A French Company Acquires Another Prestigious Italian Jewelry Brand

Tilda Swinton, a spokesperson for Pomellato.

Less than two years after French conglomerate LVMH acquired luxury Italian jewelry brand Bulgari; its French competitor, holding company Kering, finalized its acquisition of Italian jewelry brand Pomellato.

The agreement for Kering to purchase a majority stake in Pomellato was announced in April. On Thursday, Kering, formerly known as PPR, announced in a brief statement that the agreement received clearance from the antitrust authorities and has been finalized.

Pomellato was one of the few truly prestigious independent Italian jewelry brands left to acquire. The brand was founded by Pino Rabolini in Milan in 1967, pioneering the concept of ready-to-wear jewelry. The idea was that jewelry is not just a status symbol but an accessory to be worn and replaced at any time of the day. The current CEO, Andrea Morante, will remain in this position with the company.

Pomellato ranks among the top five European jewelers by sales, with 2012 revenues of €146 million ($190 million). It has a distinct style, an international following and an aura of exclusivity. The brand is known for its colorful rounded cabochon gems and its tactile forms. For example, pavé patterns are created with gemstones of various sizes and irregular forms. In recent years, the company was also known for its advertising partnership with actress Tilda Swinton, who appeared in company photographs and videos.

In 1995, Pomellato launched a second brand, Dodo, an accessible line of 18k gold charms in the shapes of animals. The name, after an extinct bird, was chosen as a way to exemplify the need to protect nature. The brand supports the Italian World Wildlife Fund, working to prevent the extinction of other animal species.

Pomellato’s distribution network includes 86 mono-brand stores (45 Pomellato, 41 Dodo) as well as approximately 600 independent points of sale around the world. More importantly for Pomellato and Kering is that there is plenty of room for growth. Pomellato has expressed an interest to extend its international distribution. Kering, with its immense size as an international player in the apparel and accessories markets, can fuel that growth.

Kering is present in more than 120 countries and generated revenues of €9.7 billion ($12.4 billion) in 2012. With the acquisition Pomellato finalized, the company now has a majority stake in 19 brands that include international luxury fashion brands Gucci, Bottega Veneta and Saint Laurent; French luxury jewelry brand, Boucheron; Chinese luxury jewelry brand, Qeelin; luxury Swiss watch brands, Girard-Perregaux and Jewn-Richard; and sports brand, Puma.

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Website.

Tilda Swinton, a spokesperson for Pomellato.

Less than two years after French conglomerate LVMH acquired luxury Italian jewelry brand Bulgari; its French competitor, holding company Kering, finalized its acquisition of Italian jewelry brand Pomellato.

The agreement for Kering to purchase a majority stake in Pomellato was announced in April. On Thursday, Kering, formerly known as PPR, announced in a brief statement that the agreement received clearance from the antitrust authorities and has been finalized.

Pomellato was one of the few truly prestigious independent Italian jewelry brands left to acquire. The brand was founded by Pino Rabolini in Milan in 1967, pioneering the concept of ready-to-wear jewelry. The idea was that jewelry is not just a status symbol but an accessory to be worn and replaced at any time of the day. The current CEO, Andrea Morante, will remain in this position with the company.

Pomellato ranks among the top five European jewelers by sales, with 2012 revenues of €146 million ($190 million). It has a distinct style, an international following and an aura of exclusivity. The brand is known for its colorful rounded cabochon gems and its tactile forms. For example, pavé patterns are created with gemstones of various sizes and irregular forms. In recent years, the company was also known for its advertising partnership with actress Tilda Swinton, who appeared in company photographs and videos.

In 1995, Pomellato launched a second brand, Dodo, an accessible line of 18k gold charms in the shapes of animals. The name, after an extinct bird, was chosen as a way to exemplify the need to protect nature. The brand supports the Italian World Wildlife Fund, working to prevent the extinction of other animal species.

Pomellato’s distribution network includes 86 mono-brand stores (45 Pomellato, 41 Dodo) as well as approximately 600 independent points of sale around the world. More importantly for Pomellato and Kering is that there is plenty of room for growth. Pomellato has expressed an interest to extend its international distribution. Kering, with its immense size as an international player in the apparel and accessories markets, can fuel that growth.

Kering is present in more than 120 countries and generated revenues of €9.7 billion ($12.4 billion) in 2012. With the acquisition Pomellato finalized, the company now has a majority stake in 19 brands that include international luxury fashion brands Gucci, Bottega Veneta and Saint Laurent; French luxury jewelry brand, Boucheron; Chinese luxury jewelry brand, Qeelin; luxury Swiss watch brands, Girard-Perregaux and Jewn-Richard; and sports brand, Puma.

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Website.

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Online Shopping - The Best Way to Buy Earrings

The Internet has given us huge comfort. Pay monthly bills, socialize, send important documents, selling, shopping etc. while sitting at the home. It saves our lots of time. As we all know, these days we have everything except the time. This is the reason why the means is utilized by the numerous folks. If you wish to buy some stuff, you can use e-bazaar. There are lots of online shopping sites for you to use. Choose anyone and have fun.

Such websites are utilized by the large crowd. In fact, it is the need of today. To purchase earrings or some other kind of accessory, it will be the perfect destination.

Shop With Convenience

This is the main reason why it is preferred by the maximum number of people. Shop at the comfort of your house. Folks who have disabilities, ill or do not have time to go out for purchasing can shop via the means. There is no need to face the huge traffic, search for parking space or stand in a long queue for paying bill. Just stay relax in your living room and buy any sort of jewellery or some other material.

All you need is a laptop with the net connection. Provided that you do not have both of these things, no worries, go to the cybercafe and enjoy the facility. Even with the help of your mobile phone, you can shop.

Send Gift to Pals

There is a option on all the reputed sites to send gifts to the friends. When you click on the link, a form will come on the screen. Fill the name and address of the person. After the payment, it will reach to the right place. Thus make your known person happy by using the means. Most of the websites do not take shipping or delivery charges. They guarantee you about the condition of the parcel.

Affordability is Awesome

Actually, you can find lots of big discounts on the means. This makes it quite affordable for most of the people. Almost all the time, you will get big price-reduction for you. It is so huge that you cannot resist yourself. The deduction can start from 5 percent and reach upto 90 percent. In the festival season, get ready to enjoy the maximum benefit. Since, you do not have to go out, so there is no need to bear the travelling expense or parking charges.

Clearly, your lots of money got saved.

Limitless Choice

Owing to the huge space on the means, you will find numerous options to choose. Hence, you get a chance to own a better stuff for yourself. Find the material that suits you the best. Moreover, you do not need to worry about searching for the latest object. All the displayed materials are new and placed by the team of professionals.

Therefore, for getting your hands on any kind of accessory, virtual malls are the finest platform. There are plenty of latest earring designs online on the means.

The Internet has given us huge comfort. Pay monthly bills, socialize, send important documents, selling, shopping etc. while sitting at the home. It saves our lots of time. As we all know, these days we have everything except the time. This is the reason why the means is utilized by the numerous folks. If you wish to buy some stuff, you can use e-bazaar. There are lots of online shopping sites for you to use. Choose anyone and have fun.

Such websites are utilized by the large crowd. In fact, it is the need of today. To purchase earrings or some other kind of accessory, it will be the perfect destination.

Shop With Convenience

This is the main reason why it is preferred by the maximum number of people. Shop at the comfort of your house. Folks who have disabilities, ill or do not have time to go out for purchasing can shop via the means. There is no need to face the huge traffic, search for parking space or stand in a long queue for paying bill. Just stay relax in your living room and buy any sort of jewellery or some other material.

All you need is a laptop with the net connection. Provided that you do not have both of these things, no worries, go to the cybercafe and enjoy the facility. Even with the help of your mobile phone, you can shop.

Send Gift to Pals

There is a option on all the reputed sites to send gifts to the friends. When you click on the link, a form will come on the screen. Fill the name and address of the person. After the payment, it will reach to the right place. Thus make your known person happy by using the means. Most of the websites do not take shipping or delivery charges. They guarantee you about the condition of the parcel.

Affordability is Awesome

Actually, you can find lots of big discounts on the means. This makes it quite affordable for most of the people. Almost all the time, you will get big price-reduction for you. It is so huge that you cannot resist yourself. The deduction can start from 5 percent and reach upto 90 percent. In the festival season, get ready to enjoy the maximum benefit. Since, you do not have to go out, so there is no need to bear the travelling expense or parking charges.

Clearly, your lots of money got saved.

Limitless Choice

Owing to the huge space on the means, you will find numerous options to choose. Hence, you get a chance to own a better stuff for yourself. Find the material that suits you the best. Moreover, you do not need to worry about searching for the latest object. All the displayed materials are new and placed by the team of professionals.

Therefore, for getting your hands on any kind of accessory, virtual malls are the finest platform. There are plenty of latest earring designs online on the means.

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Longines Watches - Elegance Personified!

Longines Watches are a perfect mix of time telling device and a beautiful accessory. Flaunt it for any of the reasons, after all these time pieces are elegance personified.

Longines Watches is quite a popular choice among today's women. Known for its class, elegance and style, these time pieces have always stood out amongst the rest. One of the finest Swiss watch manufacturing company, they have created an international sphere for themselves and are known across different continents. Their different collections have wowed the strictest of critics with their technology, features and excellent craftsmanship and superior quality of materials used. Of their numerous collections, their Spring Summer collection is quite popular.

Longines Sports Legend Submariner, artistic and personalized:

Sports Legend Submariner from Longines Watches is an extra ordinarily beautiful time that uses black and gold to create a hypnotic charm. This time piece has a gold case measuring 42mm and made out of 18 k gold along with a crystal glass of sapphire. The watch also has day and date display so that whenever you look at the watch you can check out both the date and the day, you don't need a calendar anymore. The dial is in absolute black with white markers - the contrasting use of colours makes it eye attractive. Arabic numerals have been used in the dial to depict 6, 9 and 12 o'clock position and the seconds, minutes and hours hand all are in luminous coating so that reading the time in the dark is not an issue any more. The dial is supported by genuine alligator skin straps in black colour so as to give the time piece an all black look. This time piece is waterproof and functions perfectly till 300m underwater.

Longines Conquest Submariner with Microsky display, modern, exquisite and innovative:

Longines Conquest Submariner is the hot pick amongst both men and women because of the Microsky display. This time piece is available in both ladies and men's collection with model no L32754966 and L36754966 respectively. These designer time pieces come in bright blue colours and are perfect for sea diving and snorkeling. So if you are an adventure sports freak this watch should be your ideal choice. These time pieces are available in stainless steel case. The dial is in bright blue colour with a rotating submariner bezel that is blue in colour besides a rotating back and screw in watch crown. The men's version is available in a case measuring 39mm while the ladies one has a case measuring 39.5mm with quartz movement.

Both these Longines Watches have caught the attention of watch lovers not only because they are stylish and elegant with advanced features but because they are highly functional and are meant for regular wear. These time pieces can be worn anytime of the day. One does not need to worry about their performance considering they are made of high quality materials under utmost precision.

Longines Watches are a perfect mix of time telling device and a beautiful accessory. Flaunt it for any of the reasons, after all these time pieces are elegance personified.

Longines Watches is quite a popular choice among today's women. Known for its class, elegance and style, these time pieces have always stood out amongst the rest. One of the finest Swiss watch manufacturing company, they have created an international sphere for themselves and are known across different continents. Their different collections have wowed the strictest of critics with their technology, features and excellent craftsmanship and superior quality of materials used. Of their numerous collections, their Spring Summer collection is quite popular.

Longines Sports Legend Submariner, artistic and personalized:

Sports Legend Submariner from Longines Watches is an extra ordinarily beautiful time that uses black and gold to create a hypnotic charm. This time piece has a gold case measuring 42mm and made out of 18 k gold along with a crystal glass of sapphire. The watch also has day and date display so that whenever you look at the watch you can check out both the date and the day, you don't need a calendar anymore. The dial is in absolute black with white markers - the contrasting use of colours makes it eye attractive. Arabic numerals have been used in the dial to depict 6, 9 and 12 o'clock position and the seconds, minutes and hours hand all are in luminous coating so that reading the time in the dark is not an issue any more. The dial is supported by genuine alligator skin straps in black colour so as to give the time piece an all black look. This time piece is waterproof and functions perfectly till 300m underwater.

Longines Conquest Submariner with Microsky display, modern, exquisite and innovative:

Longines Conquest Submariner is the hot pick amongst both men and women because of the Microsky display. This time piece is available in both ladies and men's collection with model no L32754966 and L36754966 respectively. These designer time pieces come in bright blue colours and are perfect for sea diving and snorkeling. So if you are an adventure sports freak this watch should be your ideal choice. These time pieces are available in stainless steel case. The dial is in bright blue colour with a rotating submariner bezel that is blue in colour besides a rotating back and screw in watch crown. The men's version is available in a case measuring 39mm while the ladies one has a case measuring 39.5mm with quartz movement.

Both these Longines Watches have caught the attention of watch lovers not only because they are stylish and elegant with advanced features but because they are highly functional and are meant for regular wear. These time pieces can be worn anytime of the day. One does not need to worry about their performance considering they are made of high quality materials under utmost precision.

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Silver Earrings And The Favorite Silver Hoop Earrings

Jewelries have been a part of human beings since the beginning of civilization. Men and women both adorn themselves with loads of jewelries. It is also considered auspicious for many occasions. The designs and metals used for making these jewelries vary from place to place and with ages. Earring is also considered as a piece of jewelry and is generally worn by women all over the world. They are often made up of glass, beads, bone, metal, precious gems, plastic. Amongst the jewelries made from various metals platinum is known to be the costliest, the most commonly used are silver and gold. Gold is considered as a good omen. Recently the price of golden jewelry has increased a lot and it is tough for everyone to afford them hence people have resorted their faith on silver. Silver earrings are beautiful and are of affordable prices.

Many jewelers make silver earrings of various designs and you can also demand them and customize your earrings according to your own need. In the earlier times women preferred heavy jewelry because that would mark their status but nowadays women prefer light and beautiful jewelry and hence earrings are very common. From a little girl to grandma everyone wears earrings. They have piercings or holes made in their ears for such a purpose. The size of the earrings can be chosen by the customers and many options are there. Nowadays you can easily buy jewelry online which also flushes your screen with many options and designs and their respective prices.

Various types of earrings are there which are made of silver but the one type which has dominated the market for long and still remains in demand is the silver hoop earrings. These types of rings are worn by both adults and kids and are easily available at any jewelry store. They can be combined with gold and studded with diamond to make it look even more gorgeous. There are stores which specialize in making them. If you feel too lazy to go out and purchase then you can seat at home and search over the net and you can surely find out what you want and get it done.

Silver hoop earrings look nice on almost everyone. They are within range and can be at times customized if a customer wants too. The price basically depends on the weight of silver use and not on the size; hence a small thick earring may cost much more than a thin big one. It enhances the beauty of a woman often making her feel complete.

To buy sliver hoop earrings accessories for womens, resort to Loot Bargain, which is a very reputed USA online shopping site. You can find the good deal on the site that gives you huge profit.

Jewelries have been a part of human beings since the beginning of civilization. Men and women both adorn themselves with loads of jewelries. It is also considered auspicious for many occasions. The designs and metals used for making these jewelries vary from place to place and with ages. Earring is also considered as a piece of jewelry and is generally worn by women all over the world. They are often made up of glass, beads, bone, metal, precious gems, plastic. Amongst the jewelries made from various metals platinum is known to be the costliest, the most commonly used are silver and gold. Gold is considered as a good omen. Recently the price of golden jewelry has increased a lot and it is tough for everyone to afford them hence people have resorted their faith on silver. Silver earrings are beautiful and are of affordable prices.

Many jewelers make silver earrings of various designs and you can also demand them and customize your earrings according to your own need. In the earlier times women preferred heavy jewelry because that would mark their status but nowadays women prefer light and beautiful jewelry and hence earrings are very common. From a little girl to grandma everyone wears earrings. They have piercings or holes made in their ears for such a purpose. The size of the earrings can be chosen by the customers and many options are there. Nowadays you can easily buy jewelry online which also flushes your screen with many options and designs and their respective prices.

Various types of earrings are there which are made of silver but the one type which has dominated the market for long and still remains in demand is the silver hoop earrings. These types of rings are worn by both adults and kids and are easily available at any jewelry store. They can be combined with gold and studded with diamond to make it look even more gorgeous. There are stores which specialize in making them. If you feel too lazy to go out and purchase then you can seat at home and search over the net and you can surely find out what you want and get it done.

Silver hoop earrings look nice on almost everyone. They are within range and can be at times customized if a customer wants too. The price basically depends on the weight of silver use and not on the size; hence a small thick earring may cost much more than a thin big one. It enhances the beauty of a woman often making her feel complete.

To buy sliver hoop earrings accessories for womens, resort to Loot Bargain, which is a very reputed USA online shopping site. You can find the good deal on the site that gives you huge profit.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Actress Gong Li is Piaget’s New Brand Ambassador

Gong Li adorned with Piaget Couture Précieuse jewelry.

Swiss luxury watchmaker and jeweler, Piaget, has named actress Gong Li as its new global brand ambassador, calling her an “icon of classic beauty, exceptional talent and steadfast dedication.”

Gong Li is best known internationally for her roles in the movies Raise the Red Lantern, which was nominated for an Oscar, and Farewell My Concubine. While starring as Jiu’er in Red Sorghum, she spent days lifting heavy water buckets on her shoulders, in order to experience the life of a rural woman she thought to depict truthfully. It was this type of “relentless pursuit of perfection, courage in face of adversity, and reinventing style of acting” that the luxury brand found appealing. 

“Movie is an important part of my life; I endeavor to do my best in understanding and rendering each character, as well as devoting myself with enthusiasm in the world of movie. This is the same for Piaget, the prominent brand that embraces challenge and seeks constant breakthrough, is a true creative precursor in the realm of Haute Joaillerie and Horlogerie.” Gong Li said. 

In a series of photographs captured by Chinese photographer Feng Hai, Gong Li is adorned with Piaget Couture Précieuse jewelry and haute couture gowns as if preparing for an appearance at an international film event. In one set of photos, she wears a classic golden mermaid-style gown with a lace folding fan-inspired necklace from the Piaget Couture Précieuse Collection along with a pair of earrings from the same collection. In another set of photos, she embraces a more modern look a white low-cut dress, a delicate tassel necklace with diamonds and pearls dangling at the ends, balanced by a pair of braided earrings.

 Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Website.

Gong Li adorned with Piaget Couture Précieuse jewelry.

Swiss luxury watchmaker and jeweler, Piaget, has named actress Gong Li as its new global brand ambassador, calling her an “icon of classic beauty, exceptional talent and steadfast dedication.”

Gong Li is best known internationally for her roles in the movies Raise the Red Lantern, which was nominated for an Oscar, and Farewell My Concubine. While starring as Jiu’er in Red Sorghum, she spent days lifting heavy water buckets on her shoulders, in order to experience the life of a rural woman she thought to depict truthfully. It was this type of “relentless pursuit of perfection, courage in face of adversity, and reinventing style of acting” that the luxury brand found appealing. 

“Movie is an important part of my life; I endeavor to do my best in understanding and rendering each character, as well as devoting myself with enthusiasm in the world of movie. This is the same for Piaget, the prominent brand that embraces challenge and seeks constant breakthrough, is a true creative precursor in the realm of Haute Joaillerie and Horlogerie.” Gong Li said. 

In a series of photographs captured by Chinese photographer Feng Hai, Gong Li is adorned with Piaget Couture Précieuse jewelry and haute couture gowns as if preparing for an appearance at an international film event. In one set of photos, she wears a classic golden mermaid-style gown with a lace folding fan-inspired necklace from the Piaget Couture Précieuse Collection along with a pair of earrings from the same collection. In another set of photos, she embraces a more modern look a white low-cut dress, a delicate tassel necklace with diamonds and pearls dangling at the ends, balanced by a pair of braided earrings.

 Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Website.

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Saint Laurent Gets a New CEO

©Hedi Slimane

Francesca Bellettini has been named the new CEO of Yves Saint Laurent. She will take over the top spot at the fashion house on September 1, replacing Paul Deneve, who has taken a position in the high tech industry.

Bellettini is currently an executive director at Bottega Veneta. Both Bottega Veneta and Yves Saint Laurent are owned by Kering, formerly known as PPR, which announced the appointment Tuesday. The French holding company specializes in owning brands in the luxury, sports and lifestyle segments of the apparel and accessories market. Yves Saint Laurent designs apparel and accessories that range from read-to-wear clothing to jewelry. While the brand is best-known to the public as Yves Saint Laurent, Kering had officially changed the brand name in 2012 to Saint Laurent.

“Her experience within the group and in the industry, her expertise and her determination persuaded me of her ability to implement Saint Laurent day-to-day strategy,” said François-Henri Pinault, chairman and CEO of Kering.

Bellettini, an Italian national, joined Bottega Veneta in November 2008 as worldwide merchandising director. She was promoted to worldwide merchandising-communications director in November 2010 and has been responsible for implementing strategic direction for the company, while overseeing all aspects of merchandising, visual display and communication.

She previously was the strategic planning director and associate worldwide merchandising director of Gucci. Prior to Gucci, she was operations manager of Helmut Lang, having previously worked at the Prada Group in 2002 as part of the planning & new business development division. After graduating from Bocconi University in Milan, Bellettini started her career in London as an investment banker, working at Goldman Sachs International, Deutsche Morgan Grenfell, and Compass Partners International.

In addition to the appointment of Bellettini, Yves Saint Laurent creative director, Hedi Slimane, will have added responsibilities that include supervising all strategic projects in a plan to transform and reposition the brand.

“Hedi Slimane has a clear creative vision for Saint Laurent,” Pinault said. “He has successfully rejuvenated and repositioned the brand in line with Yves Saint Laurent’s original message in 1966. This reform project was essential to ensure that Saint Laurent is in step with the times, and to secure its success. Today, the brand is one of the world’s most prominent fashion houses and my ambition is that Saint Laurent is able to realize its considerable long term potential for growth.”

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Website.

©Hedi Slimane

Francesca Bellettini has been named the new CEO of Yves Saint Laurent. She will take over the top spot at the fashion house on September 1, replacing Paul Deneve, who has taken a position in the high tech industry.

Bellettini is currently an executive director at Bottega Veneta. Both Bottega Veneta and Yves Saint Laurent are owned by Kering, formerly known as PPR, which announced the appointment Tuesday. The French holding company specializes in owning brands in the luxury, sports and lifestyle segments of the apparel and accessories market. Yves Saint Laurent designs apparel and accessories that range from read-to-wear clothing to jewelry. While the brand is best-known to the public as Yves Saint Laurent, Kering had officially changed the brand name in 2012 to Saint Laurent.

“Her experience within the group and in the industry, her expertise and her determination persuaded me of her ability to implement Saint Laurent day-to-day strategy,” said François-Henri Pinault, chairman and CEO of Kering.

Bellettini, an Italian national, joined Bottega Veneta in November 2008 as worldwide merchandising director. She was promoted to worldwide merchandising-communications director in November 2010 and has been responsible for implementing strategic direction for the company, while overseeing all aspects of merchandising, visual display and communication.

She previously was the strategic planning director and associate worldwide merchandising director of Gucci. Prior to Gucci, she was operations manager of Helmut Lang, having previously worked at the Prada Group in 2002 as part of the planning & new business development division. After graduating from Bocconi University in Milan, Bellettini started her career in London as an investment banker, working at Goldman Sachs International, Deutsche Morgan Grenfell, and Compass Partners International.

In addition to the appointment of Bellettini, Yves Saint Laurent creative director, Hedi Slimane, will have added responsibilities that include supervising all strategic projects in a plan to transform and reposition the brand.

“Hedi Slimane has a clear creative vision for Saint Laurent,” Pinault said. “He has successfully rejuvenated and repositioned the brand in line with Yves Saint Laurent’s original message in 1966. This reform project was essential to ensure that Saint Laurent is in step with the times, and to secure its success. Today, the brand is one of the world’s most prominent fashion houses and my ambition is that Saint Laurent is able to realize its considerable long term potential for growth.”

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Website.

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Tiffany Exec Arrested for Stealing $1.3M in Jewelry

The Linkedin photo of Ingrid Lederhaas-Okun. 

Ingrid Lederhaas-Okun, a former VP of Design & Product Development at Tiffany & Co., was arrested Tuesday morning at her residence in Darien, Conn., for allegedly stealing nearly $1.3 million worth of jewelry from her employer. She was scheduled to be arraigned in Manhattan federal court later in the day to face charges of wire fraud and interstate transportation of stolen property.

Lederhaas-Okun used her executive position to allegedly “check out” 165 pieces of jewelry with a retail value of more than $1.2 million, including diamond bracelets, platinum or gold diamond drop and hoop earrings, platinum diamond rings, and platinum and diamond pendants, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. 

She then allegedly “sold some if not all” of this jewelry for $1.3 million to a company the feds describe as “a leading international buyer and reseller of jewelry with an office in midtown Manhattan,” according to the statement.

In addition to the jewelry under question, federal prosecutors allege that in November 2012, following an announcement by Tiffany that it was going to undertake a full physical inventory review, Lederhaas-Okun said that approximately $1.5 million worth of jewelry which she had checked out would have to be written off. “However, none of that jewelry was ever returned to the jewelry company, contrary to the usual practice of accounting for inventory, such as damaged jewelry, that would have to be written off because it had been rendered unusable in some way,” federal officials said in the statement

Prosecutors allege that Lederhaas-Okun made repeated false statements to the luxury jeweler. “For example, after her termination in February 2013, she told the jewelry company that she had only recently checked out the missing jewelry in anticipation of creating a PowerPoint presentation for her supervisor, and that a draft of the presentation could be found on her office computer. However, the missing pieces of jewelry had been checked out months earlier, her supervisor was unaware of any such presentation being worked on … and there was no draft presentation on her computer.”

Lederhaas-Okun also claimed the jewelry in question could be found in a white envelope in her office, but after a search of her office, the envelope wasn’t recovered, prosecutors allege.

The statement did not identify Tiffany by name. However, a Linkedin page for Lederhaas-Okun shows that she worked for the luxury retail jeweler from January 1991 till March 2013, including a six-year stint as VP of Design & Product Development. 

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Website.

The Linkedin photo of Ingrid Lederhaas-Okun. 

Ingrid Lederhaas-Okun, a former VP of Design & Product Development at Tiffany & Co., was arrested Tuesday morning at her residence in Darien, Conn., for allegedly stealing nearly $1.3 million worth of jewelry from her employer. She was scheduled to be arraigned in Manhattan federal court later in the day to face charges of wire fraud and interstate transportation of stolen property.

Lederhaas-Okun used her executive position to allegedly “check out” 165 pieces of jewelry with a retail value of more than $1.2 million, including diamond bracelets, platinum or gold diamond drop and hoop earrings, platinum diamond rings, and platinum and diamond pendants, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. 

She then allegedly “sold some if not all” of this jewelry for $1.3 million to a company the feds describe as “a leading international buyer and reseller of jewelry with an office in midtown Manhattan,” according to the statement.

In addition to the jewelry under question, federal prosecutors allege that in November 2012, following an announcement by Tiffany that it was going to undertake a full physical inventory review, Lederhaas-Okun said that approximately $1.5 million worth of jewelry which she had checked out would have to be written off. “However, none of that jewelry was ever returned to the jewelry company, contrary to the usual practice of accounting for inventory, such as damaged jewelry, that would have to be written off because it had been rendered unusable in some way,” federal officials said in the statement

Prosecutors allege that Lederhaas-Okun made repeated false statements to the luxury jeweler. “For example, after her termination in February 2013, she told the jewelry company that she had only recently checked out the missing jewelry in anticipation of creating a PowerPoint presentation for her supervisor, and that a draft of the presentation could be found on her office computer. However, the missing pieces of jewelry had been checked out months earlier, her supervisor was unaware of any such presentation being worked on … and there was no draft presentation on her computer.”

Lederhaas-Okun also claimed the jewelry in question could be found in a white envelope in her office, but after a search of her office, the envelope wasn’t recovered, prosecutors allege.

The statement did not identify Tiffany by name. However, a Linkedin page for Lederhaas-Okun shows that she worked for the luxury retail jeweler from January 1991 till March 2013, including a six-year stint as VP of Design & Product Development. 

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