Her new “Ocean” collection was inspired by Myanmar’s traditional articulated fish jewelry, with depictions of flounder, catfish, and more.
Carolee Appoints New Creative Director
The costume jewelry label is recrafting its image and venturing into higher price points.

New York—Costume jewelry company Carolee has gotten a makeover for fall.
The brand, which is carried in major department stores such as Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s, has hired a new creative director, Biagio Galotti.
The Gucci and Swarovski design alum is incorporating “elevated materials,” like freshwater pearls, high-shine metals, colored gemstones and cubic zirconia, as well as “the latest production techniques” into the Carolee product, the company said.
Galotti’s influence extends beyond product design, also encompassing Carolee’s marketing, advertising and sales strategy.
His first full collection for the company will be released in 2019. In the meantime, Carolee is already rolling out revamped product for fall, geared toward the fashion-forward and sophisticated-yet-youthful consumer. It’s also debuting a new logo, packaging and e-commerce platform.
Additionally, starting with the fall 2018 collection, all product will be stamped with a “C” logo.
Carolee also will introduce a higher price-point capsule collection twice year, beginning with holiday 2018. It will start at $25 for freshwater pearl stud earrings and top off at $250 for necklace styles.
Carolee Friedman started Carolee in Greenwich, Connecticut in 1972, creating affordable jewelry for the modern woman.
Brooks Brothers Group acquired the company in 2001. Its jewelry division, Deconic, created in 2017, now manages Carolee as well as other jewelry brands, like Alexis Bittar.
The Latest

Longtime Casio executive Yusuke Suzuki is the new president and CEO of Casio’s U.S. subsidiary.

The full-day sourcing and networking event, slated for Aug. 18, will be followed by the fifth annual Mega Mixer Summer Soirée.

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

Model Georgina Rodríguez received a rock of an engagement ring, with her diamond estimated to be 35 carats, experts say.


The board elected 9 new directors at its recent ICA Congress in Brazil.

Three winners will receive a custom ring from Honest Hands Ring Co. inlaid with a piece of history from Denver-based distillery Stranahan’s.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

JD Sports and Wawa were among the fastest-growing retail companies in the U.S. last year.

The new inventory, all untreated, features vibrant hues and unique bicolor combinations.

Acquired by a tech investor, the historic brand will continue to focus on jewelry, accessories, and timepieces.

President Donald Trump issued an executive order extending the pause on higher tariffs to November as negotiations with China continue.

The “Thunderbird Slab” collection features a thunderbird motif as a symbol of power, protection, and boundless possibility.

Columnists Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share tips on how to elevate your professional image.

Peter Damian Arguello, a jeweler in the Denver suburb of Wheat Ridge, was found dead inside his store in November 2023.

The retailer, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, is becoming part of the Berkshire Hathaway Jewelry Group with Helzberg.

The Continental Buying Group’s 2025 Tampa Experience Show is slated for Sept. 8-10.

Associate Editor Lauren McLemore recently attended a fabrics trade show where a trend forecaster shared her predictions for summer 2027.

The company raised its full-year sales guidance while noting it has not yet assessed the potential impact of the latest tariff news.

The organization has raised more than $1.3 million for charity since its inception.

The brand’s latest iteration of a bezel-set diamond bangle features clean lines and a timeless design for a new modern silhouette.

The first watch in the series commemorates his participation in the Civil Rights movement, marching from Selma to Montgomery in 1965.

The catalog contains a complete listing of all the loose gemstones in stock, as well as information about the properties of each stone.

An additional 25 percent tariff has been added to the previously announced 25 percent.

The jewelry and accessories retailer plans to close 18 stores as part of the proceedings.

Its Springfield, Massachusetts, store is set to close as owner Andrew Smith heads into retirement.

Designer Hiba Husayni looked to the whale’s melon shaped-head, blowhole, and fluke for her new chunky gold offerings.