AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
IndependentsMay 14, 2018
Wendy Brandes Debuts Jewelry Loan Program for Retailers
Launching at the Couture show this year, the concierge service allows select stores the ability to borrow one-of-a-kind pieces to show to their clients.
Wendy Brandes will be exhibiting at Couture this year, where she will offer select retailers a new concierge service.
New York—In the decade-plus since she launched her namesake brand, Wendy Brandes has witnessed a great deal of change in fine jewelry retail.
From consignment to online shopping, pressure has increased on retailers and designers alike.
Now, Brandes has developed a new approach to business she feels will be easier for all parties involved: a concierge service that will allow retailers to order her one-of-a-kind pieces on loan for a two-week period to show their clientele.
If a piece sells, the retailer will add their typical mark-up; if a customer passes, the retailer can simply return it.
In a press release, Brandes explained she was inspired to create the concierge service after exhibiting at the 2016 JCK Luxury show; buyers were attracted to Brandes’ one-of-a-kind pieces but were hesitant to commit to them.
The concierge service allows retailers to select pieces specifically for their clients and show them in an intimate, one-on-one setting without any financial strings attached, giving customers access to Wendy Brandes—and her most creative and labor intensive pieces—that might not have known the brand otherwise.
“My customers know me personally,” Brandes said. “They’ve followed my blog for 10-plus years; they tweet with me until 3 a.m., and they call upon me to make some of their most emotionally significant jewelry dreams come true, like their engagement rings or wedding bands. I want to partner with retailers who have the same level of closeness with their customers. And for those who don’t have that level of authenticity yet, I want to help them create it by giving them the tools to make those connections.
She added, “We encourage our partners to keep tabs on birthdays, anniversaries and other momentous occasions in their customers’ lives. When the time comes, treat them to a glass of champagne and a one-on-one try-on of something they truly can’t get anywhere else.”
Brandes soft-launched the service in 2017 to a few retailers: Hummingbird Jewelers in Rhinebeck, New York; Steve Quick Jeweler in Chicago, Illinois; and Alexander Jewelers in Columbus, Ohio.
Alexander Jewelers’ store manager, Shane Hampton, discovered Brandes on the Couture show’s website and subsequently ordered eight one-of-a-kind pieces on loan to show a client.
Hampton said, “Alexanders Jewelers was founded with the guiding principles of exclusive individualism, and the Wendy Brandes brand fits those principles exactly. We could not be more excited to introduce the Midwest to her
innovative and ground-breaking, one-of-a-kind designs.”
Brandes is rolling out the service officially this spring at the Couture show, where she will be exhibiting.
As the program develops, Eryn Patton-Decker, the company’s head of brand development, said, “We are keeping a tight list of partners because exclusivity is what has always driven our brand. Our customers outside of New York City are looking for our signature details, like hidden diamonds and secret compartments, as well as an uncommon level of workmanship. And we’re ready to work with retailers to bring it to them, with Couture being the ideal place to make new connections across the country.”
Brandes is rolling out the service officially this spring at the Couture show, where she will be exhibiting.
As the program develops, Eryn Patton-Decker, the company’s head of brand development, said, “We are keeping a tight list of partners because exclusivity is what has always driven our brand. Our customers outside of New York City are looking for our signature details, like hidden diamonds and secret compartments, as well as an uncommon level of workmanship. And we’re ready to work with retailers to bring it to them, with Couture being the ideal place to make new connections across the country.”
More on Independents
The Latest
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
Weekly QuizJun 25, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2026
Watches & Wonders Announces 2027 DatesThe week-long event in Geneva is slated for April 2027.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy BoardThe three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.
ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online CartJewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-TrendThe fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.
Events & AwardsJun 24, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026This year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards will feature two new categories.
SourcingJun 24, 2026
Columbia Gem House To Offer Alexandrite Melee OnlineThe collection features traceable alexandrite from Brazil in calibrated sizes that is sorted by grade.
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales OfficerDhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in EthiopiaSSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime DayAs Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnerCole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.
EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
