The recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
Bochic adds handbags to its lines
Jewelry brand Bochic will introduce a line of evening clutch bags in September, marking the brand’s first extension beyond fine jewelry.
Bochic will introduce the handbag collection at the Westin Hotel Paris during Paris Fashion Week, after which it will be available worldwide through events such as trunk shows and on the Bochic website.
Price points start at $2,500.
The bags in the initial collection are called “Alicia, “Gilda” and Madeleline,” each inspired by film noir of the 1950s. Each style includes detailed gold handles that were made in Rome, meant to complement the leathers used for the body of the bag--crocodile, python, serpentine and sting ray.
To connect the line with the brand’s heritage, each bag also will feature jewelry detailing, created the same way as Bochic jewels, using enamel and natural precious stones such as rock crystal, onyx, and turquoise.
Each bag is handmade in Florence. This collection was created by Serena Bonifazi, an Italian designer.
Two other jewelry brands that have extended into handbags include Kara Ross and Armenta. Armenta launched its Bolsavita handbag collection in 2012 as a small capsule collection that had limited distribution.
“Our leather goods are all about the hardware--handcrafted, mixed metals and materials, with a look that is rugged yet refined,” said Armenta President Emily Armenta. “We wanted to bring something fresh and fashion forward to an exotic market that is traditionally more conservative.”
The company said the handbag line was a natural extension for the lifestyle brand, seeing as many of the bags have some sort of hardware involved in the design.
Armenta also reports that sales have been good for the brand’s bags, and that they have been successful in attracting both existing and new customers, especially as the jewelry and the bags merchandise well together in stores, allowing shoppers to try out both at the same time and play with the looks.
The Latest

She wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.

Couture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

The lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.


The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.

The Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

The Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.

Marianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.

The New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.

Its app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.

The manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.

The revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.

The special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.

Found by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.

Our Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.

The group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.

From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.

The big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.

Marie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.

At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.

Ilana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.

It was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.

The approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.

The men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.

The bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.























