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

During its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.

Rosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.

The “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

The company gave awards to four students at the Namibia University of Science & Technology, including one who is a Grandview Klein employee.


She is remembered as an artist who loved her craft and was devoted to her faith, her friends, and her family.

It joins the company’s other manufacturing facilities globally, including in India, Botswana, and Namibia.

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

The polka dot pattern transcends time and has re-emerged as a trend in jewelry through round-shaped gemstones.

Vanessa Hickman, 49, allegedly sold a diamond bracelet that was mistakenly sent to her home.

GIA’s former president and CEO was presented with the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.

Social media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.

In 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.

The second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.

Second-generation jeweler Sean Dunn has taken on the role.

Called “Origin by De Beers Group,” the loose, polished diamonds are being sold in a total of 30 stores in the United States and Canada.

The lariat necklace features a 4.88-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald in 18-karat yellow gold.

A 43-carat sapphire brooch from the Vanderbilt collection was the top lot of the Geneva sale.

Rau is a fourth-generation art and antique dealer from M.S. Rau gallery whose first jewelry collection merges artifacts with modern design.

Former De Beers sustainability leader Purvi Shah will take over the role in February 2026.

La Joux-Perret is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and makes solar quartz as well as mechanical watch movements.

She previously taught at Gem-A and is the founder of The Gem Academy.

The British actress and her daughter modeled pieces from the brand’s new “Palette” capsule for its “Once Upon a Time” holiday campaign.

Plus, the tech giant shares the steps retailers should take if they believe they’re a victim of a review extortion scam.

Danny and Gaby Shaftel are now Shaftel Diamonds’ CEO and chief operating officer, respectively.

The jewelry manufacturer’s seasonal offering features its new “Melodie” bangles, as well as mini stud earrings and layering pieces.

With more than 140 activations taking place in New York City now through Nov. 23, these 12 events are can’t-miss moments.























