By Barbara Wheat

After a record-breaking 2011, Rebecca is poised to again triumph in 2012 with a variety of new collections that have the jewellery world buzzing.

Already a favourite of fashion editors and stylists, Rebecca’s Half Moon Glam, Cashmere Devil, Devil, and Half Moon collections have taken the jewellery world by storm. For 2012, designer Alessandro Testi has done it again and has launched five fabulous new collections, including a fresh array of elegant timepieces, with cases made of gold over bronze. Equipped with Japanese quartz movements, the new watches are water-resistant and feature the brand’s proprietary iconic “glam film” or “shimmering overlay.”

At the prestigious BaselWorld show in Switzerland, the unveiling of the Soleil Collection attracted great interest. Made of gold or rhodium over bronze with white shimmering overlay, its glistening interlocking rings add glamour to any outfit. The Watamu Collection, in rose gold over bronze, takes the iconic Rebecca look to a new luxurious level with semi-precious stones and Swarovski crystal pavé in daring new colours.

The Louis XIV Collection (rhodium and gold over bronze) includes elegant shimmering styles embellished with coloured stones, while the Half Moon Summer Collection comes in eight dazzling hues for the summer season (rhodium over bronze with various tones of shimmering overlay). The bold Devil and Cashmere Devil collections, featuring paisley and Italian motifs, are made with a special celluloid called “French Ivory” combined with rose gold and rhodium in several colours.

In the midst of uncertain market conditions, Rebecca has built a strong brand identity and become a market leader in the fashion jewellery segment. With the rising prices of gold and customers’ hesitation to purchase karat gold pieces, Rebecca has proven to be the perfect choice using bronze with sterling silver or 18K gold overlay. Its stylish designs combine innovative techniques to create fashion-forward pieces for today’s active lifestyles, and at very affordable price points (ranging from $150 to $500).

In terms of innovation, the brand’s “glam film” or “shimmering overlay” used in many of Rebecca’s designs is created by a special laser process that ripples the surface of the metal to form micro-prisms that refract light to create a dazzling diamond-like sparkle. This effect is especially striking in the Half Moon and Soleil collections.

Now more than ever, retailers are looking to Rebecca to produce fashionable, luxurious jewellery at an affordable price point. True to form, Rebecca has not only answered the market call, but has exceeded expectations. Jennifer Hornick from Jae’s Jewelers in Coral Gables, Florida explains, “We thought the Melrose Collection was fantastic when we first signed on with the brand, but then came Griffe, which outperformed even that, and now, the Half Moon Collection is simply flying out the door! We continue to be impressed with Rebecca’s ability to develop new, fresh looks that become fast bestsellers!”

Armen Darakjian, owner of Darakjian Jewelers in Southfield, Michigan says, “Visiting Rebecca at BaselWorld is always a must. And, the brand’s new collection did not disappoint. It is another extension of Rebecca, which certainly has its thumb on the pulse of the trends. For today’s woman, who wants or needs to be on the forefront of fashion, Rebecca is a great self-purchase. Priced amazingly well, Rebecca’s pieces look like they have come off the pages of the most iconic fashion magazines.” “Our retailers are our partners,” says Raffaele Capoferro, president of Rebecca USA, adding, “and the brand has a strong national and regional advertising presence as well as a retailer co-op program. Rebecca thus provides the exposure that retailers need to drive consumers to the store.” Coupled with ever-present editorial articles—including a recent mention in InStyle magazine featuring the Half Moon cuff—Rebecca has the perfect blend of marketing to ensure that each retailer is properly supported.

Although the new collections have only been previewed for a few weeks, top fashion editors are already racing to get their hands on the new lines. “This market is an exciting opportunity for Rebecca,” continues Mr. Capoferro. “With signature designs, the quality of fine Italian craftsmanship, and the unbeatable prices, the world is taking notice more than ever before. With each piece of jewellery backed by a two-year warranty, Rebecca is a risk-free, glamorous alternative to the karat gold jewellery that customers love.”

With the 2012 collections already proving to be a hit, what better time than to become part of the Rebecca Retailer Network… For more information, visit Rebecca at the Couture Show, Salon #810.

www.rebecca.it

www.testiusa.com