Editors

Leaving a mark

EditorsDec 17, 2012

Leaving a mark

Much to the delight of retailers, De Beers is back on the airwaves this holiday season with this nationwide commercial that seems to be one of the favored spots among the jewelry set.

It received a lot of positive social-media feedback in Rob Bates’ annual review of the big retailers’ Christmas spots and, according to a press release from Forevermark--which also cited a number of positive tweets--traffic to its website spiked 704 percent after the commercial debuted in mid-November.

Nothing is as convincing that a product is seeing success, though, as an unsolicited comment from a retailer. 



Last week while interviewing Jeffrey Mann, of Jeffrey Mann Fine Jewelers in Toledo, Ohio, he brought up Forevermark when talking about the stellar season he is having at his store. He said though he had some initial hesitation about buying into the program, he’s now “thrilled” that he did so, as a number of customers already have walked in the door asking about--and, more importantly, buying--Forevermark jewelry after seeing the commercials.

“The ‘Center of My Universe’ is definitely going to be a talked-about item,” he says.

Well before my conversation with Mann last Monday, I remembered hearing via a colleague here that a supplier at one of the trade shows said he expected Forevermark was going to be big in the United States.

Mann agreed with that assessment.
“I concur, 100 percent,” he said. “I see it only getting better. We’re in (its) infancy. For us in a small market, it’s been tremendous.”

It’s interesting to hear positive feedback on such a new brand. It’s also interesting that everybody is so excited about the Forevermark TV campaign, especially since the brand swore its first year in existence that television was not the place to advertise it. It was not, they said at the time, “an effective medium for this brand.”

In speaking with Charles Stanley, president at Forevermark U.S. Inc., last week I asked him if the brand now regretted not doing a holiday TV campaign its first year in the U.S. market. While he didn’t answer the question directly, he did say, “What it taught us is: as a diamond brand wishing to engage consumers emotionally, TV is clearly an excellent medium to get that message across. It probably will remain part of our media mix going forward.”

Another element of Forevermark marketing that will remain in place for the foreseeable future is “Center of My Universe,” the halo-centric design and advertising campaign. Stanley said they will be sticking to Center through at least 2013.

This is, of course, not to

suggest that Forevermark is doing well for all 250 retailers in North America and Canada that carry it. (As a side note, I asked Stanley how many doors Forevermark plans to have in the U.S. and Canada by the end of 2013 after seeing a report on the brand’s growth in India. He wouldn’t give an exact number.)

I’d love to hear from any retailers who want to comment on how Forevermark and its new holiday commercial are, or aren’t, leaving a mark on their business.
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Gretchen Koback Pursel
MajorsSep 08, 2026
Former Tiffany & Co. Exec Joins Exemplar Luxury Group

Gretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.

Frederick (Ricky) Wilkinson Bromberg
IndependentsSep 08, 2026
Ricky Bromberg, Longtime President of Bromberg & Co., Dies at 67

Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.

Zahn Z Zaha rainbow sapphire ring
TrendsSep 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Hot Take on September’s Birthstone

With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.

Cover.jpg
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk About

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

The Retail Smiths principal and National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing Matter

Laughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.

Weekly QuizSep 03, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Rendering of renovated Orloff Jewelers store
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better Location

The California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.

Chelsea Gabrielle Momentum Infinite Ring
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring

A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.

1872-x-1052-July-ad (1).png
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying Events

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

JCK Industry Fund logo
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 Applications

The deadline to apply is Nov. 13.

Remi Guillemin
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of Watches

The auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.

Jewelers of America logo
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship

Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.

Robert Pattinson Jaeger-LeCoultre
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand Ambassador

The British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.

Sydney Evan Little Love Open Coin Fixed Necklace
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New Collections

The “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.

Stock image of a gavel
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi Scheme

Nelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.

Sandy Lerner’s 18-karat gold and diamond cat brooch
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for You

Cat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.

Arnaud Michon
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of Americas

Arnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.

Glitter in the Grove Logo
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’

The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.

Stainless steel Patek Philippe Calatrava watch
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry Box

The stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.

Smart Age Solutions founder and CEO Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal Problem

Engagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Charlotte Fournet and Krizia Cucurachi
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Kering Names New Pomellato, DoDo CEOs

Former Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.

Anne Marie Shulman
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA Global

The veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.

Photo of one of the suspects in theft of Queen Nazli’s necklace from MAK museum
CrimeAug 31, 2026
$4M Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace Snatched From Vienna Museum

Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).

Ethiopian paraiba tourmaline
GradingAug 31, 2026
GIA, Gübelin Gem Lab Confirm New Paraíba Tourmaline Deposit in Ethiopia

The labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.

Levinger & Bissenger silver floral pendant
Events & AwardsAug 31, 2026
Wisconsin Museum to Host Jewelry Exhibition

“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.

Catbird First Men’s Collection Worn Well
CollectionsAug 31, 2026
Catbird Launches First Men’s Jewelry Collection

The “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.

Buddha Mama Butterfly Necklace
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace

This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.

Gareth Penny
SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary Congress

The former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.

×

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