Ecomdigest Jewelry Newsletter - 08.29.2024

The rise of sustainable jewelry and TikTok strategies for peak season success

Specialty Bites 🍪

Chanel has decided to spice things up by snagging a 25% stake in the quirky Swiss watchmaker MB&F. Known for its outlandish designs that look like they belong in a sci-fi movie, MB&F is now getting a financial boost from the French fashion giant. This move not only secures MB&F's future but also gives Chanel some serious street cred in the high horology world. Founder Maximilian Büsser, who’s keeping a 60% stake, assures us that the brand’s signature craziness isn’t going anywhere.

MB&F, which has seen its revenue triple in three years, produced 419 wristwatches in 2023, raking in 45.4 million Swiss francs. Chanel’s involvement promises stability amid a downturn in demand for luxury timepieces post-pandemic. Büsser and his R&D head Serge Kriknoff, who now owns 15%, will stay on board, ensuring the brand’s creative spirit remains intact. Chanel, already a big player in the Swiss watch scene, will now have first dibs on any future stake sales, warding off unwanted takeover bids.

For Chanel, this deal is part of a grand strategy to preserve and invest in specialist know-how. With previous investments in other Swiss brands and component suppliers, Chanel is clearly playing the long game. As MB&F gears up for its 20th anniversary in 2025, expect a series of special releases that will keep the brand’s fans on their toes. So, here’s to more wild, animal-shaped timepieces and a partnership that promises to be anything but boring.

Hancocks Jewellers in Manchester has launched two new same-sex wedding ring collections: His and His, and Her and Hers. These collections feature meticulously crafted rings in both masculine and feminine styles, designed to celebrate unique bonds while maintaining individual elegance. The rings complement each other perfectly, symbolizing unity and individuality.

Peridot, the "gem of the sun", has captivated hearts since ancient Egypt, favored by Cleopatra. This olive-green gemstone, formed deep in the Earth's mantle, is now a modern fashion staple. Its vibrant hue enhances earrings, pendants, rings, and bracelets, making peridot jewelry timeless and trendy.

Sustainable jewelry combines ethical practices with timeless elegance, using recycled gold, lab-grown gems, and transparent sourcing. Brands like Bondeye Jewelry exemplify this, offering high-quality, eco-friendly pieces. By choosing sustainable jewelry, consumers support environmental protection, social responsibility, and long-lasting quality, making a positive impact on the world.

Performance Platters 🍽️

TikTok is revolutionizing peak season marketing, driving engagement and conversions through its unique blend of community, commerce, and entertainment. Brands should adopt a full-funnel approach, leveraging TikTok's advertising solutions to capture attention and influence purchasing decisions. This strategy promises significant business outcomes during the festive season.

B2B marketers in North America and Europe plan to boost social media and video content this year, driven by Gen Z's digital habits. Short-form social videos are seen as high ROI, with LinkedIn video uploads set to rise 45% YoY. This trend underscores the growing importance of video in B2B marketing.

Beauty brands like ColourPop, Smashbox, Curology, and Dr.Jart are leveraging new e-commerce platforms such as TikTok Shop and Amazon's Premium Beauty Store. These strategic expansions highlight the industry's shift towards digital and direct-to-consumer channels, emphasizing convenience, accessibility, and the importance of social commerce.

Ecomdigest is a Contentive publication in the DTC Ecommerce division