These are unprecedented times for the global economy and the world at large — uncharted waters for the fine jewelry industry, to say the least. With a reputation as a future-oriented thought leader, Gabriel & Co. has been envisioning the kinds of tools and tactics that will help jewelers remain grounded even in unsteady times. Our retailers’ success is our top priority: Read on to learn more about how the technological innovations Gabriel is developing will help retailers transform and thrive even during times of profound change.

In advancing the store of the future concept, Gabriel & Co. is pursuing a vision of technological integration and innovation to benefit its retail partners. It not only keeps retailers on the cusp of the digital frontier but also has exponentially increased customer foot traffic to their stores.

With a modern matrix of software and services, this model wields ingenuity and powerful machine-learning capabilities into a seamlessly integrated entity, one that is tailor-made to drive sales across a multifaceted delivery platform encompassing the in-store, online, and mobile experiences.

“We recognize that in order to be successful, stores need to offer an immersive, multi-touchpoint experience that mirrors the reality of today’s omnichannel consumer marketplace. More than any other third-party vendor or partner, Gabriel & Co. has invested in making this 21st-century retail vision a reality,” says CEO Jack Gabriel. “Technology should be embraced as a means for forging meaningful customer relationships, and Gabriel & Co. believes that digital screens can draw people together rather than create a barrier.”

Leveraging virtual reality and artificial intelligence keeps Gabriel & Co. retail partners on the cutting edge and puts them at a competitive advantage. Gabriel & Co.’s website and phone applications offer an even greater degree of functionality and scalability, with new and improved apps to help the retailer’s sales staff manage the customer experience, while on the back end, robust software tools facilitate management and operational efficiency.

• The View-In-Store feature on Gabriel & Co.’s website steers bridal consumers to a Gabriel & Co. partner located near them. Customers can book same-day to view their favorite engagement rings, a functionality that directly drives foot traffic and sales.
• Similarly, fashion consumers on Gabriel & Co.’s website allows consumers to place a jewelry order online. Gabriel & Co. then handles fulfillment directly to consumers, and the associated retail partner reaps the profits and gains a client.
• The Gabriel Magic App on both the Google Play Store and Apple Store is a best-in-class tool that lets customers virtually try-on the vast array of Gabriel & Co.’s fine jewelry, which includes engagement rings, wedding bands for men and women, and fashion jewelry. Most recently, it has been expanded to include greater customization and personalization features. The app’s virtual “try on” function lets them visualize exactly how an engagement ring or necklace will look on them and they can see it on their smartphones. End consumers that have created totally custom engagement rings through our retail partners can view completed designs and “try them on” in the app in as little as 24 hours. Seamless social platform integration makes it easy for these shoppers to share and solicit feedback with their friends and family and deepen their engagement with the brand and the retail partner they worked with.
• The AI-aided Gabriel Personal Shopper GPS® engages the customer with a variety of styles tailored to their personalities and tastes. The “similar style seeker” function greatly enhances a store’s ability to leverage its in-stock inventory to drive sales by presenting customers with a personal virtual jewelry box from which they can curate their own product wish lists.

This dynamic tool kit is supported by an expanded concierge team made of Gabriel & Co. specialists that visit stores and give sales staff hands-on training. The toolkit includes collateral support material such as the brand’s highly acclaimed annual Fashion Book magazine now in its fifth year of printing. The magazine, customized for retail partners and mailed to their customers, covers the latest fashion trends, styling tips on how to wear fine jewelry every day, and features exclusive fashion designer collaborations. The concierge team works with retailers to visually merchandise their display cases reflecting the collections seen online and in print collateral.

“With a best-in-class suite of customer-facing and back-of-the-house technological solutions, Gabriel & Co. offers unparalleled support to our retailers as they navigate a dynamic and complex retail landscape,” says Dominick Gabriel, senior vice president and chief design officer. “We hope that by providing our retail partners with technology to improve the in-store experience, their sales teams can forge stronger relationships with their customers.”