Jewelry designers are facing cancelled store orders and reduced or halted production capacities, but direct-to-consumer sales are thriving. (Image: Spinelli Kilcollin)
New York—More than 30 million Americans have been laid off since nonessential businesses were forced to go remote in March, but some jewelry designers’ businesses are faring the COVID-19 pandemic better than expected.
“Jewelry is a very personal purchase, and people are still treating themselves,” said Yves Spinelli, one half of the Spinelli Kilcollin husband-and-wife design duo.
“We had a strong wholesale business going into this and that revenue has decreased with most retailers shut. The flipside is that we’ve seen a major increase in our own direct and e-commerce business, which means that our net profit has increased substantially.”
Serendipitously, Spinelli Kilcollin had just hired a customer relations manager to oversee the burgeoning direct-to-consumer business, who joined the team as the country shut down in March.
“She’s been hugely instrumental in driving sales by managing our client lists and keeping up with the increased direct messages and email campaigns,” said Spinelli.
“We also have a dedicated sales team who engage our clients through video chats, emails, phone calls, providing custom renderings, so we were prepared to focus our attentions there.”
Business-wise, the pandemic has proved to be an accelerant on omnichannel selling’s already bright flame, rewarding those companies that have embraced selling not just through ecommerce but also directly on Instagram, and forcing reluctant parties to step up their game.
New York City-based Reinstein Ross, which has stores in the Meatpacking District and Upper East Side, went through an adjustment period to the new business-during-COVID normal, but has found an upside amid the disruption.
“Direct sales have actually tripled for us,” noted General Manager Jennifer Lavorante. “Although most of our clients prefer coming into the store to shop and try on jewelry, they are becoming more comfortable with shopping online and speaking with our sales team to assist in their buying decisions.”
Reinstein Ross is shipping its customers in-stock inventory and taking special orders, though at a delay due to reduced production capacity.
The company is seeing demand for jewelry with meaning and symbolism—a sentiment echoed by several sources interviewed for this story—as well as gifting items for graduations and birthdays, particularly stud earrings, necklaces and bracelets.
reconsider design offerings based on trends we are experiencing,” said Lavorante of the uptick in direct sales.
“There has been an uptick in earring sales, and we’ve had more than a few clients comment that they want to purchase them for their Zoom calls,” said Yves Spinelli. Pictured are Spinelli Kilcollin earring and ring.
New York City-based designer Ashley Zhang has had less success during the pandemic.
The cornerstone of Zhang’s business is her custom bridal work, which is on hold until production restarts.
Attempts at production of her core jewelry line are also impossible, with her design molds locked away for storage at her caster’s shuttered facility.
Still, customers are purchasing what she has available, including lots of antique and vintage jewelry items. They’re doing so a bit through her website, but more so on Instagram.
“During this time people are using social media to stay connected, so sharing, posting, and connecting with followers has been very successful,” she said.
Fellow New Yorker Grace Lee noted similar obstacles, as she is unable to produce the custom bridal work that accounts for the majority of her business.
“Our sales are down 80 percent year-over-year,” said Lee.
She said web sales of stocked inventory have stayed consistent, but are only a small chunk of her overall business.
For brands that don’t rely on custom as their bread and butter, like Spinelli Kilcollin, many are selling out of their inventory and scrambling to make more amid limited and delayed production.
It’s a tricky subject for companies, as several designers who asked not to be named noted. They don’t want to appear to benefit from the current climate, but their customers are shopping while stuck at home and they’re doing their best to meet that need.
The result is a strengthened designer-client relationship that, albeit remote, feels personal.
“We are learning how to speak to our customers from afar and seeing that through thoughtful and meaningful conversations, our customers truly trust us and want to keep connected,” said Lavorante of Reinstein Ross.
“Clients want a form of connection now more than ever before. They are calling, emailing and sending chat messages through our website to talk about jewelry and life in general. We have to show compassion and ensure them we will do our best to service-the same way we did before this all happened. We are also learning to run our business differently than we did and focus more efforts on direct-to-consumer.”
Spinelli agreed that business during the pandemic has provided a pivotal learning experience.
“This is a unique time to examine our businesses and ensure that they are aligned with our values and our clients. It’s important to stay positive and creative to see the opportunities available, as challenging as that may be,” he said.
“We’re thankful for our direct clients, and excited that we’ve been picking up many new ones through Instagram and our website. It’s going to be essential for brands and retailers to get creative on how to continue engaging with their clients and providing bespoke service.”
Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.
