Jewelry Shopping in the Digital Age

There is a lot of talk in the jewelry industry about the merits of shopping online versus shopping in stores. Most retailers are on one side of the argument or the other based on how their store operates. Fink's is different from so many of our competitors because of our approach to both.

The relationship between our stores and our website is part of what helps Fink's provide a unique shopping experience for our customers. Because we've been in business for almost 80 years, we have the benefit of a long-standing reputation in our communities. Our customers are familiar with our quality and trust our service.

So many retailers discourage their customers from shopping with online retailers because the competition is fierce; there's always someone willing to sell consumers something at a rock-bottom price. The quality of the merchandise is questionable and there's no support when customers need service, repairs, or sizing.

What makes the Fink's Jewelers online customer experience so different is that our merchandise is backed by long-standing vendor relationships and the knowledge and experience of our buyers and staff.

When Fink's customers choose to shop online, they get peace of mind from shopping with a reputable company. The eCommerce department offers personalized services on all orders, including gift wrapping and personal shopping. Returns and special orders are handled promptly and customers enjoy quick responses to emails and phone calls.

These days, it's not uncommon for customers to browse our website before visiting our stores no matter how many times they've shopped with us before. Knowing this, we update products and prices on our website daily. Our online inventory has grown from about 300 items a year ago to now almost 2000 pieces of jewelry. Shoppers know they can't find everything they want in each store, so our website lets them see an expanded selection of merchandise whenever they want. It makes it so easy for customers to come to our stores ready to buy. Our sales staff in our stores work with our eCommerce department to create the best experience for every Fink's customers.

When Fink's customers prefer to shop in our stores, they enjoy the convenience of browsing large merchandise selections from some of their favorite designers. From our website, they can request to see an item in a store nearby, then try it on buy it when it's convenient. No matter how you prefer to shop, we're certain that you'll be pleasantly surprised with everything Fink's has to offer.

_____________


Prior to joining Fink's Jewelers as eCommerce Manager a year ago, Denise Stanley owned an advertising agency in Roanoke, VA. She can be found Twittering and Facebooking about Finks.com daily. She enjoys being mommy to her two fantastic daughters.

When is a Watch not a Watch?

by Denise Stanley, Fink’s Jewelers, eCommerce Manager, Roanoke, VA

So, when is a Watch not a Watch? When it's not authentic.

Seems logical, right? But in the world of internet shopping where millions of virtual items are at our fingertips for immediate purchase, finding authentic merchandise isn't always easy.

When you're in the market for a brand name timepiece, you're likely to go online to find the nearest retailer. You browse through their selection and locate the one you have in mind. Then you notice the price, and click-click, you're comparing prices across a few websites to find the same item at the lowest price. In less than 30 minutes you've found exactly what you want at the cheapest price you can locate and are ready to enter your credit card and buy it.

Beyond the obvious fear of credit card fraud and shady websites, you might hesitate for a minute because you've never heard of this retailer before. But they have a nice-looking website and obviously have a huge selection, so they must be a good source. Besides, they have a great return policy and money-back guarantee.

The pitfall to online shoppers, especially in the world of brand names, is the Unauthorized Dealer. Sometimes called "Grey Market" retailers, the merchandise they sell is of uncertain origin. You might be buying used, reconditioned, altered, or even knock-off merchandise and worse, you probably won't find out in time to use that generous return policy.

Wanting to save 15-30% on an expensive item, many of us can be easily lulled into trusting a web retailer. In this situation it backfires when you need to have the watch repaired and bring it to an authorized dealer to send it to the manufacturer. The $500 you saved means nothing when you learn you've paid $1800 for a fake watch and the manufacturer won't repair it.

We all love a great deal, but grey market retailers devalue the brands you love. As a rule of thumb, ONLY shop on the websites of authorized retailers. (You can find authorized retailers on the brand's website.) An authorized retailer will NOT make repairs in-house when the item is under manufacturer's warranty (this will void the warranty). They will NOT sell outside of their territory (this is a violation of the vendor restrictions). They will NOT offer you a discount on new merchandise and will only honor price considerations with the manufacturer's approval.

_____________


Prior to joining Fink's Jewelers as eCommerce Manager a year ago, Denise Stanley owned an advertising agency in Roanoke, VA. She can be found Twittering and Facebooking about Finks.com daily. She enjoys being mommy to her two fantastic daughters.

What Makes our Swiss Timpieces so 'Fine'

by Carlos Colmenero, Fink's Jewelers, Store Manager at The Streets at Southpoint, Durham, NC

Time to ‘Blog’ my marketing director says ... Hmmm, what to write about? How about a passion of mine, fine timepieces. To me a nice wristwatch is like a great cigar after a steak at Ruth’s Chris ... it just gets my juices flowing! Seriously.

I can remember coming to this company about 6 1/2 years ago. I had only sold watches like Seiko, Citizen and Movado just to name a few. Nice watches, don’t get me wrong. The difference is how they are made, mass production vs. mass inspection. I've learned that a watch connoisseur would rarely settle for a watch that is not self-winding if given the choice.

It’s not just the name of the brand, but how the watch is made that is so sexy! The great thing about my job is I get to visit these beauties EVERY DAY!! We carry watches like Patek Phillippe, Rolex, Bretling, and many more. Watches that take 8 months to make from start to finish. I guess the craziest thing about selling nice timepieces is that 95% of people in America don’t own a watch over $500. All the watches we have in our store are over $500, so I always say I live in a warped universe.
The reality is, the watches tend to be more expensive just because there is a lot more hands-on craftsmanship. For instance, Breitling sends every one of their watches to a test facility in Switzerland called the C.O.S.C where they are unbiasedly re-tested to ensure perfect accuracy. They have to be accurate to -4 to +6 seconds a day for self-winding, automatic timepieces. They also created the first and only quartz watch that is C.O.S.C certified, (the C.O.S.C. had never given the certificate to anyone for a quartz watch because they are usually pretty accurate at +,- 30seconds a year. That’s pretty good timekeeping but for a battery operated watch, very common). They have the ‘superquartz technology that is accurate to within +,- 3 seconds a year… the most accurate timepiece in the world!

Myself, I like the old fashioned way of keeping time. Besides, Marc Fink won’t mind if I’m 6 seconds late, (ya right!) Just think, A watch that has no battery… just running off the movement of your wrist! I heard someone once say, "It’s like a tiny miracle going on in there!" and it’s true. It is old-world craftsmanship that propels the watch….the meticulous love of a watchmaker painstakingly putting together an instrument that contains in some cases over 500 individual parts! Wow.

The part I love the most is just the feeling you get when you wear them. You know you have a great timepiece when you want to wear short sleeves when it is 35 degrees outside! You’re either crazy ... or in love with time! I have many clients and friends who have great watches. Some have a watch for different outfits. Others have just one that they love.

The truth is whether you spend $500 or $50,000, watch making and watch buying are precious arts. The right watch says a lot about you, but does not define you. As a guy especially, it is one of the few things you can get away with these days. They might be able to question the earring in your ear ... but never the timepiece on the wrist!

Carlos has been in the jeweler industry for 12 years, over half of that with Fink's. He and his beautiful wife Lori have been married for 10 years and have a superstar son, Kobe and a baby daughter, Avery.

Love Stories... Mark and Meg

Not many potential fianceés start throwing their hands in the air and exclaiming, “we have no clue what we’re doing here!” But those are the words store manager Claire Brown heard from Mark and Meg as they nervously giggled in front of the diamond cases at Fink’s Triangle Town Center September 2007.

It all started with the standard “just looking” response, but Claire knew there was more behind the couple’s knowing looks at each other and their difficulty standing still.

Meg says “we were so clueless going in to look, but being together eight years we were ready, and really wanted it to be special and fun at the same time!” But the couple had no idea what to do next. “I'm not 100% positive Meg even knew that her engagement ring was supposed to go on her left hand,” says Claire. Meg had no clue what style she wanted, or how to make such an overwhelming decision when there were so many beautiful rings from which to choose. It seemed the only logical thing was to try on everything in the case. Meanwhile, Claire noticed Mark becoming more intrigued so she knew what to do next.

In the diamond room she showed the couple all the technical aspects of choosing a diamond and got to know them and their style in the process. “She made the experience so much fun, was very knowledgeable, never made us feel pressured, and really made it all about us,” says Meg. In the end they decided on the Ritani Endless Love solitaire. Claire says, “They are just genuinely happy people and were a blast to be around. She is humble and sweet and I’ve never seen her without a smile on her face! Mark was so proud to give her this ring.”

Meg comes by every time she’s in the mall to have her ring cleaned and just say hello. Meg says, “Most of all Claire made us feel 110% confident in Fink’s and what they stand for. A great company with top-notch diamonds, and most importantly, top-notch service!!!” They planned the destination wedding of their dreams in Negril, Jamaica and even brought pictures by Fink’s to share with Claire. The couple says she was and still is the best help, and a great new friend.

Of the happy couple Claire says, “They are perfect for each other, I couldn’t be more thrilled for them!”

Fink's Jewelers Receives Recognition for Excellence in Training

Fink's has always believed in excellence in sales associate training programs. In addition to attending product training lead by vendors such as David Yurman, John Hardy, Cartier, and Tag Heuer, our associates go through several programs we've developed to achieve better customer service.

All sales associates attend a one-week training program held in our corporate headquarters soon after hire. They experience the fundamentals of jewelry and what sets our product apart from other retailers. They also learn important procedures directly from our Merchandising, Information Systems, Marketing, and eCommerce Departments.

We also train associates additionally throughout the year in clientelling practices and motivated sales achievement. Our programs are developed on an ongoing basis by Charlene Hudson, Director of Sales Training.

Read the article: Luxury Jewelers Resource Group Recognized For Excellence By Training Magazine

Love Stories… Tammy and Jeff

Many times purchasing jewelry is the fulfillment of a dream. Ellen Freeman,
a Fink’s sales associate in Charlotte, helped make a very special time fun and romantic for Tammy and Jeff Norris.

“My wife Tammy had a picture saved from years ago that happened to be of an Elara diamond ring. This was her ‘dream’ diamond that she had saved a picture of, if she ever met the ‘man of her dreams.’ Hoping that I would be that man, I knew Fink’s carried the beautiful diamond and went there to purchase what I would hope to be the ultimate engagement ring and make me the ‘man of her dreams.”’

Ellen talked to Jeff on the phone and explained that she brought in several additional pieces from our 14 stores to offer them the ultimate selection. Then, the couple made their way to Fink’s Jewelers where Tammy selected a few of her favorite styles and then left the rest up to Jeff. Ellen says: “we found a brilliant three-stone Elara ring that was perfect for her. Jeff couldn't wait and surprised her with it a few days later.”

After their romantic engagement dinner, the couple had their “dream” wedding in Clearwater, Florida. The couple also chose Fink’s as their jeweler for their wedding bands. Jeff says: “When choosing the wedding band, Ellen gave us great advice and a variety of rings to choose from. She was instrumental in helping us select just the right ring that my wife would wear on her finger for the rest of our married life.”

Fink's publishes first online-only catalog

This Valentine's Day we wanted to provide our customers with the shopping and gift ideas they've come to rely on from Fink's Jewelers, but with a twist! Our first-ever virtual catalog is available through our website as a PDF full of the latest gift ideas from designers like Tag Heuer, David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Cartier, John Hardy, and more. As an added convenience, items in the catalog link directly to shopping pages at finks.com.



We believe our customers will enjoy browsing and sharing our online catalog and will appreciate instant online shopping that allows them to compare items, create a wish list, buy online, or request the item through the store of their choice.

Best of all, our catalog is completely Green, requiring no paper to print and no fuel to distribute. Wouldn't John Hardy be proud?!

Click here to see our catalog

Fink's Featured in InStyle Magazine

Fink’s Jewelers makes an appearance in one of the hottest fashion magazines!

Throughout the February issue of InStyle Magazine, you’ll see today’s hottest celebrities, the season’s latest fashion trends and… Fink’s Jewelers!!

We threw a Balinese bash at our Short Pump location in Richmond, Virginia and it was the talk of the town! Guy Berida, head designer for John Hardy, made a special appearance to unveil his latest designs and meet some of his avid collectors. In celebration of the John Hardy Balinese culture, guests enjoyed cocktails and organic hors d’oeuvres inspired by the Indonesian island of Bali. In addition to great food, friends and fabulous jewelry, one lucky guest won an all expense paid trip to Bali!

Cheers to InStyle and John Hardy for bringing Fink’s Jewelers into the fashion spotlight! Grab the February issue of InStyle Magazine and check it out for yourself…

Part of the Fink's Family. . .

by Joey White, Fink's Jewelers, Assistant Manager at the Streets at Southpoint, Durham, NC

Many customers believe that a salesperson is interested in only making a sale-doing whatever it takes to get their money, and that afterwards, never hears from them again. At Fink’s Jewelers, we are here to not only be sales professionals, but also to build relationships with our customers.


Recently I was invited to attend the wedding of my very good customers Heather and Sean. I met Sean in December 2005, when we began picking out gifts from our extensive David Yurman collection for Heather, his then girlfriend.

When other gift giving occasions arose, Sean would come back into Fink’s and together we would choose new and exciting pieces. Eventually the time came for Sean to propose to Heather. She had definite ideas of what she wanted her engagement ring to be, but we searched our wide selection of diamonds to pick out just the perfect ring for her, and in October 2007, Sean found “the ring” and proposed.

When they came in a few months later to select their wedding bands, I was very delighted to hear that they wanted to invite me to attend their wedding ceremony. I was honored that as their jewelry salesperson, they also thought of me as their friend. What a great thing to be included in the company of their cherished friends and family members! Their wedding took place on October 4, 2008 at Brier Creek Country Club in Raleigh. It was a beautiful setting for an outdoor autumn wedding.
It’s been very rewarding to learn that customers think of me as more than just the person that sells them jewelry. They think of me as a friend and that’s just another perk of working at Fink’s Jewelers.

Joey White has a B.A. in Business Management from North Carolina State University. He is a 14 year veteran of the jewelry industry and has been with Fink's Jewelers for the past 8 years.

Fabulous Fall Finds

This fall the look is all about statement pieces and making a splash. We’ve seen it with politicians’ wives, Hollywood starlets and on the runway during fashion week. Unlike some others, the statement piece trend is simple to make your own. Simply choose your favorite type of jewelry i.e. necklace, earrings, bracelets, rings . . . then find a look you’ll love to wear! Below are my choices for fall statement pieces that suit almost every style and preference.


First up are necklaces . . . With the weather cooling down and turtlenecks being spotted, the necklace has a chance to shine! Beaded necklaces are a hit with David Yurman this year as well as bib necklaces by John Hardy. They’re perfect over and under the high necklines of fall tops and dresses.

However, I think my favorite this year is the layered pearl look. Often when walking through our stores, I instantly fall in love with what our sales associates have put together. Sometimes there’s a quality that’s shown when a piece is worn that you just can't see in the case. Honora has some perfect pieces in their colored pearl collections for a chunky look without too much bulk. The dark multi color pearls come in lengths up to 80 inches and can be worn wrapped a time or two or long. At our holiday catalog shoot this year we paired the 80” rope necklace with a 36” necklace of the same size pearls and an 18” necklace with a slightly bigger pearl. It is gorgeous! We tried it with a cream top, navy top and aubergine top (which was the final look you'll see when your catalog arrives!) and all complemented the pearls perfectly. This look could be worn with shades of green, brown, grays and metallics too.

My last pick in the layering family are rings from our Italian gold designers. I’ve always wavered between liking rings that stand up and catch light boldly and a ring that looks good but stays out of my way. Roberto Coin combines the two in yellow,
white and rose gold three stone diamond rings that are meant to be layered. The choice is yours whether to go with one, two or three shades at a time. They are also available with one diamond for more of an understated look.

A bold color choice, Marco Bicego has stackable rings with color gemstones all in 18k yellow, white and rose gold these rings pair up with the sun and sand of summer and the falling leaves and autumnal hues of the current season.

And finally, an old look worn in a new way. I always thought of pendants as a little outdated. But this year we’ve seen them worn in new ways. When wearing a v-neck dress or top placing a bold pendant and the tip of the “v” ends up making the pendant look more like an enhancer minus the chain. The same can be done with multiple pendants centered on strapless gowns much like an enhancer would hang but without the necklace. This look would work under blazers on camisoles or on all your holiday party dresses.

__________

Hollie Wingate has been the Marketing Coordinator at Fink’s for the past two years. She and her husband Mike live in Roanoke with their new son, West and their furry child, Lizzie.

Goods for the Guys

by Rhonda Anderson, Fink’s Jewelers, Sales Associate, Chesterfield Towne Center, Richmond, VA

Men can be daring, stylish, elegant and professional. Through diverse looks and options, the David Yurman Men’s Collection has a style for every man.
Every man can fit jewelry into his lifestyle, he just has to know who he is and what looks he can handle. That’s why Saturday, November 1, 2008 Fink’s at Chesterfield Towne Center is hosting a spectacular Men’s Trunk Event. Men’s jewelry is a rapidly growing trend that gives men the opportunity to truly express themselves. David Yurman’s son Evan has introduced many distinctive designs with different textures such as Seahorse, Alligator, Rhinoceros and Sea Urchin, which shows a love of nature and craftsmanship. Hollywood celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Usher and many others have even been seen wearing his fine quality jewelry! Evan says, “Our jewelry is for a man who knows what works for him, who understands design and quality.” The collection features stylish dog tags, sterling silver heavy link chains, bracelets and rings with rare stones.
It also includes black diamonds, titanium and watches. . .something for everyone! We are so excited about this event and think you will be excited to see the new collections too. A David Yurman representative will be on hand to help present this collection and help each guy find his style. Please come in and see what’s new in store.

Rhonda Anderson is a Sales Associate at Fink’s Jewelers Chesterfield Town Center and the David Yurman diva in her store. She is a 10 year jewelry industry veteran.

The Pink Ribbon Gathering

by Sarah Floyd, Fink’s Jewelers, Sales Associate at 419 at Colonial Avenue, Roanoke, VA

This week marked Roanoke’s 11th annual Pink Ribbon Gathering. This American Cancer Society fundraiser is a project that the Fink family whole-heartedly supports and Marc Fink has actively backed it for years, hosting a table at the event as well. In the past Fink’s Jewelers has partnered with Mikimoto, Cartier, John Hardy, Roberto Coin and David Yurman for this event.

The Pink Ribbon event began as a Pink Ribbon Tea to raise fund for the local American Cancer Society Discovery Shop. It was hosted in the basement of St. John’s Episcopal Church. Ladies came in hats and white gloves to support this great cause. A fashion show of Discovery Shop fashions served as entertainment and a group of volunteers made sandwiches, tea and sweets. In the first year almost $10,000 was raised.

Over time, with excellent volunteer leadership, the event has expanded and grown into a large luncheon. The Pink Ribbon Gathering is now hosted at the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center. Over 600 attendees participate in the event. The luncheon includes a pre-Gathering time, gourmet lunch, fashion show, jewelry giveaway and a speaker.

Fink’s sponsorship has grown as well. This year we donated 100 gift bags containing jewelry, Fink’s Jewelers Gift Cards and one bag had a grand prize in it from a vendor partner. This year David Yurman and Fink’s are donating a necklace and earring set from the Pavé Quatrefoil Collection! No wonder the gift bags sell out before the day of the event! Proceeds from the gift bags are donated in full to the American Cancer Society to help find a cure for and contribute to the fight against breast cancer.

At 2007’s luncheon Janie Fink, author and survivor shared her incredibly funny and moving journey through cancer and beyond and received an enthusiast standing ovation from the crowd.


Annually, this event nets over $55,000 for the American Cancer Society breast programs and services. To find out more about the 2008 event that took place October 20, please go to www.pinkribbonroanoke.org.

Sarah Floyd has been in the jewelry industry for 27 years, the past 10 with Fink’s first as manager at Towers Mall and 419 @ Colonial Ave. and now as a Sales Associate at 419 @ Colonial Avenue, Sarah has been involved with the Pink Ribbon Luncheon as a committee member and attendee for the past 7 years. She is shown here with a rather handsome Abercrombie and Fitch model and Joy Davis of Fink's SouthPark.

John Hardy Month at Fink’s Jewelers

by Tammy Cox, Fink’s Jewelers, Sales Associate, Short Pump Town Center, Richmond, VA

September was John Hardy Month at Fink’s Jewelers’ Richmond stores. If you’ve stopped by lately you may have noticed the new John Hardy images on the wall and the huge selection of John Hardy pieces on display. To wrap up this focus month in style, Saturday, October 4th Fink’s Jewelers Short Pump Town Center is hosting an event with John Hardy Head Designer Guy Bedarida and we couldn’t be more excited! All three Richmond stores have come together to focus on John Hardy’s vision and BEAUTIFUL new designs this fall. Lucky for us, Guy is personally coming to unveil the new collections and even previewing one-of-a-kind pieces from the Cinta Collection!

Some of the collections being featured are the Bamboo, Naga, Langit and the list goes on! The Bamboo Collection is a tribute to the beauty, strength and versatility of bamboo, the noble tree-like grass that has been called “nature’s gift to mankind.” This collection depicts bamboo saplings and leaf shoots in a new design evolution. In staying true to the philosophy of sustainable luxury, each piece from the Bamboo Collection has the number of bamboo planted stamped inside.


The Naga Collection is not for the faint of heart! The naga is the cosmic dragon found in ancient cultures throughout the world. In Chinese Mythology and throughout much of Asia, the universe is supported by two entwined nagas, an expression of positive and negative forces. The naga symbolizes the life force that brings health and prosperity. This collection is truly a must see!


The Langit Collection is a new twist on the Silver Chain Diamond Pavé Collection and is just plain gorgeous. Each piece is delicate and bold at the same time.



Of course all this is just a preview, I’m sure the real deal will be a sight to see!

Tammy has been with Fink’s jewelers for fours years and in the jewelry industry for over 25 years. She is the John Hardy Store Captain for the Short Pump Town Center location of Fink’s Jewelers and has a bench work and custom design background.

The Big Bad Ball

by Carlos Colmenero, Fink's Jewelers, Store Manager at The Streets at Southpoint, Durham, NC

There is nothing like a night out on the town! The first event I was able to attend for Fink’s was the Hospice of Wake County’s “Big Bad Ball” hosted by the Capital City Club in downtown Raleigh. Talk about electricity! The club occupies the entire top floor of the Progress Energy Building! That’s one thing I love about working for Fink’s Jewelers. Marc Fink really wants us involved in the community. He told me on my first day I needed to find something that I believed in, that I could be a part of and help to make a difference. Anyway, I’m digressing…..back to the Big Bad Ball. The name says it all. As a manager, I am fortunate to attend a variety of events. They all have great causes and many are for charities that help the community. The Big Bad Ball is one that takes it to another level.


The first year I attended, I remember Adriane Karlinski from our Triangle Town Center store giving me a call to ask if I would like tickets for my wife and me to attend. Of course I had heard about it from years past and immediately said yes! Since then, I have been looking forward to it every year. It’s a black tie event and when walking down the hall of the Progress Energy Building in downtown Raleigh, YOU FEEL THE ENERGY! You are always greeted with a smile…..at $125 a ticket you should be…but they spare no expense. Up to the top floor you go. There you are greeted with champagne and again a smile.

Another great thing for both the Hospice of Wake County and Fink’s is that we earn a Platinum Sponsorship which means Fink’s commits to donating over $10,000 to Hospice. This year, for example, we have partnered with Breitling for the event to provide two luxury timepieces.


Every year as I survey the attendants, everyone looks sharp. When I first arrive I like to see what we are donating on display. Adriane, who I mentioned earlier, is responsible for the event for Fink’s, and has been working hand in hand with the Hospice of Wake County on the pieces we are raffling. Everyone who purchased a ticked is eligible to win. When you get there, you tear off your ticket stub and throw it in the bucket. Like I mentioned, Breitling is our 2008 partner and I can’t wait to see what will be won!

Time to hit the silent auction tables; so many things for auction; I have to keep my wife from taking us to the poor house! Oh well, it’s for a great cause! From autographed basketballs and footballs to Hurricane jerseys and trips to Mexico, the silent auction has it all. I’m telling you…..there are literally over 1000 pieces up for bid! There is even a local artist who creates a masterpiece before your eyes.

After tearing my wife away from the spa and beauty table we head over to check out the food. This is what I look forward to the most. The buffet at this event puts any buffet in Vegas to shame…no joke! And the music, oh the music. They have live bands
and I have a good friend who usually plays the keyboard in one of the bands, so I go visit him for a few. Meanwhile the countdown is on for the silent auction…which means we are only minutes away from the main event (and I’ve lost my wife again). I guess I could be a little biased when it comes to this part of the event…mainly because we are involved. Time for the magic!

Everyone gathers around the podium. With windows all around, you can see Raleigh in all its splendor….The winner of the Breitling watches are…? I guess you’ll have to attend this year if you want to know, it could be you!

Time to get another bite to eat and hit the dance floor. I’m not even sure what time the event ends since it has outlasted me the past 4 years. Sincerely though, the event is a great time. The part that I like best is that everyone has a great time
and it helps support a wonderful cause. My grandfather was in need of hospice care but where he lived it wasn’t offered. A true shame. To help an organization like the Hospice of Wake County is not only part of the job…but a pleasure!

For more information or to join in on this year’s Big Bad Ball, click here.

Carlos has been in the jeweler industry for 12 years and will be celebrating his 6th year with Fink's this October. He and his beautiful wife Lori have been married for 10 years and have a superstar son, Kobe and a soon-to-be daughter, Avery.

Pink Ribbon Polo Cup

Charlottesville, VA
pinkribbonpolo.com

Fink’s Jewelers participates in many Pink Ribbon events throughout the year. Each employee involved volunteers their personal time and energy to make event a success. One such event is the Pink Ribbon Polo Cup ....

Over the past four years the Pink Ribbon Polo Cup has become a highly anticipated event in Charlottesville. This year’s event was held on June 14 at the King Family Vineyards in Crozet with Team Eagle versus Team Embarq in the main event. Proceeds from this event are divided equally between Martha Jefferson Hospital and the University of Virginia Health System Cancer Center for the fight against breast cancer. Organized by the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation the event is more than just a polo match.

Festivities began mid-morning with a tour by the Stage Junction Clydesdales; live music was provided by the Duke Merrick Band and a wine tasting was held by the Vineyards. The majority of attendees brought picnic lunches and set up either under the pink umbrellas or field side waiting anxiously for the traditional divot stomp. Karen Sherwin and Dianne Bain from Fink’s Jeweler’s Barracks Road location participated, coordinating a beautiful Roberto Coin Cheval Collection bracelet donation for the raffle. With breast cancer prevention, awareness and research being near and dear to the Fink’s family, we’re ecstatic to participate in such wonderful and worthwhile events.

Art + Jewelry = Favero

by LeAnn Shifflett
Fink's Jewelers, Barracks Road Shopping Center, Charlottesville, VA

It’s one thing to admire beauty, but quite different to create it. This is why fashion and jewelry go hand in hand. And no one knows fashion more intrinsically than Mariano Favero. He founded Favero in 1973 in the northeastern part of Italy, a region famous for the working of gold throughout the centuries. Sometimes referred to as Italy’s best-kept jewelry secret, this brand is making inroads in Hollywood where Barbra Streisand, among others, has been spotted wearing the jewelry, not to mention Catherine Zeta-Jones’ wedding band was a Favero design. It’s no surprise that Favero finds itself completely at home in the fashion capital of the world.

Favero is one of the newest brands to Fink’s but has had tremendously positive introduction. Mariano Favero’s craftsmanship and vibrancy exploits itself by using beautiful gemstones and quality diamonds that are uniquely brilliant. Each piece can be worn as a statement piece or in understated elegance.

A lady that enjoys and has an appreciation for elegance and beauty will be attracted to Favero jewelry. When she wants a bold look, color matters and Favero does not shy away from it at all! This jewelry line allows any lady to steal the show and seize the day!

Even if you have a limited wardrobe in color or feel like you wear too much black and white like me, Favero will be the splash of color that awakens you classic attire. However, if you are already sparkling with a colorful wardrobe, add complementary pieces to complete your look with a fun flare from Favero. From classic style to trendy chic, Favero fits a need and desire. After all, Mariano Favero made attention to detail an intricate part of his world-class jewelry design.

Whatever the occasion, try Favero! Favero is more that jewelry, it’s breathtaking art.

____


Items featured in this blog:
Oval Cut Gem and Diamond Drop Earrings
A 7x9 mm oval-cut Aquamarine, Citrine, Pink Tourmaline, or Green Tourmaline surrounded by approximately .29 ctw diamonds, set in 18k white gold.

Favero Princess Cut Gem Necklace
A 5.5 ct oval-cut Aquamarine, Citrine, or Green Tourmaline surrounded by approximately .25ctw diamonds, set in 18k white gold. 16-inch white gold chain features 6 bezel set diamonds.

Oval Cut Gem and Diamond Ring
A 10x14 mm oval-cut Aquamarine, Citrine, Pink Tourmaline, or Green Tourmaline surrounded by approximately .24 ctw diamonds, set in 18k white gold.
____


LeAnn Shifflett has been with Fink's Jewelers for over one year and holds a GIA accredited jewelry professional certificate. When not working she enjoys spending time with family and friends and outdoor activities.

Dog Days of Summer

By Lindsey Kirby
Fink’s Jewelers Marketing Director, Roanoke, VA

Ahhh, the lazy days of summer… I wish!

Somewhere in-between the spring flowers and holiday sparkles lie the dog days of summer. While most people lounge by the pool or take relaxing beach vacations, we here in the Fink’s Jewelers marketing department work through our busiest time of year! Now is the time Susan, Hollie and I prepare for the much anticipated Holiday selling season. It all begins with our annual Holiday catalog.


The process starts with hand-selecting the beautiful pieces of jewelry for every page. Our buyers have just returned from the industry’s largest jewelry show held in Las Vegas armed with orders for fall’s hottest fashions. Each buyer, along with Mr. Fink, selects the best-of-the-best to feature in our catalog. Then, the fun begins! Susan, our Art Director, begins the creative process of hand-drawing the entire book – page by page. Those drawings are then sent to our photographer in New York where he will position the jewelry for every shot as Susan envisioned.

At the same time, each of us in the marketing department sifts through hundreds of model shots to pick the beautiful face that will represent Fink’s Jewelers for the coming year. Once we’ve found the perfect girl, we begin scouting locations for our model photo shoot. From fancy New York studios to a swanky Nashville hotel, each year we end up somewhere new. For two days, Susan and I dress our model in fancy clothes and beautiful jewelry and take more pictures than you could ever imagine. While the photographer is making sure our model looks perfect in every shot, Susan and I are focused on the true star of the shoot – the jewelry!


Then, the real work begins. We narrow down hundreds of model photographs to the perfect few that showcase the jewelry perfectly. At the same time, color-correcting the jewelry on every product page in order to show the true sparkle and life of each piece. After the pages are selected and the final digital files are complete…it hits the press. A few weeks later, more than 200,000 Fink’s Jewelers catalogs arrive in homes all over the country. Women swoon, men chose the perfect holiday gifts and we ladies in the marketing department let out a huge sigh of relief.

As we all know, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” And, our annual Holiday catalog has a beautiful story to tell!
____


Lindsey is at the helm of Marc Advertising, Fink’s Jewelers in-house advertising agency. She has been with Fink’s for over six years, first as the Marketing Coordinator then as Marketing Director. She is a Roanoke native and Virginia Tech alum.

Pearls, Every Fashionista’s Favorite

by Converse Roberts
Fink's Jewelers, Northlake Mall, Charlotte, NC
sales.northlake@finks.com

It shouldn’t be shocking in the least that Cartier bought his famed Fifth Avenue store for a double strand of them. After all, Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn wore them with style and grace, and the Princess of Monaco chose to accessorize with them for her legendary royal wedding extravaganza. Sophisticated and ultra-feminine, pearls have long been every fashionista’s favorite. Like our cherished little black dress, pearls are a must in every well dressed lady’s jewelry wardrobe. A collection without them would be, well, a very incomplete collection at that…

Legend has it that Cleopatra (one of history’s best dressed women) once drank a crushed pearl, then valued at $1 million, in vinegar, to prove to Marc Anthony that she could throw the most decadent dinner party of their time.

Whether worn in drops as Teri Hatcher did at the Golden Globes with her David Yurman earrings, or as studs accented with diamonds with a fabulous pair of designer jeans and fitted t-shirt, pearls have an enduring elegance that scream true style like no other. And to imagine that wearing pearls was once a crime severely punished for those not of extreme wealth and privilege!

With the vast depletion of natural pearls, such options would never have been possible if not for the grueling years sacrificed by Kokichi Mikimoto in the name of researching pearl cultivation. American genius, Thomas Edison, upon meeting with the Pearl King, remarked that, “This isn’t a cultured pearl, it’s a real pearl. There are two things which couldn’t be made at my laboratory – diamonds and pearls. It is something which is supposed to be biologically impossible”. Experts all over the world agreed with Mr. Edison that there were no differences between the natural pearl and Mikimoto’s cultured pearl!

Thanks to his brilliant discovery, years later the Mikimoto Company offers a collection so stunning Grace Kelly would surely approve. For those of us that have the desire to add these luminous beauties to our collection, it’s easier than ever. Mikimoto celebrates their 150th anniversary this June with an unheard of twelve month, deferred interest, financing. Although no longer a crime to wear luxury pearls, it certainly would be to pass on Mikimoto’s generous offer!

____

Items featured in this blog:

Mikimoto 7-7.5" Akoya Pearls in Motion Necklace and Earrings
Mikimoto Black South Seas Pearls in Motion Necklace and Earrings
David Yurman Silver Pearl Bead & Chain Necklace
___

Converse Roberts holds a GIA Graduate Jeweler degree, the Jewelry Design, Casting, Mold Making certificates, and is currently studying to earn the Graduate Gemological Degree, all from GIA.

Going Green at Fink's Jewelers

by Veronica M. Wilson
John Hardy Store Captain, Triangle Town Center, Raleigh, NC
Triangle@finks.com

When I first started with Fink's Jewelers, I was introduced to the John Hardy brand. Instantly, I was intrigued by the craftsmanship and Balinese-inspired designs. At the time, I was totally unaware of the effect the John Hardy brand would have on my life.
Passionate about the environment and our impact on it, John Hardy became one of the first companies to take a stance on global warming. As a way to offset the carbon emissions of print advertising, John Hardy began to reforest the island of Nusa Penida (just off the coast of Bali).
His headquarters and workshops in Bali are located on a fully functioning organic farm where all of the buildings are made of sustainable bamboo. On the compound, where the Hardy family also lives, they grow all of their own vegetables and grains. Each day, more than one hundred artisans and craftsmen, including John Hardy himself, sit down for lunch under an open canopy.

I am so proud to carry John Hardy's collections in my store, but I am even more proud and passionate about one collection in particular. The aptly named "Bamboo Collection," available in sterling silver and 18 karat yellow gold, is designed to raise awareness and funds for the bamboo reforestation of Nusa Penida. On each piece from the Bamboo Collection, the number of bamboo planted is stamped inside. A great reminder of how we can be fashion forward and environmentally friendly at the same time! Who knew it could be as simple as wearing stunning jewelry? Please stop by Fink's Jewelers store to take a look at our large assortment of unique and beautiful John Hardy pieces.

____

Items features in this blog:
John Hardy 18k Bamboo Slim Ring
John Hardy Set of 3 Bamboo Slim Bangles
John Hardy Bamboo Cuff Links
___

Veronica has been in the jewelry business for nearly three years, the past two of which have been with Fink's. A native of Raleigh, NC, she studied International Business at Meredith College. She also has three certificates from the Gemological Institute of America.

Tags, Not Ties, This Father's Day

By Dan Schaffer
Manager Finks at MacArthur Center Norfolk, Va.

With Father’s Day soon approaching, when my clients are shopping for the man in their life over, I find myself taking them to the Men’s David Yurman case — especially with all the new choices Yurman has to offer in exotic stone choices for men's rings, cuff links, bracelets and dog tag necklaces. These days men don’t have to settle for ties on Father's Day.

I find the new textures in the alligator, the rhino print and the living coral so interesting and unique. Whether you're looking for a stylish piece of jewelry for a man or searching for the next great piece for his David Yurman collection, this season gives plenty of great options, even for my repeat customers who can’t think of a gift for that certain someone.


We also know that the David Yurman client is a collector of sorts so now we can start a collection for him. David Yurman is so special in the jewelry industry because he has continually been able to reinvent himself over and over again and since we live in a more casual society his designs are made to be worn all the time (even the ones with diamonds). So the next time you’re looking for a gift that isn't that "same old same old" come on into Fink’s and let’s explore the newest things that David Yurman has to offer in his men's line.

____

Items featured in this blog:

David Yurman Black Onyx Tag
Black onyx dog tag with sterling silver logo and "925" inlay and Cable trim. Sterling silver chain.
David Yurman Sea Urchin Ring
Sterling silver sea urchin-embossed ring with 18-karat yellow gold DY stamp and faceted black diamond center.
David Yurman Rhino Plate Bracelet
From the Naturals Collection™, rubber bracelet with sterling silver rhinoceros-embossed plate.

___

Dan Schaffer is the manager Fink's Jewelers at MacArthur Center Norfolk, VA. He has been in the industry for 25 years, ten of which he has been with Fink's Jewelers. Dan is GIA Certified in Diamonds and has completed extensive training with Breitling and Tag Heuer. He loves God, family, and golf (in that order).