Diana Singer shared the stories of two “cursed” diamonds on this month’s podcast, which was inexplicably riddled with technical issues.
The PR Adviser: What’s Your Strategy for the Shows?
Lilian Raji hates to give exhibitors another thing to think about before Las Vegas but … what’s your PR strategy?

Hello My Dear Readers!
We’re taking a break from our regular “Dear Lilian” format for me to just be the PR Adviser today. Fear not, my lovely loyalists, I’m still available to answer all your pressing PR questions, by email or as posted in the comments section. I realize most of you are preparing for Las Vegas, as am I!
I’ll be flitting around the shows, looking for press-worthy dazzlers to feature in this column. If you’re not already following me on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, would you take a second to do so now? You can then follow me through my adventures in Emerald City.
Yes, yes, I know Las Vegas is known as Sin City, but when we jewelry people take over, shouldn’t it be called Emerald City?
If you want me to stop at your booth, please send me an invitation. I’d love to meet my readers!
Now, I know it’s simply a madhouse where you are right now. Las Vegas is just weeks away and that to-do list isn’t getting any shorter. I hate to give you another item to add to that list, especially when you’re probably thinking of Googling the health ramifications of not sleeping for 96 hours for the fifth time. But … what is your PR strategy for Las Vegas?
Las Vegas is the time we see friends we’ve only known in Vegas (and oh the secrets we share), and it’s also a time we make new friends. Some of those friends own or buy for stores while others write for magazines. The latter are the friends I want you to consider making as you’re prepping your Red Bull IV drip for another all-nighter of Vegas planning.
You should have a spreadsheet of all the editors and writers planning to attend Las Vegas. You can often get this spreadsheet simply by asking the right people; but sometimes, you must put in some work.
Pull out that growing list of jewelry writers you love, love, love and send each an email asking if they’ll be in Vegas because, OMG, you’ve got an absolutely obscene pendant interpretation of Rihanna’s Met Gala Comme des Garçons dress done in rubies, sapphires and emeralds and it must be seen and Instagrammed in person!
Just like you’re setting up retail appointments, you must also set up press appointments. It’s best for everyone around as attending press understand
Now my new friend is Rebecca Moskal, founder of Communiqué and PR agency extraordinaire for JCK Las Vegas.
I asked Rebecca for three of the most important things you should know in preparation for Vegas (as I realize adding any more than three new things to your 12-page pre-Vegas to-do list may have you contemplating your life choices.)
Rebecca’s wisdom:
1) Have your 30-second elevator pitch ready. Know what your key points are and practice conveying them in a straightforward, engaging manner as you won’t have much time to capture the press’s attention on the busy show floor.
2) Before the show begins, pre-select two or three pieces to show the press. Practice what you’ll say about each piece, such as the design inspiration, the gemstone or a signature look. Make sure the pieces are easily accessible, fingerprint-free, and will leave a lasting and memorable impression.
3) Have professional images taken of your new pieces (on a white background) BEFORE the show. These hi-res image files should be available on branded flash/USB drives for editors to take with them. Include a document with piece descriptions and your contact information.
There you have it! Three simple things to get you closer to your Town & Country spread.
Before you start screaming at your monitor--“Lilian, are you crazy? I don’t have time for this! Don’t you know I’m one UPS label away from express shipping myself to Santorini and saying to hell with Las Vegas?!”-- might I remind you this work is (or should be) already done?
You’re telling the press the exact same thing you’re telling retailers, except you’re not negotiating minimums and buybacks. You’re selling that editor on why her readers (also known as her customers) will want to own your Paraiba tourmaline pavé cuff bracelet.
The only new thing you must do is get your high-resolution photos onto flash drives. And that’s what interns are for!
It’s getting late and those insurance forms won’t fill out themselves. Don’t forget to email me if you’d like me to stop by your booth.
And, as always, post in the comments section or email me with your most pressing PR questions.
Viva Las Vegas!
Lilian Raji is a strategic marketing and public relations adviser who helps luxury lifestyle brands sell more products to luxury buyers. Send questions for The PR Adviser to nationaljeweler@lmrpr.com or contact her at lilian@lmrpr.com. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.
The Latest

The family-owned jeweler has three locations across Missouri and Iowa.

The De Beers-owned diamond mine in South Africa is being put on ice as part of a round of previously announced cost-cutting measures.

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

The collection centers designs with clean geometric lines, chunky sculptural pieces, and recognizable details from the luxury fashion brand.


The miner said it saw particularly strong prices for larger, fine-quality rubies at the sale.

The guard opened fire on a man who was smashing a jewelry display case at La Gran Plaza in Fort Worth last week, police said.

Built on Relationships. Refined by Craft.

The Texas jeweler added 2,000 square feet to its reimagined showroom, complete with a new design studio and an event space.

Jacob & Co.'s diamond masterpiece is the most expensive Fantasy Bra ever worn on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway.

The “Atelier” collection was inspired by the tools, rituals, and objects in an artist’s studio as a quiet rebuttal to an automated world.

The pending acquisition is an “exciting opportunity” for wedding vendors to grow their business, said The Knot Worldwide’s CEO.

"The Secret Gems" features eight Thai jewelry brands paired with a team of young craftspeople who create jewelry together to win challenges.

The brand’s “Modern Talisman” capsule collection introduces pendants inspired by the mythology, natural world, and spiritual ethos of Bali.

Independent jewelers from New Mexico to New Jersey answer the question: What has kept your store in business for 100 years?

The NRF is expecting holiday sales to increase this year, but consumers and retailers alike are facing Grinch-like headwinds.

Our Piece of the Week gathers the planets, represented by a variety of colored gemstones, in a pair of 14-karat yellow gold earrings.

The New York-based jeweler is moving its Amherst flagship store to a larger location in nearby Snyder.

Chen, who worked at Cartier and Tiffany & Co., will lead retail sales and operations for the luxury jeweler’s 11 U.S. stores.

For 40 years, sisters Amy and Elise Greenberg have helmed their 126-year-old family business, leading with appreciation and integrity.

It’s a term Smith coined and felt compelled to share following a bad experience with an aborted flight and an unfeeling flight attendant.

Movado teamed up with the New York-based fine jewelry designer on a new collection of Movado Museum Velura watches.

The two companies are reportedly in talks to join the Global Diamond Consortium, led by former De Beers CEO Gareth Penny, as per Bloomberg.

The “Some of the Things” box follows the two larger “Everything” box designs with the look and function of antique sewing and toolboxes.

Fourth-generation jewelers Coleman and Mitchell Clark exemplify the best qualities of their predecessors: humility, modesty, and confidence.

The gem hunter, whose 70-year career was defined by adventure and exploration, is remembered for his steadfast faith and sense of wonder.

Tiffany & Co. continued its full-scale store renovation project while Bulgari’s high jewelry collection generated “record-breaking revenue.”






















