Harry C. Glinberg Jewelers - Media Information

TRENDS

• IT'S ABOUT TIME -- One of the most popular trends in jewelry in the last year is the variety and popularity of high-end watches. While technology has changed little in the inner-workings of watches (movement on a $5 quartz could be the same as on a $5,000 time piece), personalization has become a highly sought after feature by customers. The ability to add diamonds and other stones, and adding custom-designed bands in favorite metal, is all the rage.

Among the most popular watches sold in 2007 in Glinberg's enterprise have been Breitling, Franck Muller and Patek Philippe. He said that Rolex and Movado continue to be well-known luxury brands, however other designers take greater liberty with dazzling designs that attract new customers.

• PRETTY PACKAGE -- Designer jewelry lines such as Simon G, Ninnaci and others continue to gain popularity. Glinberg said he's found that people are attracted to designer lines because they find particular styles and metals/stones that they favor.

• COLOR MY WORLD -- Color stones are popular choices among consumers who increasingly define themselves with what they wear.

• MEN IN BLING – Men are buying more jewelry than in years past and in many cases, it's for themselves. Sparked by athletes and entertainers who boast their bling from field to stage, men of all age brackets are investing in jewelry from diamond stud earrings to paeve encrusted chains and bracelets.

• IT'S MINE BECAUSE IT SAYS SO – Many of Glinberg's clients enjoy gifts they receive from others, or see a piece of jewelry that they like, but want to make it their very own. They call Glinberg and request that can their all-star ring game be enhanced with diamonds and a name (Amare Stoudemire) or a designer watch paved in stones and engraved (lots of clients have done that!). Find out what makes them want to make their pieces different than the other guys.

BUSINESS

• GOLD PRICES ARE BLINDING – The price of gold has hit highs not seen in decades and according to Glinberg, that's not necessarily a good thing. Customers during the holiday season were more cost-conscious because items they admired six months or a year ago may have increased in price by more than 25 percent. At about $800 per ounce, some experts expect the price of gold to skyrocket in 2008, which doesn't bode well for new jewelry sales. Instead of moving new inventory, jewelers are busy appraising customers' worn pieces that covet newfound cash.

CLIENTELE

• Harry Glinberg has more than 30 professional athletes on his client roster. He believes in providing these highly visible clients with what they value most: creativity, confidentiality (although some want to show the world their new and trendy bling) and a competitive price.

• Glinberg began working with athletes 10-years-ago. His first celebrity customer was NBA player, Armen Gilliam.

• Harry C. Glinberg Jewelers makes purchasing high-end jewelry simple and convenient for his clients regardless of where their travels take them. He coordinates special deliveries (e.g., Boyz II Men's Shawn Stockman's watch that he wore while singing "God Bless America" at Game 2 of the 2007 World Series) or by overnight shipping service. When someone sees a piece that they want, they contact Glinberg with a description, discuss embellishments and Glinberg gets it done.

• Harry C. Glinberg has also been the go-to man for when his famous clients shop for their girlfriends or family members. He's designed and sold many an engagement ring, including to NBA star, Ray Allen.

• Glinberg works with people from throughout his Milwaukee-based community as well. He takes great care in learning what their priorities are before selling a piece. Size isn't everything; it's often the best dazzle for the dollar.