MONTBLANC UNVEILS INTERNET SITE
Stepping up its fight against online retail sites that sell its products without authorization, Montblanc has unveiled its own Web site (www.montblancrefills.com). Though consumers can?t buy the company?s pens, watches, and other goods at the site, they can purchase bottled ink, refills, paper goods, and similar ?consumables.? The site also includes the new ?authorized trade seal? so visitors can identify the informational Web sites of authentic Montblanc dealers.
?Montblanc doesn?t authorize purchase transactions (except for inks and refills) through the Internet,? says the company on its customer service page.
Web sites hawking ?Montblanc? products are unauthorized to do so, the company says. Such products may be counterfeit, stolen, or tampered with and don?t come with the original manufacturer?s warranty.
The official site offers a complete list of Montblanc boutique locations and a customer service number through which users can locate authorized Montblanc retailers in their area. The toll-free number is (800) 995-4810.
While authorized retailers aren?t allowed to sell Montblanc products on the Internet, the company designed the new trade seal for retailers who have informational Web sites and consumers who want to contact authorized Montblanc dealers.
DESIGNER LAUNCHES INTERNET HOME PAGE
Swiss-born designer Jean-François Albert has launched a Web site, www.jfadesigns.com, featuring his one-of-a-kind creations in 18k white and yellow gold and in platinum.
A highlight of the site is Albert?s newly patented Signature Fit ring, which has a movable mounting that adjusts to fit any finger. An animated schematic on the Web site demonstrates the adjustable mechanism. Signature Fit rings are available with a variety of colored gems as well as black and white South Seas pearls.
The site includes an area devoted to bridal jewelry, including the ?soft square,? Albert?s adaptation of the traditional wedding band, available in 18k gold or
platinum and with pavé and solitaire diamonds. Visitors to the site also can view a calendar of trunk shows and special events.
AMBER ASSOCIATION HAS ONLINE PRESENCE
The Amber Association of Poland, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting amber worldwide, features information in English on its Web site, www.sbp.org.pl.
Included on the site are articles about amber as well as photos.
TIFFANY ACQUIRES 5% OF DELLA.COM
Tiffany & Co. has entered into an exclusive partnership with Della.com, a wedding gift registry and gift-giving company. As part of the deal, Tiffany purchased a 5% stake in Della.
Under the agreement, engaged couples will be able to create a Tiffany & Co. registry online at Dellaweddings.com. Wedding gift buyers will be able to purchase a gift from the Tiffany & Co. registries or select one from a selection of Tiffany products at the site. The services are scheduled to start later this year.
ZALE TEAMS UP WITH WEDDING SITE
Zale Corp., the largest jewelry retailer in North America, has announced an exclusive e-commerce and marketing partnership with WeddingChannel.com, an online wedding planning course and bridal registry with some 900,000 registered brides and grooms. The bridal market accounts for almost 40% of Zale Corp.?s overall sales.
Under terms of the agreement, WeddingChannel.com will create and promote an online jewelry boutique that initially will feature Zales Jewelers and eventually all of Zale Corp.?s brands, including Gordon?s Jewelers, Bailey Banks & Biddle Fine Jewelers, and Peoples Jewellers.
The site will assist couples and their guests with purchases of wedding bands, bridal party gifts, and related items. It will also offer advice on coordinating jewelry and fashion, information on cultural and ethnic traditions, engagement stories, and tips on proposing. Zale Corp. will incorporate WeddingChannel.com into related online and offline promotional programs.
COMPANY SETS UP ONLINE GROUP
B&B Jewelry Manufacturing, a subsidiary of Nationwide Jewelry Manufactur-ers in Los Angeles, is establishing an
On-Line Jewelers Group to help jewelers to create, maintain, and advertise their own Web sites. The project is being undertaken with help from the Jewelers Board of Trade and is offered only to jewelers who are JBT members.
B&B will update jewelers? sites as the company designs and manufactures new pieces. It will also advertise jewelers? sites. There is a monthly fee for the service.
For information, contact the company at (800) 442-2632 or onlinejewelers@bb-jewelry.com.
MJSA ESTABLISHES ONLINE CAREER CENTER
Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America has created the MJSA/AJM Online Career Center, an updated version of MJSA?s job bank. The virtual center allows companies and individuals to post job listings and résumés on the World Wide Web. A link to the center is available on MJSA?s Web site at http://mjsa.polygon.net and on the AJM Web site at www.ajm-magazine.com.
Browsing résumés and classified ads is free. Job-seekers may post résumés (up to 150 lines, or about two pages) for three months at $30. Job listings are posted every Friday and stay online for one month. A listing costs $75 for the first 25 words and $1.50 for each additional word. There is an additional $20 fee for bold text. The site also provides a direct link to the AJM Education Guide, a list of jewelry education institutions, programs, and contacts.
MIADORA.COM ADDS ROBERT LEE MORRIS
Miadora.com has added Robert Lee Morris jewelry to its site. It?s the famous designer?s first foray onto the Internet.
?We?re constantly looking for products that will keep us on the cutting edge of trends and styles,? says Barry Gilbert, Miadora president and CEO. ?Morris has tremendous recognition in the industry, and the addition of his work is another example of what sets us apart? from other online retail sites.
The collection offered on the site consists of more than 30 pieces, including classic and hand-forged jewelry in 18k and sterling silver, as well as Morris?s signature family of talismans, also in 18k and silver. Topping the collection: a platinum and diamond necklace valued at $10,000.