Other

5 fun events to engage clients this holiday season

OtherOct 27, 2014

5 fun events to engage clients this holiday season

Innovative, intriguing events can not only attract new customers and bring in existing customers, but engage them in a way that will keep the store front of mind. National Jeweler talked to five retailers across the country about the events they came up with to do just that.

102814_Events-Article.jpg
Retailer Bernie Robbins held an event focusing on the 14 holiday trends outlined by Jewelers of America at the JA NY Summer Show, creating separate displays with examples of each.

New York--As the most important sales time of the year, the holiday season is crucial for pulling customers in and interacting with them in order to generate sales.

Innovative, intriguing events can not only attract new customers and bring in existing customers, but engage them in a way that will keep the store front of mind. National Jeweler talked to five retailers across the country about the events they came up with to do just that.

1. Wine and diamond. 
Diamond Vault of Troy
Troy, Mich.

The Diamond Vault does an event every year called “Wine & Diamonds,” which is now in its 10th year. The store always holds it on the Thursday after Thanksgiving, with live music, food, special jewelry collections and, of course, diamonds. Last year the store offered its clients a number of treats, including food and salad stations, as well as a homemade dessert buffet. With more than 500 people in attendance at the event, and people already emailing the store to inquire about this year’s date, Diamond Vault is going to expand the occasion in 2014, draping lights and fabrics from the ceiling to make the store look like a winter wonderland. “Great food, good wine, and no pressure makes for a great evening,” says owner Randy Cole.

2. Alma mater art.
Susan Eisen Fine Jewelry & Watches
El Paso, Texas

This retailer always has found a way to combine jewelry and art, as one wall of the store is a permanent gallery. This fall, the store is holding a special event to serve as a tribute to a number of owner Susan Eisen’s professors at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) who helped her develop her skills and passion for the fine jewelry industry. The art from two of her professors will be on display alongside jewelry from two of her art metal professors for a month and a half for the retailer’s “UTEP’s Finest” event. During the Sept. 18 opening night reception, the store served drinks and appetizers for attendees. “People love when we combine art and jewelry, because the two passions so frequently overlap. Many people who collect jewelry also collect art,” Eisen says.

3. What women want.
Single Stone on Mission Street 
San Marino, Calif.

Single Stone on Mission Street said that it has found one event that continues to work well for it--its annual

“Ladies Night Out,” held each year in November before the holiday rush. During this event, the store holds two to three trunk shows by its best-selling designers, conducts a raffle that benefits a local charity, and encourages women to fill out their holiday wish lists. For men, these lists can help ease the intimidating experience of picking out a special piece for the holidays by letting them know exactly what their significant other wants, store staff says. The “Ladies Night Out” event is something that women in the community look forward to every year.

4. Private dining.
J.R. Dunn Jewelers
Lighthouse Point, Fla.

This year, the store is hosting a private dinner for its top clients at a local Italian restaurant with Peter Webster, president of jewelry brand Roberto Coin. The company says the idea behind this private, and creative, dinner party is to give clients insight into Roberto Coin beyond just the jewelry, including stories from Webster about his adventures with Coin himself. At the event, customers will have the opportunity to peruse a very special jewelry collection, which includes special items from Italy that travel with Webster to personal appearances, exclusive items, and the new fall collections. The jewelry presentation will be set up inside the wine cellar within the restaurant’s private dining room. 

5. Trend visions. 
Bernie Robbins Jewelers
Somers Point, N.J.

During the JA New York Summer show, Jewelers of America held a seminar outlining 14 trends for the holiday season and beyond. Bernie Robbins created an event around these where it showcased each trend and showed consumers how to wear them. The event, held in late August, featured separate displays of each trend, such as “soulful gold” and “sculptural geometry,” placed on countertops around the store so that clients could touch and feel jewelry related to each trend. The sales team also acted as stylists for the clients to show them how to work the piece into their wardrobes. The company says it was an interesting experiment for them because, even though many of the jewels had been in the cases all summer long, “it was like they were seeing them for the first time.”

This story originally appeared in the inaugural issue of National Jeweler’s online-only magazine. View the entire publication here.

Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Macy’s New York City Herald Square flagship
FinancialsMar 20, 2026
Macy’s Turnaround Plans Shows Promise, Boosted by Bloomingdale’s

Plus, why Saks Global’s bankruptcy may have given Bloomingdale’s an edge.

Jwaneng Diamond
AuctionsMar 20, 2026
Sotheby's, De Beers Unveil ‘Jwaneng 28.88’ Diamond

The flawless, Type IIa stone is estimated to achieve up to $2.8 million at the auction house’s high jewelry sale in April.

Tiffany & Co.’s Three Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. Archives Brooches
TrendsMar 20, 2026
‘Frankenstein’ Costume Designer Is Bejeweled In Brooches for Oscars Win

Costume designer Kate Hawley wore three archival Tiffany & Co. brooches, our Pieces of the Week, while accepting her first Oscar.

GIA iD100®
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

You deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.

Women wearing Zales jewelry
FinancialsMar 19, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Close 100 Stores, Shutter James Allen Banner

The jewelry retailer announced changes to its store network and brand portfolio during its fourth-quarter earnings call.

Weekly QuizMar 19, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Hand holding shopping bags
SurveysMar 19, 2026
NRF Forecasts 4% Retail Sales Growth in 2026

From a weaker labor market to inflation, NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews gave insight on what retailers can expect this year.

26.36 carat round brilliant cut white diamond
AuctionsMar 19, 2026
26-Carat Diamond Tops $1M at Auction

The historic stone, which sold at Elmwood’s in London, is the largest white diamond to be offered on the U.K. market in more than a decade.

TopImageCrop.jpg
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.

Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.

JCK Rocks Nelly Graphic
Events & AwardsMar 19, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With Nelly

Three-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach in Las Vegas on May 31.

Lady Wardington and diamond-clip brooch
AuctionsMar 18, 2026
Collection of the ‘Severely Beautiful’ Lady Wardington Fetches $161K

The model and fashion editor’s gold evening bags were the top lots at the London sale, going for more than $25,000 each.

My Next Question Episode 3 guest Johnny Nelson
PodcastsMar 18, 2026
Episode 3: An Interview With Jewelry Designer Johnny Nelson

Fresh off winning the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, Nelson discusses the ring that launched his career and his plans for the future.

Lucara blue diamond
SourcingMar 18, 2026
Lucara Recovers Nearly 37-Carat Blue Diamond

The “stunning” Type IIb stone was found via x-ray technology at its Karowe mine in Botswana.

Stuller The Basics of Jewelry
MajorsMar 18, 2026
Stuller Releases New Edition of Jewelry Education Book

“The Basics of Jewelry” has been updated to include modern topics and visuals.

Mark and Candy Udell on stage at the 2026 Gem Awards
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2026
The Best Moments From the 2026 Gem Awards

Held just before the Oscars, the jewelry industry’s big awards show had its share of standout jewelry, gowns, and acceptance speeches.

Winter Tourmaline
SourcingMar 17, 2026
Cruzeiro Mine Debuts ‘Winter Tourmaline’

The Brazilian mine’s new collection features cabochons in soft, muted shades like silver and lilac.

Natalie Portman in Tiffany & Co. Jewelry
TrendsMar 17, 2026
Natalie Portman Is Tiffany & Co.’s New Ambassador

The Academy Award-winning actress stars in Tiffany & Co.’s latest commercial, which debuted Sunday night during the Oscars.

Jean-Marc Duplaix
MajorsMar 17, 2026
Kering Establishes Jewelry Division, Appoints CEO

The organizational change follows Kering’s promise of a transformation after declining sales in 2025.

Anne Hathaway and Rose Byrne
EditorsMar 16, 2026
2026 Oscars Jewelry: One Necklace After Another

Natalie Francisco rounds up the top Oscars jewels, including Rose Byrne’s Taffin necklace with a more than 20-carat yellow-brown diamond.

Tag Heuer CEO Béatrice Goasglas
WatchesMar 16, 2026
TAG Heuer Has a New CEO

Béatrice Goasglas has been with TAG Heuer since 2018. She is the first woman to head the 166-year-old, LVMH-owned watch brand.

Ben Bridge Jeweler Honolulu boutique
IndependentsMar 16, 2026
Ben Bridge Debuts New Honolulu Boutique

The store features the first in-store build for the jeweler’s in-house “Bella Ponte” bridal brand.

Bonhams fine jewelry Paris
AuctionsMar 16, 2026
Bonhams Paris To Offer Antique, Signed Jewels

The live fine jewelry auction will take place later this week, showcasing antique pieces, rare gemstones, and signed jewels.

Silvia Furmanovich Horse Mane Earrings, Cece Jewellery Underworld Triptych Necklace, Almasika Invictus Flower Brooch
CollectionsMar 13, 2026
A Trio of Jewels from the 3 Gem Award Nominees for Jewelry Design

Our Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.

Vera Wang
WatchesMar 13, 2026
Citizen, Vera Wang to Launch Watch Collection

The 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.

Andrea Pooler
SourcingMar 13, 2026
Andrea Pooler Joins Third-Generation Diamond Company as COO

Pooler, who has more than 25 years’ experience in jewelry, is now chief operating officer of Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and SNJ Creations.

24 Karat Club banquet
MajorsMar 13, 2026
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf Astoria

The reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.

Zoë Kravitz in Jessica McCormack’s Planetary Necklace
CollectionsMar 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Sends Gold, Gemstones Into ‘Orbit’

McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.

Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Award Grant Graphic
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards Grant

Nelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.

×

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