Social Media and Photography Tips for the Holidays - Stuller Blog

Social Media and Photography
Tips for the Holidays
One of the best tools for the budget-conscious jeweler is
social media. With very little investment, social platforms
are commonly the best way to reach your customer right in the
palm of their hand. Eye-catching imagery and content is at the
heart of being successful on social.

There is still time to up your social game for the holidays!
Here to help you out are Stuller’s social media specialist
Hannah Blaine and a Stuller photographer LeeAnn Stephan with
social media and photography tips for the holidays.

Stuller’s Stellar Social

Like many of you, we take the holidays very seriously and try
to get ahead on our planning and promotions for the holiday
season. You can find holiday promotions on our social media
accounts as early as October. We rely heavily on the content
we create to engage you, our customers, and that can only
happen with attention-grabbing photography.

Stuller has a talented team of photographers dedicated to
taking photos of jewelry, gemstones, diamonds, and more of our
products. They work year-round to make sure our visual content
is up-to-date, trendy, and appealing. But these images are not
just for us. We encourage you to use them for your own
marketing purposes as well!

Interested in taking your own photos of your products? Check
out our Stuller Connect live stream from this summer with
photographer Daniel Maldonado on the Basics of Photography.

Whether you use our pictures or create your own, we are going
to help you break down some social trends and demonstrate how
to best use these images to be more profitable for your
business.

A Look at Stuller Photography

As we have mentioned, our photography department ever stops
working on the next big thing. From catalogs and brochures to
web shots and social campaign images, our team is constantly
working to stay ahead of the curve. In our studio, we have
collected props, papers, and other items of various colors and
textures to enhance the products we shoot.

Collecting items like these and using simple      lighting setups
can really take your product photography to      the next level.
Our GemLightBox is the perfect investment for    taking well-lit,
professional photos of your products even with   your phone.

But how do we know what images to shoot? We plan our campaigns
months in advance, but all you need is a strategy for the
upcoming months to know what you need to have prepared. Let’s
dive into what you need to be thinking about when creating
this strategy.

Creating a Social                     Strategy          for
Holiday Success

If you have watched our previous livestream on social media
tips, you’ll know that the first thing we recommend to anyone
putting together a comprehensive social strategy is to look at
your insights. Understanding what posts your audience engages
in and when they are online is the foundation to knowing where
to start with your plan.

Once you know a little about your customer and how they
interact online, plan what you need to promote and when. For
example, it would be better for you to specifically push
custom jewelry right now while there is still time before the
holidays and wait until a few days before Christmas to push
the last-minute items you already have in stock. Make sure you
have appropriate images to go with your captions that look
appealing and make someone want to see more.

Finally, you put that plan into action by scheduling your
content ahead of time so that you have less to stress about
during the intense selling season. Using free scheduling
tools, such as Facebook Creator Studio and Later, will save
you a lot of time during a period when time is of the essence.

Giving Attention to Your Visual
Brand

Have you given much thought to the visual consistency of the
images you are posting? What does your Instagram grid look
like? Is there a cohesiveness to your grid that draws people
to your brand?

These are questions you should be asking yourself when putting
together the images you want to use in your social strategy. A
cohesive grid will not only give your customers a feel for
your brand, but it will draw in newcomers as new followers and
potential new customers. Your grid tells your brand’s story.
Customers are drawn to a well-planned and well-executed visual
aesthetic.

On Stuller’s Instagram, you will notice a consistent visual
look on our grid that follows the stories we push as the
seasons and holidays change. But even as small visual nuances
in the photos change to fit the season, there is an overall
connectivity to our pictures that identify the imagery as
Stuller’s brand.

Putting together a consistent and comprehensive social media
strategy can be daunting and we are always here to be a
resource for you. If you have any questions about social media
and photography tips, contact our social media team at
Hannah_Blaine@stuller.com.

Join us next week for the final installment of our Holiday
Live Learning Series as we talk about gifting diamonds and

gemstones.

For more social media and photography tips, check out these
related blog posts by our social media team!

Social Media Strategy: Holiday #JollyJewelryDays Posts

Social Media Strategy Overhaul Before the Holidays

How to Use Hashtags on Social Media to Market Your Product

Utilize Scheduling to Amp Up Your Social Media Strategy

Stuller   Associates                                 Share
Thankful Thoughts
We can probably all agree 2020 has been a tough year. Lives
have been turned upside down, work has been more stressful

than ever, and the air of uncertainty is ever-present.
However, even in the darkest of times, a light can be found
for which we can be thankful.

Here at Stuller, we have much to be grateful for. Our
customers have been so understanding and wonderful to work
with. Our team members have worked so diligently and
positively, and our community has provided us with support and
encouragement. In a year like this where so much has been
against us, it is important to take some time and reflect on
those things – big or small – that give us a reason to have
hope for the future.

We asked Stuller associates around the building to take a
moment to reflect and share with us what they are thankful
for. Meet part of our team and feel free to let us know what
you are thankful for this year.

“It’s nice to pause and take time to be thankful for the
important things. During stressful and overwhelming times, I
am grateful and thankful for so many things. I am thankful for
random acts of kindness. I am thankful to still have a job
during COVID and still have the opportunity to help our
customers and others. I am thankful for me and my family
staying healthy and safe. I am thankful for the chance to slow
down and share virtual moments with loved ones. Above all
else, I am thankful to still have things to be thankful for.”

Bridget Brown

Customer Service Manager

“Due to all the craziness 2020 has brought, I am thankful to
have had a college graduation ceremony! I am also extremely
thankful to have a healthy family, great friends, and awesome

coworkers.”

Morgan Boudreaux

Diamond & Gemstone Project Specialist

“I am blessed and thankful for the health of my family this
year and to be part of the Stuller team that has displayed
tremendous teamwork, resilience, and attention to our
customers’ needs during these challenging times.”

Linus Cortez

Chief Financial Officer

“This year, I am thankful for being able to spend more time
with my family during the pandemic and thankful we are all
alive and well. I’m also thankful I was able to return to my
job so that I can continue to support such a wonderful and
loving family.”

Tanya Harrison

Stone Setting Master

“I am thankful for my family, the ability to be able to chase
my dreams in this great country, and for the opportunity to
work at Stuller for almost 15 years.”

Christina Garcia

Sales Associate

“South Louisiana is steeped in a strong sense of both
community and family. A mandated disconnection from any large
social gathering afforded me the opportunity to focus on and
appreciate the people closest to me and recognize their
importance in myself. Similarly, I was able to recognize how
much of an effect my surroundings have had on my development
as a person. Social distancing in nature was simple enough, so
I am thankful to be surrounded by swamps, bayous, and wide-
open fields to explore that to which photographs and videos
never quite do justice.”

Jacob Dupuis

Tools and Supplies Technical Specialist

“I am thankful for the safety and health of my family and
coworkers this year. I am also thankful to have a job at a
place that provides a healthy work environment.”

Jennifer Trinh

Wax Metal Mold Manifestor

“I feel like the luckiest person in the world to work with so
many dedicated and talented people at Stuller. Yes, even in
2020!”

Danny Clark

President

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Stuller!

Gemstones   for  All:  Five
Gemstones for Men and Women
Brooches, Chains. Pendants. Rings. Gentlemen have a number of
accessory options available and adding gemstones to fashion
choices only allows for additional self-expression.
Conventional wisdom would lead you to believe that gemstones
are only features of women’s accessories and jewelry. But,
times are changing, and developing trends would suggest
otherwise. Gemstones do not belong to just women – or just men
for that matter. Gemstones are for everyone.

New Fashion or Timeless Trend?

If you follow celebrities, influencers, and trendsetters,
you’ll begin to notice what seems like a new fashion trend:
gemstones! Gemstones are starting to make more of a statement
for men as well – young and old – accenting rings, earrings,
bracelets, necklaces, brooches, and more. But this androgynous
trend is far from new. In fact, men from all backgrounds and
from all over the world have been using gemstones in fashion
throughout history dating back to the discovery of the
earliest pieces of jewelry.

Gemstones have a rich history in fashion, each with their own
story to tell. Let’s dive into five gemstones that make for
excellent, powerful additions to men’s jewelry.

Ruby: Power and Boldness

The color red symbolizes humanity’s strongest emotions of
passion and fury. It is the color of our greatest desires, the
blood that gives us life, and a symbol of battle. Such
emotions and ideals are reflected in the energetic ruby. Ruby
has been thought to provide all manner of virtues, such as
vitality and invincibility in battle.

Often a favorite among gemstones historically, ruby is just as
in demand today, with its value as prominent as ever. Ruby, a
power move in fashion and bold choice in life, fits in well
among unforgettable gold jewels. People are drawn to its color
and the feeling of success and influence it brings.

Amethyst: Every Day is Regal

A bold and popular gemstone, amethyst has quite the history as
a gemstone carrying great meaning. Due to its color, amethyst
has been associated with the Greek god Dionysus (also known as
Bacchus by the Romans), the god of wine. According to legend,
amethyst was once connected to sobriety, sound mindedness, and
protection. Because of this belief, warriors would make small
cuts in their skin and place pieces of amethyst in the wound.
The stones would inadvertently enter the bloodstream and as
they blocked veins the warriors would seem vexed or drunk due
to restricted blood flow. When the stones would dislodge, they
were magically cured and attributed the “curing” to the power
of the amethysts.

Throughout history, amethyst has been used to adorn royalty
and religious figures. To this day you can still find amethyst
as the chosen gemstone of bishops and even British royalty
during the coronation. Amethyst is a noble symbol. Its color
inspires power, boldness, and confidence.

Sapphire: Wear Your Style

Although they come in many shades and colors, the classic blue
found in sapphires is one of the most distinguishable among
gemstones in the world. From light and serene to dark and
inky, there is a shade of blue for everyone. Truth, sincerity,
and allegiance inspire those that choose to don sapphire.
Sapphires can be found throughout history all over the world
aiding in their steadfast following.

While most think of the iconic blue sapphire, these gemstones
come in many colors and the options are endless. Each kind of
sapphire is unique and worthy of appreciation, as are the
people who wear them. Sapphire is noble and vibrant making it
an excellent choice to accent stylings for all.

Emerald: Green with Envy

Ambitious and lively, emerald’s notable green color is
associated with opportunity and growth. Emerald is often
connected to thriving landscapes, which ties in the virtues of
relief and truth.

From Egypt and the Incan Empire to parts of Europe and Asia,
the authority has a history of valuing the emerald. Emerald is
a very calming, but powerful gemstone that makes for a great
addition to anyone’s fashion statement.

Opal: Make a Statement

The magic of mystery strikes with the colors reflected in
opal. Looking at opal, it is clearly not a traditional stone,
but that does not detract from its intrigue. Historically,
many have marveled at opal and found its colors inspiring.
Others have associated it with the supernatural and the gift
of prophecy.

Certainly unorthodox, opal’s rich kaleidoscope of colors is
for those that wish to stand out and make an impression. Opal
symbolizes hope and encouragement. Making a statement is the
true magic this gemstone brings to the wearer.

Gemstones for All

Gemstones carry history and meaning. It is in this history you
can see that they have a place with everyone. Man. Woman.
Young. Old. Fashion and accessories are an expression of self
and as time goes on jewelers will begin seeing more variety in
those who are looking for ways to express those personal
styles.

The gemstones mentioned only scratch the surface of stones

used in modern fashion around the world. Other gemstones, such
as tourmaline, garnet, and chrysoberyl, also make excellent
gemstones for men and women. While Stuller may not carry every
gemstone you might need, we are here to help you find exactly
what you are looking for. You can special order gemstones
through our network of sources.

Visit Stuller.com/specialorder to make a request.

5 Looks to Love From the 2020
CMA Awards
Last night’s Country Music Association Awards was truly one
for the books and proved to be a star-studded close of the
2020 award season. Held in Nashville’s Music City Center, this
year’s CMA’s stood out against other award shows this year
because it is the only award show to be held mostly in person.
Although with a substantially reduced and intimate audience,
the show gave a feeling of almost normality with show-stopping
performances, live applause, and stunning looks.

This year’s attendees definitely dressed up for the occasion

and inspired us with how they chose to accessorize. Let’s take
a look at our top 5 favorite pieces from this year’s CMA’s and
find Stuller products that can help recreate these fashion
statements.

Reba McEntire’s Hoop Earrings

Photo by ABC | US Magazine

A seasoned CMA awards host and a legendary performer, Reba
naturally knows how to capture attention when she enters the
room. From her tribute performance with co-host Darius Rucker
to her multiple fashion ensembles, Reba certainly left her
mark on us. One of her prominent accessories we loved was her
golden hoops she paired with her unique and stunning beaded
black collared dress. Just like Reba, they are classy, yet
stated.

Grab attention like Reba with a pair of inside-outside hinged
hoop earrings (61378).

Shop at Stuller.com | Item #: 61378:60001:P

Maren Morris’s Ring Stack

Photo by Terry Wyatt with Getty Images | Billboard.com

Maren Morris was the big winner at last night’s CMA awards
taking home Single of the Year, Song of the Year, and Female
Vocalist of the Year. As a new mom, she was certainly eager to
finally be out of the house and dressed to impress – and we
loved it! What caught our attention was her glittering dress
she wore while performing her award-winning song “The Bones.”
Complementing the dress was an excellent selection of
stackable rings.

Be bold like Maren and add to your stackable collection. Make
a statement with an accented stackable ring (124453) or choose
a more subtle diamond stackable ring (653716).

Shop at Stuller.com | Item #: 124453:114:P

Shop at Stuller.com | Item #: 653716:103:P

Justin Bieber’s Gold Watch Band

Photo by Dustin Downing/Country          Music   Association
Inc./Shutterstock | People Magazine

Country music is not the first genre of choice when you think
of Justin Bieber. Nevertheless, he was nominated for three CMA
awards for his collaboration with artists Dan + Shay on their
hit song “10,000 Hours.” While not in attendance for the in-
person award show, the trio performed from the Hollywood Bowl
to no audience. The performance was phenomenal, and we are
glad they could make it. Bieber dressed up his normal casual
urban streetwear with high waisted dress pants and a gold
watch. We loved this look because it is a perfect example of
trending fashion among the younger generation.

Accessorize like Justin Bieber with an extremely cost-
effective spring-end adjustable link watch band (59-0103).

Shop at Stuller.com | Item #: 59-0103:239881:T

Carly    Pearce’s   Emerald   Drop
Earrings

Photo by Jamie Schramm/Country           Music   Association
Inc./Shutterstock | US Magazine

Recipient of Music Event of the Year for her song “I Hope
You’re Happy Now,” Carly Pearce showed up ready to make an
impression. In a floor-length green dress with a slit up to
the thigh, she accessorized with a matching pair of emerald
drop earrings. She said she styled that look with her mom,
which definitely warmed our hearts.

Experience blissful happiness like Carly Pearce with a round
bar earring mounting (22137) set with emeralds or your
gemstone of choice.

Shop at Stuller.com | Item #: 22137:316690:P

Ingrid Andress’ Matching Necklace
and Bracelet

Photo by ABC | US Magazine

CMA performer Ingrid Andress brought us and herself to tears
performing her song “More Hearts Than Mine.” But it was
actually her red-carpet look that caught our attention first.
Sporting a deconstructed Tom Ford suit, she paired it with
matching diamond necklace and bracelet. These pieces truly
pulled her outfit together.

Add a piece that could bring someone to tears like Ingrid
Andress with a diamond necklace (68226) and matching diamond
line bracelet (BRC445).

Shop at Stuller.com | Item #: 68226:101:P

Shop at Stuller.com | Item #: 67502:60001:P

Get inspired by more award-worthy fashion statements in our
previous award show coverage.

Our Top 5 Looks From the Emmys

2020 GRAMMY Awards Roundup: Jewelry Trends

Shining Stars: Oscars 2020 Jewelry Trends

Finding     Your                             Holiday
Inspiration
As November begins, the pressure of the holidays is becoming
more apparent every day. However, Stuller stands with its
jewelers and provides you with everything you need to have a
successful holiday season. In this week’s installment of our
Holiday Learning Series, Stuller Director of Findings Alissa
Talbot shares exciting new additions to our findings inventory
as well as customizable items that are perfect for the
holidays.

Find your inspiration this holiday season with Stuller
findings and enjoy week three of our Holiday Learning Series!

Top 3 Findings                    Added         to      Our
Collection

You asked and we listened. Stuller is happy to welcome the

following products to our findings selections this holiday
season that you have been waiting for. Have these products in
hand when you need them with our next day shipping when you
order in-stock items.

Oval Die Struck Settings (2000082, 2000083)

With oval-shaped stones becoming a rising trend, we wanted to
cater to your needs and provide options for your products.
We’ve recently added oval die struck settings in both peg and
non-peg options that accommodate stones up to 12 x 10 mm. Even
though they are die struck, these settings are available in
all 14k metal qualities.

Oval Jump Rings (JR4020, JRS4020)

Our newly manufactured in-house oval jump rings are available
in both round and square profiles. With a 4 x 2 mm inner
dimension, these new jump rings easily slide over a chain.
Choose an oval jump ring that works best for you in any of our
14k metal qualities.

Large Earring Backs (2000484, 2000339, 2000319)

To accommodate for a greater assortment, we now offer large
earring backs in multiple new styles, such as threaded, a
stabilizer back, and a regular friction back.

Last Minute Shopper Solutions

One of the best things to have in your inventory is something
for the last-minute shopper. Our Petite Pave Dangle Collection
is the perfect solution! We have worked hard to develop and
add findings to the line that are on trend, price-point
friendly, and can be used to build something that feels custom
and personal for the consumer.

Keep your own assortment of these beautiful dangles on hand
with our magnetic components display. Merchandising these
products could not be simpler.

     Choose your base (available in moon glow or black)
     Select the number of hooks you want for your individual
     displays (three, four, or five)
     Hand select your dangles to curate an assortment that is
     all your own

Watch this video to see how easy it is to merchandise dangles
on the magnetic display.

Shop our Petite Pave Dangle Collection on our website today!

Finding Inspiration Campaign

Over the years, we have seen more of our customers use our

findings to build product unique to their personal brand. As a
result, over the last year, we have built more product that
speaks to current trends. We are inspired by your vision and
want to share that inspiration.

The Finding Inspiration Campaign seeks to inspire the inner
designer in every jeweler. Every month for the next year, we
plan on sharing behind the scenes looks at the product we
develop and highlight practical applications for using
Stuller’s findings to build your brand of finished jewelry.

For Your Inspiration

We are kicking off our inaugural Finding Inspiration feature
with a stunning ring made with a pear-shaped, solid base
setting (2000625) combined with an asymmetrical shank (SH835,
SH831, SH841).

The setting is the first fancy shape solid base setting
introduced to our findings line. It was developed to address
the increased popularity of Stuller’s round-shape solid base
setting assortment. We have also noticed our customers love
our v-end settings, so we made sure to incorporate that
element into the end prong. Solid base settings are a great
go-to finding as they are easy to assemble to other various
components. This item has been made available in seven
different sizes ranging from 3x2mm to 9x6mm.

The shank is a part of our asymmetrical shank collection that
facilitate the easy assembly of trend-worthy looks. It gives
the jeweler the ability to utilize Stuller’s findings settings
and shanks assortment to design anything from a modern
engagement ring to an updated bypass look.

Share Your Inspiration

This campaign is about you and sharing inspiration with our
community of phenomenal craftsmen, designers, bench jewelers,
and artisans. We want to see what inspiration you have to
share. On social media, show what unique pieces you have
created using Stuller findings. Be sure to tag us @stullerinc
and use the hashtag #stullerfindings for your chance to be
featured in an upcoming installment of Finding Inspiration.

Bonus Holiday Findings                        Feature:
Magnetic Ring Builder

Mix and match prototype settings and shanks on the fly with
your customer with the Magnetic Ring Builder. Let your
customers’ creativity soar with this selling system that gives
the power to the consumer and makes you the hero. Learn more
about the Magnetic Ring Builder on our website and get yours
today.

Designing                   Your             Holiday
Experience
Welcome to the first post in our weekly Holiday Learning
Series! For the next several weeks leading into to the
critical holiday shopping season, our experts at Stuller are
bringing resources, tips, new products, and more to you via a
livestream webinar on our Facebook page. Along with each
livestream will be a blog post where we dive into the concepts
discussed and provide helpful links talked about online.

We hope you’ll join us over the next few weeks and remember
that Stuller is here for you as a resource during this joyful,
but busy season. Feel free to ask questions during the
livestreams or contact our customer care team.

Without further ado, let’s dive into our first Holiday
Learning Series topic — Designing Your Holiday Experience!

What’s at stake?

The holiday shopping season is here, and you’ll want to do
everything you can to be prepared. While there is so much for
you to plan, such as inventory, sales strategies, and
shipping, one of the first things you need to consider is your

customer’s experience.

The stakes are pretty high. During the months of November and
December, total sales in the U.S. jewelry industry equal up to
approximately $22 billion or 19% of the year’s sales.
Additionally, about 16% of engagements occur in the month of
December. With these months being so crucial to annual
revenue, you must keep your customer’s experience top of mind.

What is an experience?

According to Ben Gerarve, Stuller’s director of customer
experience, “A customer experience is the impression your
customers have of your brand throughout all aspects of the
buyer’s journey. It results in their view of your brand and
impacts factors related to your bottom-line including

revenue.”

By focusing your    marketing efforts on creating experiences,
you’re creating a    story around your brand that your customers
can share. Word      of mouth is a powerful tool. Give them
something to talk   about.

How do I build an experience?

In order to build a unique and personal experience for your
shoppers, you should understand the 3 stages of holiday
selling.

     Stage 1 (November 22 – December 5): The self-purchaser
     is taking advantage of new deals to get the perfect item
     for themselves at a price they aren’t normally able to
     find.
     Stage 2 (December 6 – December 14): The consumer is
     likely shopping for gifts for family and friends.
     Stage 3 (December 14 – December 24): The impulse buyer
     is looking for last minute gifts and just wants to make
     sure they have something to give to those they love.

Next, you need to know the best method to service your guest.
It is crucial to stay up to date on current technology to make
sure you’re able to provide your customers what they need, at
the time they need. These methods can include email, phone,
store visits, virtual visits, social media, and more.

Finally, it is imperative that you take the approach of “Each

Guest, Every Time.” Treat every day like opening day and
communicate to your guests with the same care and attention
you would give to someone on the first day of your business.

Prepping for the Holidays

Ask yourself questions regarding your store to understand the
customer’s impression. What is the store aesthetic? How does
it look? How does it feel? How does it smell? Everything in
your store plays into the customer experience. The proof is in
the details.

The holidays can bring a lot of stress, but we know that we do
it so as to make our customers feel merry and bright. We are
here to take some of that stress away. If you’d like to talk

to a member of our customer experience team, call us from
8:00am – 7:00pm Central Time or on Saturdays leading up to
Christmas Eve from 10:00am – 4:00pm Central Time at
1-800-877-7777.

You can view Stuller Director of Customer Experience Ben
Gerarve’s presentation during our Facebook Live Holiday
Learning Series. You can find his presentation on our Facebook
page here.

View other Stuller blog posts you might find helpful in
prepping to elevate your customers’ holiday shopping
experience.

Experiential Retail: Tips to Making a Memorable Sale

3 Fundamentals for Small Business Saturday Success

Experiential Retail: Tips to
Making a Memorable Sale
According to Salesfloor, Millennials view shopping as a social
event to be seen as a fun and relaxing activity shared with
family and friends. At a time in retail where e-commerce is a
rising and significant force in the industry, it is crucial to
identify the purchasing traits of the generation that is up-
and-coming with the largest buying power of any other
consumer.

For a brick and mortar store, in order to compete with online
retail and to attract the attention of these millennial
buyers, you must find a way to stand out. In the world of a
global health pandemic when online sales are drastically
rising, finding creative solutions to establishing that
personal connection during the buying experience is essential.
One strategy many successful jewelers are investing in is
experiential retail.

What is Experiential Retail?

Photo Credit: Dianna Rae Jewelry

To put it simply, experiential retail pertains to the parts of
the shopping experience that lie outside of the specific good
or service being purchased. The concept places the focus on
the fact that a customer isn’t simply buying an item, they are
buying an experience or a memory. In the jewelry industry, we
understand that what we sell comes with emotion and memories.
Those feelings extend to the act of buying as well.

What Does Experiential Retail Look
Like?

Experiential retail is all about enhancing the shopping
experience for the customer, whether that be a singular event

or an ongoing facet of your sales strategy. Here are a couple
examples of what our customers are doing to make their
customers have a memorable time and some creative suggestions
on how you might adapt keeping health concerns in mind.

Special Events

Photo Credit: Dianna Rae Jewelry

A great option to elevate the shopping experience is to host
an interactive event where your customers have more hands-on
involvement while making a purchase. In 2020, events have
started to look a little different. Many of us are used to
virtual interactions that allow us to enjoy an experience from
the comfort of our own homes. So what can we do?

For example, in the past, Dianna Rae Jewelry in Lafayette, LA
held regular round table events where customers were invited
to a local restaurant to view a large selection of gemstones
guided by an expert to discuss the features of specific gems.
Once customers perused their options, Dianna Rae and her team
created a specially designed piece using the unique gemstone
the customer chose to show it off to best effect. You can read

more about Dianna Rae Jewelry and their round table events in
this issue of From the Bench.

  Photo Credit: Dianna Rae Jewelry

Making an event like this socially distanced is easier than
you might think. Try holding a virtual happy hour guided by
the gemstone expert or make the event more exclusive with a
smaller guest list that allows for appropriate and safe indoor
gathering.

Events like these are successful because you are educating
your customer in a social and fun way that establishes an
emotional connection to the item.

In-Store Enhancements

Events can be effective tools in making the buying experience
special for the customer, but you can also make adjustments to
the everyday shopping experience that are unique and
memorable. Navigating occupancy restrictions and making the
shopping experience personal while being socially distant can

be tricky. However, with some creativity, we can always find a
solution!

Photo Credit: Goldmine Designs

Prior to COVID, Goldmine Designs in Seattle, WA brought the
customer into the manufacturing process as they allowed
customers to assist in casting their own piece of jewelry.
With such a personal experience came the opportunity to share
that with others. Not only could the customer help craft the
piece, they were encouraged to bring family and friends to
watch with complementary snacks. At this point, customers were
no longer customers. They were part of the Goldmine Designs
family. To learn more about the distinctive experiences
Goldmine Designs have been providing their customers, view our
blog post Casting in Seattle: An Experience Like None Other.

Approaching an experience like this while remaining safe and
healthy is still possible today if proper precautions are
taken. However, if you prefer offering a less hands-on
experience, there are two other aspects of this tale you can
learn from and implement in a socially distanced manner: the
shared social experience and the complementary additions.

Consider adding a decorative wall and good lighting where
customers can take quality pictures to share with family and
friends on social media. Also, never underestimate the power
of the free gift with (or even without) purchase. The priority
should be to provide the customer with an emotional – and even
physical – token of their visit that puts you top of mind when
making their next purchase.

What Should I Do?

If you’re looking to take your sales to the next level, think
of something special you can do to add to the overall customer
experience that leaves them with a unique memory. Invite
customers to an event, offer something exclusive and
complementary in your store, etc.

In the age of a worldwide pandemic, events and other sales
methods that involve close proximity may not be as possible as
they once were – at least for the time being. Be extra
creative to find ways to enhance the jewelry buying
experience. Consumers are accustomed to virtual interactions
through text, emails, and video calls, even when it comes to
making purchases. So how do you plan to make this experience
different?

Whatever direction you choose, remember that the goal is to
make sure the customer has an experience they won’t forget.

Quick References Provided
with New Diamonds & Gemstones
Catalog
Earlier this month, we launched Diamonds and Gemstones
2020-2021, a 130-page catalog featuring Stuller’s
comprehensive assortment of diamonds and gemstones. Visit our
previous post to catch up on all the great highlights we have
included in this latest edition.

Making this one of our most unique catalogs we have produced,
the removable reference pages in the back of the book are
ready to be used where you need them, when you need them.
Including resources like a gemstone color wheel showcasing an
assortment of complementary color possibilities, a poster
showing best-selling round diamond and gemstone sizes and
availability, and a variety of charts, tables, and information
guides, this section of Diamonds and Gemstones 2020-2021
provides you with educational and reference material you can
easily display in your store for both employees and customers.
Explain industry concepts, such as the four C’s of diamonds or
how stones are measured, to your customers or provide guides
for your employees to refer back to on a regular basis with
these easy-to-understand and illustrated resources.

Each of these reference pages are perforated for quick and

clean removal from the catalog. If you prefer not to remove
these pages, we’re happy to provide you with PDF copies of
these pages for you to print for your personal use.

 Click here to download your free Diamonds and Gemstones
 2020-2021 reference pages.

From presenting the new additions to our Notable Gemstones™
and Stuller Diamonds® offerings to an updated visual
aesthetic, Diamonds and Gemstones 2020-2021 provides you
everything you need to quickly find what you are looking for
in one of the industry’s widest selections. Visit our website
for more information about the Diamonds and Gemstones
2020-2021 catalog.

Our Top 5 Looks from the 2020
Emmys
In the pandemic-ridden world we live in, there are numerous
facets of life that have had to make adjustments and televised
award shows are no exception. The 2020 Emmys took place on

September 20th, but viewers noticed some changes to the normal
extravagant affair. Rather than gather all nominees and guests
in a single location, the award show brought the experience
into the nominees’ homes where a camera linked them to the
show.

Hosted by Jimmy Kimmel and featuring stars from a variety of
television’s best, we were able to enjoy celebrating the on-
screen talent many of us have been binge-watching this year.
While this year’s Emmys did not include a red carpet event, a
selection of stars truly shined in the fashion department. In
no particular order, here are some of our favorite looks from
the night.

Zendaya

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFXyVryjsUS/

The Euphoria actress experienced a wonderful evening at the
Emmys coming in as the youngest actress ever to win Lead
Actress in a Drama Series. Not only did she gain some well-
deserved recognition from the Television Academy, she also
dazzled the audience with both of her stunning looks.

In her first standout look of the evening, she donned a purple
Christopher John Rogers with a matching necklace that was
absolutely gorgeous. Her second award-winning ensemble
featured a polka-dot and crystal embellished custom Armani
Privé gown with subtly matching jewelry.

Steal her look with an amethyst necklace that’s sure to make a
statement, or the most scintillating diamond hoops.

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Julia Garner

View this post on Instagram

 That’s @juliagarnerofficial… 2x #Emmy award winner!   #Emmys

   A post shared by Emmys / Television Academy (@televisionacad) on Sep 20,
                              2020 at 8:48pm PDT

Representing the show Ozark, Julia Garner absolutely dazzled
us with a vintage-inspired look by Chanel complete with an
ivory satin dress, layered pearls, and headband. This 1920’s
flapper-reminiscent getup would fit in perfectly in The Great
Gatsby and we are in love with it!

Honor Julia by adorning yourself in a pearl necklace and
earrings for the ultimate vintage cool-girl moment.

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Tracee Ellis Ross

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFYKVjulcyr/

The lack of a red carpet event didn’t stop the Black-ish star

Tracee Ellis Ross from creating her own! And with a look as
stunning as hers, why shouldn’t she? Ross was absolutely
glowing in a gold Alexandre Vauthier halter gown paired with
vintage jewelry.

Keep it classy and cool with some yellow gold metal fashion
jewelry, perfect for the coveted #NeckMess look – an ode to
Mrs. Ross herself!

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CH1095

The Cast of Schitt’s Creek

View this post on Instagram

 With Catherine O’Hara, Eugene Levy, Dan Levy and Annie Murphy winning their
 #Emmys tonight, that means our little Canadian show is the first comedy to
 ~ever~ sweep all four acting categories, and that is absolutely wild

  A post shared by Schitt’s Creek (@schittscreek) on Sep 20, 2020 at 6:55pm
                                     PDT

The real winners of this year’s Emmys are the cast of Schitt’s
Creek, who swept all seven comedy-based awards. The cast
gathered together in Toronto to accept their awards. While the
entire cast had eye-catching outfits for the occasion, we
simply have to give a shoutout to Catherine O’Hara and Annie
Murphy. O’Hara sported a sequined black Valentino dress with
perfectly paired jewelry and a watch. Murphy also wore a
Valentino-designed outfit, but the eye-catching part of her
look was the “A” necklace that her character Alexis Rose is
seen wearing during the show. Congratulations on a great night
to this phenomenal cast!

It’s impossible to go wrong with personalized jewelry. Take it
from Annie Murphy or her fictional counterpart, Alexis!

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Kerry Washington

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFYWmx8H4iJ/

 View this post on Instagram

Haven’t dressed up in a while so had to make the most of it. Look
 ✌ #Emmys2020

   A post shared by Kerry Washington (@kerrywashington) on Sep 20, 2020 at
                                  6:41pm PDT

Featuring two jaw-dropping looks during the evening was the
Little Fires Everywhere star, Kerry Washington. Her first look
of the night was a floral Oscar de la Renta gown complete with
simple, yet elegant emerald drop earrings. She followed it up
with another piece by Oscar de la Renta. This time a black and
gold dress to commemorate a new year celebration with her
castmates.

Always a staple, pay homage to Kerry with some emerald drop
earrings, perfect for any occasion!

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Honorable Mention: The                            Hazmat
Tuxedo Award Presenters

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFZ6k6XAmfI/

Executive producer Guy Carrigton and costume designer Katja
Cahill chose a tongue-in-cheek approach to a traditional
presenter’s tuxedo fit for a pandemic. We were pleasantly
shocked to see Emmy awards being distributed by presenters
dressed in hazmat suits that resembled tuxedos. Who knows!
This safe approach to formal evening wear could one day be the
norm.

Round out your tuxedo-inspired   hazmat   suits   with   some
sophisticated cufflinks.

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Watch Out for Our New Watch
Bands, Tools, and Batteries
Brochure
Watches provide the wearer with versatility and adaptability
when it comes to today’s fashion accessories. Your customers
keep these products in high demand and we gladly provide a
helping hand in meeting that demand.

We are happy to save you time with Watch Bands, Tools, and
Batteries — our first comprehensive brochure of everything you
need to provide excellent care and service for your customers.
Complete with eye-catching and detailed photographs as well as
an easy-to-use design, Watch Bands, Tools, and Batteries is
the only resource you need for a versatile inventory to fit
every need.

To give you a sneak peek at everything this brochure has to
offer, enjoy these highlights of the latest additions.

Look Back With Vintage

Straps made of distressed leather material, such as our
Vintage Italian Leather watch bands complemented by our new
cream stitching (as seen on page 8), will bring a nostalgic
feeling to the comfort and style your customers have come to
expect.

Explore the Possibilities with Mesh
Metal

Mesh metal bands are a rising trend for both regular and smart
watches. These sleek and modern styles are perfect for the
young contemporary in both casual and professional fashion.
With so many consumers having multiple watches for work and
play, these mesh metal bands work great for watches of all
occasions. See pages 25 and 32 for our offerings on this very

popular item available in rose, stainless and black.

Think Smart with Smart Watch Bands
and Adapters

Smart watches are definitely on the rise and your customers
will want options when it comes to look and feel. With an
adapter, the smart watch band can become a statement of
personality and taste with limitless options. This trend
connects with the idea of providing the customer with a unique
piece fit for them. You can enjoy our plethora of options on
pages 32-35.

Get to Work With Expanded NATO®
Offerings

Made of a breathable nylon material, NATO® watch bands should
catch the eye of the active and sporty customer. Recently,
we’ve expanded our line of these versatile watch bands to
include styles in basic neutral tones that can go with any
fashion choice. Featured on pages 30 and 31, your customers
will enjoy the new variety being offered in these highly
sought-after watch bands.

Other than new trends and an updated look, you’ll continue to
find everything you need when it comes to watch repair tools
and battery kits. We hope you enjoy this new direction of our
watch bands, tools, and batteries and look forward to
providing you nothing but the best.