watch.

Stephanie Gottlieb, Anna Harman, Stephanie Gottlieb x Studs Collection
CollectionsDec 11, 2024
Stephanie Gottlieb Brings Natural Diamonds to Studs

The 13-piece “Stephanie Gottlieb x Studs” collection is the piercing studio’s first fine jewelry offering to feature the gemstone.

Exterior of Sauer’s Madison Avenue Store
IndependentsDec 10, 2024
Sauer Opens First U.S. Store

The Brazilian jewelry brand made a home on New York City’s Madison Avenue with exclusive pieces only available at the location.

Person at keyboard holding credit card
SurveysDec 10, 2024
Jewelry Among Top Sellers on Cyber Monday, Says Adobe

An Adobe Analytics report explored the rise in mobile shopping, the popularity of Buy Now Pay Later options, and peak shopping hours.

American Gem Trade Association and University of Arizona
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2024
AGTA Launches Scholarship for University of Arizona Geosciences Students

The inaugural Dick Greenwood Memorial Scholarship in Gems Science will cover the fall 2025 and spring 2026 semesters.

JA New York Show Entrance
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2024
JA New York To Debut 2 New Pavilions at Spring 2025 Show

A Piazza Italia pavilion will feature Italian designers and manufacturers while “MJSA Showcase” brings over a piece of the MJSA Expo.

Ray Griffiths and Ray Griffiths: The Works
CollectionsDec 09, 2024
Ray Griffiths’ First Coffee Table Book Spans 5 Decades of Design

“Ray Griffiths: The Works” tells the story of the master jeweler’s career, which started with an apprenticeship in Australia at age 15.

Movado campaign
FinancialsDec 09, 2024
Movado’s Q3 Sales Down 3% Amid ‘Challenging’ Environment

The retailer has been upping its marketing spend to drive revenue growth and brand awareness.

Treiber & Straub store Brookfield, Wisconsin
IndependentsDec 06, 2024
After 44 Years in Business, This Wisconsin Independent Is Closing

Mike Straub and John Treiber opened Treiber & Straub in 1980 with the goal of bringing Milwaukeeans the best jewelry brands.

Pantone Color of the Year Mocha Mousse
TrendsDec 06, 2024
Pantone’s Color of the Year Is a Delicious Mousse

The color for 2025, “Mocha Mousse,” embodies thoughtful indulgences and everyday pleasures.

Cocoerow Fine Jewelry’s Kokoro Ant Pendant
CollectionsDec 06, 2024
Piece of the Week: Cocoerow Fine Jewelry’s ‘Kokoro’ Pendant

The Yoruba word for ant, “Kokoro” embodies the strength of womanhood in ant society while highlighting responsible sourcing.

Roberto Coin jewelry
FinancialsDec 06, 2024
Roberto Coin Acquisition Gives Watches of Switzerland a Boost in H1

The retailer’s jewelry sales doubled, with branded jewelry performing especially well.

Gold rings
FinancialsDec 05, 2024
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Slide Amid Slow Engagement Ring Sales, Tech Issues

The jewelry retailer addressed the lab-grown diamond “disruption,” the price of gold, and its holiday weekend performance.

Hand holding shopping bags
SurveysDec 05, 2024
Consumer Confidence Rises Again in November

A more positive view of the current labor market boosted the Conference Board’s index last month.

Michael S. Krzemnicki
Events & AwardsDec 05, 2024
Michael S. Krzemnicki to Receive 2024 Bonanno Award

The director of the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) will be honored for his impact on gemology and dedication to advancing the science.

1.png
Supplier BulletinDec 05, 2024
Join Us For Color's Premier Show: 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson

Sponsored by 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy