LONDON, April 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --
The award winning, London based Jeweler, Astley Clarke has announced the launch of their new, exclusive North American website servicing both the US and Canada. Up until now the US market has made up 10% of total sales for Astley Clarke; in response to a sharp increase in demand a dedicated North American site has been launched to much acclaim. Astley Clarke combines cutting edge technology with old fashioned customer service values; making the online shopping experience as enjoyable as possible. The US and Canadian markets have always interacted well with the Astley Clarke brand, appreciating the ability to source niche designers and create extraordinary pieces of jewelry using unknown gemstones. It is this skill that sets Astley Clarke apart from all its competitors. Customers can now shop in dollars; and enjoy no VAT, tax, or duty charges. Shipping is free on all orders over $250, guaranteed within 2-4 days.
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"I am incredibly excited that we can finally bring a truly tailored, unique, British experience to our loyal American and Canadian jewelry customers as well as communicating with a brand new audience. With exclusive content and launches we are creating something exceptional for our new and existing fan base on the other side of the Atlantic." - Bec Astley Clarke, Founder and Managing Director
The summer of 2012, all eyes will be on Great Britain as we celebrate both the Olympics and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Award winning Online Designer Jeweler, Astley Clarke, will be one British brand flying the flag high by focussing on the core provenance of design, craftsmanship, and quality; and defining a new golden-age of luxury. To celebrate this momentous occasion, launching in April 2012, Astley Clarke Biography will see a collection of charms that embodies what is truly loved in the British countryside, British tradition and history. From the championing of British design and craftsmanship through the 'You Drive me Crazy' miniature Car and 'Summer of Love' wellington boot charms, the quirky part of nature in the 'Nut King' Squirrel charm to the deep rooted love of a national treasure showcased in the Jubilee Tea Cup charm with diamond tea leaves, celebrating Britain has never been so charming.
Astley Clarke have a keen VIP following amongst women at the very top of their professional careers in politics, culture or academia. Celebrity followers include amongst others: Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Liv Tyler, Pippa Middleton, Christina Ricci, Olivia Palmero, Rachel Weisz, Emma Watson, Sophie Dahl, Anne Hathaway, January Jones, Nicole Kidman, Claudia Schiffer, Elle Macpherson, and Amanda Seyfried.
"Astley Clarke is a destination that inspires and educates. We embrace the very best in jewelry alongside a generous pinch of British luxury that makes us unique and that little bit special." - Bec Astley Clarke, Founder and Managing Director
Editors Notes:
Bec Astley Clarke brought to life her passion for fine jewelry in 2006 when she founded Astley Clarke. As a talented internet entrepreneur, Bec was fuelled by her belief that there was a lack of imaginatively designed, fine jewelry available online for the new generation of luxury customer. Readdressing this imbalance, Astley Clarke's vision is to celebrate design and craftsmanship in fine jewelry and to reinstate the coloured gemstone as the hero of every stylish woman's wardrobe - whatever the occasion. All of course, online. Her vision to create a luxury jewelry online environment is an industry first, so much so, that she has changed the way that consumers shop for jewelry worldwide. Her desire for Astley Clarke stemmed from a frustration of a lack of industry investment in new designers and originality online. Bec felt that the customer was being duped into spending too much money on 'mass produced luxury jewelry.'
Astley Clarke designs and creates exquisite luxury jewelry collections in-house; including a high-end bespoke service, in addition to hosting a critically acclaimed mentoring programme. The Astley Clarke London home is a veritable hotbed of creativity. Our design team research and pour over every design detail; examining and selecting the perfect gemstones to fit each design. Gemstones are selected for their colours, cuts and symbolic properties and precious metals are hammered and formed to create the perfect contours. Each and every stage of development is tweaked and honed before the final Astley Clarke jewelry collections are ready to launch.
Bec Astley Clarke herself curates a selection of exclusive jewelry from our favourite international jewelry designers; British favourites, Monica Vinader, Pippa Small, Carolina Bucci, Alex Monroe and Shaun Leane. As well as international stars, Carla Amorim, Elizabeth Showers, Anne Sportun and Marian Maurer.
The brand saw a 40% like for like growth over the Xmas trading period in 2011. Funding was secured by Chris Grew, Partner in the London Office of International law firm Orrick. http://www.astleyclarke.com. Board members include Ben Holmes from Index Ventures and Mark Esiri from Venrex.
Astley Clarke was awarded Best Luxury Brand Online at the Walpole Awards for Excellence in 2010 and Brand of Tomorrow in 2009.
Prices range for $40 - $24,670
For more information please contact:
PR and Events Manager, Lucy Paton
[email protected]
+44-207-706-0060
SOURCE Astley Clarke
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