Rio Grande Names New Marketing Director
Nicolette Bianchi joins the wholesale provider with more than 15 years of cross-industry experience in marketing and product development.

In the role, she will oversee all aspects of the wholesale provider’s marketing, including strategy, digital initiatives, lead generation, advertising, brand development, and content creation.
She will lead both the strategic and tactical direction of Rio Grande’s marketing efforts, the company said, with a focus on enhancing the website, expanding brand presence across key markets, and strengthening relationships with retail jewelers, manufacturers, artisans, and educators.
“Nicolette brings a fresh perspective and an impressive track record of driving innovation in highly regulated and customer-centric industries,” said Dennis Claspell, vice president of sales and marketing at Rio Grande.
“We’ve built a framework that combines creativity, efficiency, and reliability and ultimately leveraging the strength of our Richline network while staying close to our roots in U.S.-based manufacturing. Nicolette’s leadership will help us continue evolving to meet the changing needs of our customers.”
The role of marketing director is a new position for Rio Grande. Bianchi will report to Claspell and senior leadership.
Bianchi brings more than 15 years of cross-industry experience in marketing and product development to the role, having held key roles in financial services and government sectors.
Most recently, she worked in digital product development at Los Alamos National Laboratory, creating web applications to support the Department of Energy’s national security mission and internal communications.
Before that, she was director of marketing growth and acquisition at Nusenda Credit Union in New Mexico, where she helped expand market share across the state.
She has also contributed to strategic marketing at Thornburg Investment Management.
Bianchi holds a Master of Science in integrated marketing communications from West Virginia University’s Reed College of Media and a Bachelor of Arts in human communication from Arizona State University’s Hugh Downs School of Human Communication.
The Latest

Ahead of the hearing, two industry organizations co-signed an amicus brief urging the court to declare Trump’s tariffs unlawful.

Smith cautions retailers against expending too much energy on things they can’t control, like the rising price of gold.

Citrine and topaz are birthstones fit for fall as the leaves change color and the holiday season approaches.

From educational programs, advocacy, and recent MJSA affiliation, Jewelers of America drives progress that elevates businesses of all sizes.

The family-owned jeweler will open its fourth store in Florida in late 2027.


The NYPD is looking for three men who stole a safe and jewelry valued at $3.2 million from the home of a jeweler in Jamaica Hills, Queens.

The “Have a Heart x Diamonds Do Good” collection is championed by model and humanitarian Flaviana Matata and will benefit her foundation.

The ring, set with a nearly 17-carat Kashmir cabochon sapphire, sold for $1 million.

This “Mother Father” spinner necklace from Heavenly Vices Fine Jewelry draws inspiration from Victorian Era jewelry.

The suspects were rounded up in Paris and its suburbs on Wednesday night, but none of the stolen jewels were recovered with them.

Experts share top tips on how to encourage positive reviews and handle negative feedback.

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

The suspect faces charges in the August robbery of Menashe & Sons Jewelers and is accused of committing smash and grabs at two pawn shops.

The “Lumière Fine” collection was born from designer Alison Chemla’s interest in the transformative power of light.

Show off your spooky side with these 12 festive jewels.

The “Brilliant & Beyond” panel coincides with the “Love & Marriage” exhibition curated by Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Kentucky.

Consumers are feeling more optimistic about their present situation while the short-term future remains a little scary.

The company, which organizes a watch show in Geneva every spring, will bring a selection of watch brands to the 2026 Couture show in Vegas.

“The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery” follows the evolution of jewelry design from the ‘30s to the ‘80s with buying and styling advice.

For her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow explores the symbolism behind spiders, beetles, and other eerie insects.

Notable jewelry designers, members of the press, and retailers are up for an award at next year’s gala.

Leaders from Jewelers of America and National Jeweler discuss the gold price, tariffs, and more in this one-hour webinar.

After experiencing motherhood, growth, and loss, founder and designer Erin Sachse has created 10 irreplaceable jewels.

It is part of Sotheby’s “Royal & Noble Jewels” sale along with an ornate hair ornament and an old mine-cut light pink diamond ring.

One of the individuals was apprehended at the airport as he was trying to flee the country.

The retailer, which has faced struggling sales in recent quarters, is looking to streamline its operations.























