PRESS RELEASES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lisa Krikawa
Krikawa Jewelry Designs
520-322-6090
www.krikawa.com
Local jeweler explores digital retailing in the 21st century
Lisa Krikawa visits 2010 Solutions Symposium
Lisa Krikawa of Krikawa Jewelry Designs recently participated in the 2010 Solutions Symposium, an exclusive jewelry industry event held in Lafayette, Louisiana. The Symposium was hosted by the leading manufacturer in the jewelry industry, which also happens to be a Sightholder with the Diamond Trading Company.
The independent retailers invited to this event were among a select group hand picked for their interest in implementing new and innovative jewelry practices in their stores. The conference featured educational seminars and interactive demonstrations ranging from computer aided design (CAD) to enhancing customer’s shopping experience through the use of virtual inventory. Lisa Krikawa added to her expertise in numerous areas with the ultimate goal of becoming better able to cater to the needs of Tucson shoppers.
“Providing beautiful jewelry at a great value, and building long-term relationships with my customers are the most important aspects of business at Krikawa Jewelry Designs. I’m eager to share everything I’ve learned about digital merchandising and marketing with my sales staff,” said Krikawa. “The Solutions Symposium has given me the tools necessary to help our customers fulfill their jewelry dreams. We can inspire their creativity and confidently deliver the perfect piece of jewelry.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 2009
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lisa Krikawa
Krikawa Jewelry Designs
520-322-6090
www.krikawa.com
‘Jam Kat’ Pick-Holster Innovation
Unveiled at Summer NAMM
Pauma Valley , California -
Imagine the guitar performance and compositional possibilities you
would have if you possessed a pick that would appear and disappear at
will. Pick-Smith’s revolutionary ‘Jam Kat’ Pick-Holster does just that.
The Jam Kat allows guitar and bass players to alternate seamlessly
between picking and finger-style playing. Additionally, the Jam Kat
provides tapping and slide-guitar flexibility, hands free recording,
knob tweaking, beer swilling and whatever else you may think to do in
between riffs, without ever losing your pick.
The Jam Kat is comprised of two nylon pieces
connected by a spring. The partial ring section fits comfortably on the
index finger. The spring-loaded pick harness keeps the pick out of the
way for unfettered finger-style and tapping techniques, while a simple
sweep of the thumb engages and locates the pick. Let go of the pick and
it returns ‘home’.
The Jam Kat was designed and developed by
Pick-Smith, Inc. president Patrick Swartz. An amateur
songwriter/guitarist and professional model-maker, Patrick reduces the
origin of the pick-holster to a selfish need. “When I compose, I play
finger-style. I wanted a pick for finding melodic single-note riffs
without learning sleight-of-hand or losing it between the couch
cushions. If I can’t buy what I need, I just build it.”
The Jam Kat accepts standard picks of thin,
medium and heavy gauge and is available in small, medium, large, right
and left hand. Accessories include a strap dock/case and custom picks to
tailor attack dynamics.
Pick-Smith is gearing up for full production
prior to the 2009 Summer NAMM Show in Nashville, July 17-19. The
company will augment its e-commerce website through prominent
distributors and dealers, and will kick-off the consumer demand with
advertising in print and on-line media.
Will the Jam Kat find a home with the picks,
slides and capo in every gig bag? Are we going to hear a new genre of
guitar composition and performance? You can see and try the Jam Kat
yourself at http://www.pick-smith.com/ordering.html
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lisa Krikawa
Krikawa Jewelry Designs
520-322-6090
www.krikawa.com
Krikawa Jewelry Designs Awarded 2009 Business Ethics Award
Tucson, AZ – May 2009 – Krikawa Jewelry Designs Inc. is
one of four southern Arizona companies to win the 2009 Better Business Bureau
Business Ethics Award.
The Tucson company, www.krikawa.com, designs custom, high
end wedding and engagement rings and distinctive jewelry art wear for client’s
world wide.
The Business Ethics Award honors local companies for
demonstrating exemplary management practices, upholding high standards in
relationships with customers, suppliers and shareholders; ensuring honesty and
integrity in marketing and advertising; and giving back to their communities.
“Companies don’t just submit a glitzy entry and hope for an
award,” says Kim States, BBB interim president.
“These companies must demonstrate how they operate according to
trustworthy and honorable business practices.
It’s something that everyone affiliated with the company should be very
proud of.”
Also receiving awards are Temco Air Environmental, Adobe
Rose Inn LLC and Bass & Associates P.C. Local winning entries will be
submitted for the Council of Better Business Bureau’s 2011 International Torch
Award competition hosted in Washington, D.C.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 2008
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lisa Krikawa
Krikawa Jewelry Designs
520-322-6090
www.krikawa.com
Krikawa Jewelry Designs Recipient of Three First Place Awards so far in 2008
Tucson , Arizona -- 2008 has already proven to be a successful year for
Krikawa Jewelry Designs. Having entered three national jewelry
competitions so far this year, they are batting a thousand with first
place wins in the 17 th Annual Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of
America Vision Awards, the 4th Annual Bench Jewelers Passion Awards
from BW Simon International and the 12 th Annual DIVA Design
Competition from the Women’s Jewelry Association, sponsored by Platinum
Guild International.
“I am overwhelmed and very
proud of our team in the success we have had this year,” said Lisa
Krikawa, designer, master goldsmith and owner of KJD. “Each competition
recognizes excellence in a different area of design and production, and
our dream team goldsmiths can compete with anyone.”
The
MJSA Vision Awards recognizes the talent and innovation of designers
whose work has a profound influence on the future of jewelry design.
The Passion Awards acknowledges the craftsmanship and artistry of the
bench jeweler while the Diva Awards honors outstanding design by women.
KJD also won two second place awards and was a finalist in three other categories.
DIVA Design Competition
The annual WJA DIVA Design Competition is a competition created to
promote and encourage jewelry design by women. Open to all women,
regardless of experience, formal training or background in jewelry or
jewelry design, the competition is judged by a panel of industry
experts who evaluate designs based on their originality, creativity,
wearability, and interpretation of an annual theme.
The 2008 Diva Design Competition Theme is the Platinum Wedding
For the second year in a row the Platinum Guild International is the
sponsor so our competition will celebrate the cool beauty of platinum.
“We are very honored again this year to partner with PGI and are
delighted to see the response from international designers working in
Platinum,” says Michelle Orman, WJA vice president, events, and
president of Lup.
B W Simon passionately believes
that Retail Jewelry Stores can operate Jewelry Repair Shops EFFICIENTLY
and have them contribute to the over-all PROFITABILITY of the store. To
accomplish this Retail Jewelers must continually strive to improve
skills at the bench and implement sound management principles in the
shop.
B W Simon assist retail jewelers
accomplish this by providing educational seminars; producing an e-mail
newsletter; publishing books, tapes, and computer software; and writes
articles for Trade Publications.
4th Annual Bench Jewelers Passion Awards from BW Simon International:
1st Place , Jewelry Design Team
2nd Place, Jewelry Design Team
Finalist, Jewelry Design Team
Finalist, Ladies Jewelry
Finalist, CAD Rendering: Ladies Rings
Lisa
Krikawa, designer, master goldsmith, and owner of Krikawa Jewelry
Designs, has received first and second place in the 17 th Annual
Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America Vision AwardDesign
Competition. This competitive and prestigious award recognizes the
talent and innovation of designers whose work has a profound influence
on the future of jewelry design. Entries come from all areas of the
jewelry industry including precious and fashion jewelry manufacturers,
designers, bench jewelers, and gem dealers.
Krikawa won first place in the Mokumé-gané Distinction category with Juicy Liqueur,
a ring named for its rich combination of high carat golds and vibrant
orange sapphires. Mokumé-gané is an ancient 17 th century Japanese
technique of forging precious metals together into beautiful wood grain
patterns.
High TeaRing, the
second place winner in the Palladium Distinction category, is a
sculptural ring reminiscent of a royal crown featuring a 19 carat
designer-cut tourmaline set in palladium and accented with diamonds.
Palladium, in the same family of metals as platinum, has a cool gray
color, and is extremely durable and rare.
“As a
competition based on designs that influence future trends in the
jewelry field, I am honored to be recognized for my work,” said
Krikawa. “I appreciate that the jewelry industry acknowledges that
fashion forward jewelry is being made by many smaller independent
designers.”
The MJSA Vision Awards were presented
on April 13, 2008 at MJSA Expo New York, the largest and oldest trade
show in the U.S. dedicated to the design and manufacturing of jewelry.
MJSA Expo New York attracts leaders and influencers from all aspects of
jewelry manufacturing and marketing.
An
independent jewelry designer for over a decade specializing in
engagement and wedding rings, Krikawa renovated a 1950s duplex in
Tucson, Arizona into a modern showroom and office with a complete
production studio with six goldsmiths. Known for her one-of-a-kind
settings and use of a variety of precious metals as her palette,
Krikawa’s studio/salon is a chic addition to traditional jewelry
venues.
To view the winning pieces or for more information go to Awards or visit www.mjsa.org. High resolution images available.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 21, 2008
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lisa Krikawa
Krikawa Jewelry Designs
520-322-6090
www.krikawa.com
TURNING YOUR JEWELS INTO TREASURES
TUCSON
-- With the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, the largest gem show in the
United States, poised to descend upon Tucson in less than 2 weeks,
you’re probably thinking about that spectacular 17 carat custom-cut
aquamarine that you just couldn’t resist buying last year…and is still
lying in your jewelry box.
Isn’t it time to do something with it besides lovingly gaze at its twinkle?
Janelle Curry knew just what to do: have a ring custom made for it.
Curry, a Tucson arts-based developer and local arts supporter, knew she
didn’t have to look very far for a quality jeweler.
“I’d
admired the work by Lisa Krikawa of Krikawa Jewelry Designs for years,”
said Curry recently, “so she was the first person I called.” Curry and
Krikawa met and discussed design concepts with Krikawa providing
detailed drawings several weeks later. “I marveled at Lisa’s
creativity,” reflected Curry. “She took the ideas we discussed in a
conversation and turned them into a three-dimensional piece of art”.
The result is a bold, sculptural ring that prominently features the
treasured aquamarine set in palladium with dramatic, oversized prongs
accented with diamonds. “I love to design custom pieces,” said Krikawa.
“It allows me to integrate my creativity with the personality and
desires of another individual. The collaboration often leads to
dramatic results”. Krikawa’s usual work focuses on unique wedding and
engagement rings which, although a creative endeavor, tend to have a
similar aesthetic. “I love making engagement and wedding rings because
each ring is personal to each couple,“ said Krikawa. “It is an honor to
be so intimately involved in the union of two people, but there is a
certain framework that most couples want me to design within.”
Clients
like Curry let Krikawa’s creativity to run wild. “Janelle is a dream
client because she likes dramatic, unusual-cut stones which allows me
to design outside my usual parameters,” admitted Krikawa.
Krikawa
reflects that the annual gem show has made her local clients more savvy
regarding gemstones. With nearly 50 different shows scattered
throughout the city, many Tucsonans have learned how to navigate its
maze.
“A lot of my local clients peruse the
various gem shows so they are aware of unusual cuts and colors of
stones,” said Krikawa. “This knowledge seems to make them a little more
daring when it comes to designing a piece for them.”
When
asked if she will be attending the gem show this year, Curry replied
“it is hard to resist. Every year I think I am just going to go look
and every year I find something I have to have. But at least now I know
how to turn my jewel into a treasure.”
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Photo:High Tea Ring: palladium, 17 carat tourmaline and 1.0ctw accent diamonds. Photo by Hap Sakwa for Krikawa Jewelry Designs. High-resolution image available.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 23, 2007
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lisa Krikawa
Krikawa Jewelry Designs
520-322-6090
www.krikawa.com
Tucson Jeweler Awarded First Place in North American Pearl Design Competition.
Entry to Face International Competition Next.
Lisa Krikawa, artisan, designer and owner of Krikawa Jewelry Designs
has been awarded first place in the Tahitian Pearl Trophy competition
sponsored by Perles De Tahiti GIE for her necklace, earring and ring
set entitled “Curls & Pearls”. Winning in the “Parure” category
among all North American entrants, Krikawa’s set will now be proceed to
the international competition to compete against finalists from over 30
countries.
“Tahitian pearls possess
an innate beauty due to their natural lustrous colors,” said Krikawa.
“The pearls themselves are inspirational and my challenge was to create
a design that would compliment their inherent beauty”
As the name implies, “Curls and Pearls” uses a curl motif suggestive of
the gentle waves found in the waters of the Tahitian pearls’ native
Polynesian lagoons. The necklace features three graceful platinum curls
connected by a delicate chain. The central motif has a single suspended
black pearl and a sparkling accent diamond. The earrings and ring echo
the necklace design.
The Tahitian
Pearl Trophy highlights the cultural and aesthetic diversity among
designers worldwide while featuring the treasured Tahitian Pearl. A
product of “Pinctada Margaritifera,” the black-lipped oyster is found
exclusively in the waters of French Polynesia and naturally secretes a
dark pigmentation that results in pearls of rare and luminous colors
ranging from grey to black often with green and blue metallic hues.
This jewel of the sea, once thought to be a gift from Oro, the
Polynesian god of peace and fertility , was long considered a royal
symbol.
In 2007, the Tahitian Pearl
Trophy Competition is devoted to national competitions in over 30
countries with thousands of jewelry designers submitting designs in ten
categories. Select first place pieces will travel to New York, Paris,
Hong Kong, Vicenza, Madrid and Kobe for promotional exhibition before
the final international competition in late 2008.
“I am thrilled to represent the United States.” said Krikawa. “The
contest typically includes world-renowned jewelers and avant-garde
contemporary designers, so to be recognized for my work amongst such
international stars is an honor.” An independent jewelry designer for
over a decade, Krikawa is known for her elegant and timeless wedding
jewelry that uses a palette of precious metals, custom-selected stones,
and old-world craftsmanship. Krikawa Jewelry Designs, a private design
studio in Tucson Arizona located in a renovated 1950s duplex complete
with a modern showroom, office, and production studio, is a chic
addition to Arizona’s traditional jewelry venues.
This
award is the third 1 st place award in jewelry design competitions for
Krikawa this year. In April, Krikawa won the 2007 American Vision Award
for Mokume Gane Distinction from the Manufacturing Jewelers and
Suppliers of America, a competition recognizing the talent and
innovation of designers whose work is influencing the future design
trends of the jewelry industry. In May, Krikawa received first place in
the Design Team Category of the Bench Jewelers 3rd Annual Passion
Awards hosted by B.W.Simon International. This competition recognizes
the achievements of the working jeweler.
To view the winning piece or for more information go to Awards or visit http://www.tahitianpearltrophy.com/.
Contact Krikawa Jewelry Designs to make an appointment or go online at www.krikawa.com
High resolution images available.
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