The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
Entrepreneurs a ‘paragon’ for the industry
In August, Businessweek.com kicked off its second annual search for the best young entrepreneurs in the United States, and after receiving nominations from hundreds of readers for their favorite promising ventures, the site has narrowed the list down to 25...
In August, Businessweek.com kicked off its second annual search for the best young entrepreneurs in the United States, and after receiving nominations from hundreds of readers for their favorite promising ventures, the site has narrowed the list down to 25 companies it feels have serious potential.
Among the esteemed group of 25-and-under, mostly Ivy League graduates—who’ve created such businesses as Fit Fuel (health-food vending machines) and Mobo (a mobile ordering system where customers order and pay for takeout on their cell phones)—are two young men who want to revolutionize the custom-jewelry business.
Matt Lauzon and Jason Reuben, both 21, started Paragon Lake (Paragonlake.com) in August, a Beverly Hills, Calif.-based online store that offers consumers custom jewelry delivered with little wait time. The process is simple: For engagement rings, a customer can choose a diamond based on the Four Cs, a desired price range and a view of the GIA cert; then choose from a variety of setting options based on the look, metal, style and desired price range. Or, a customer can choose to design a unique engagement ring, non-bridal ring, bracelet, earring or necklace with the company, which “can create anything we can put to paper,” according to the site. As soon as the order is placed, a jeweler is assigned by the company's Los Angeles facility to begin handcrafting the piece using a three-dimensional computer drawing, and the finished jewelry is delivered to the customer in a few days. Materials are ordered on an as-needed basis from local suppliers.
According to Businessweek.com, Lauzon and Reuben raised $200,000 for their venture through an angel investor, with the option of another $500,000 from the same investor provided they hit growth targets. They’re already projecting $3 million in revenues by August 2007, and plan to use their existing technology to help independent retailers streamline their manufacturing processes starting in March 2007.
It will be interesting to see if Paragon Lake achieves its ambitious objectives. It’s off to a good start, with both its owners’ education and the tremendous success of youth-generated online start-ups such as Google and YouTube on its side: Lauzon and Reuben are both graduates of Babson College, recognized internationally for its entrepreneurial leadership, with an MBA program that’s been ranked No. 1 in entrepreneurship by U.S. News and World Report for 13 straight years. And let’s not forget that last year’s first-place winner of
Businessweek.com is expected to announce the winners of this year’s “The Best Entrepreneurs Under 25” contest this month.
The Latest

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

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

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.


Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.

The “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.

The event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.

The Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.

Agents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.

The designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.

The trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.

The organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.

Lori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.

The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.

The “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.

Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.

Signatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.

The winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

The singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.

The bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.

The heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.