Monday, July 09, 2007

Good Business Model: Couture Jewels Designed by Best Friends

Artists are allowed to "pop in" on each other's studios. and I used my privilege to see my friend Karla the other day. She's a brilliant designer whose medium is precious metal with the finest diamonds and gems. Karla has a great new book of her own beautiful designs.



It makes you feel good and a little proud when your friends are doing good work. Her business is called Best Friends Diamonds & Gems and her operating model is very different from your average jewelry retailer or designer.
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Karla's focus is to provide 100% customized service without any street profile. Her couture atelier is private and exclusive - no uninvited guests. If you don't know her or know someone close to her - forget about getting an appointment.
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She works with a lot of clients who have a seed of a concept or important occasions or family pieces in need of adaptation. She nurtures client's ideas and embodies discretion. Her brand is simple and traditional. It is as far from the enclosed mall franchise as Couture Chanel is from the Dress Barn. I like that she'll provide certification for conflict-free stones.
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It's been great to see her grow as a designer and as business manager over the last decade.
She was always a fantastic designer but resources -- great craftspeople and access to the best materials -- has grown.


Adaptation of a Papal Ring


Platinum carved to resemble wood grain with a great old family stone.

She's a fantastic designer who brings everything to the table.

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