Jewelry

[loriqvc]

Today marked the debut of a new brand ambassador for American West Jewelry, Carolann Wileczek. I thought she did a nice job, presenting key details in a professional and enthusiastic manner, but of course Carolyn Pollack and her joy and passion for her pieces will be missed.

Here's a link to Carolann's first presentation in case you didn't catch it:

https://www.qvc.com/american-west-sterling-silver-crown-detail-amethyst-lever-back-earrings.product....

[Venezia]

The brand has been sold, it's now manufactured overseas and Carolyn Pollack is no longer the representative.  (They say designed here, but who knows who's really designing it?)

I'm glad I purchased my pieces before all that happened.

[beach-mom]

Thanks for posting @loriqvc! I've seen Carolann before as a vendor's rep for something on QVC . Someone else may know. I keep thinking it was Liz Claiborne after Linda jumped ship shortly before the line folded, but I'm not sure.

@Venezia - I heard Carolyn say she would be designing, but the jewelry would be made elsewhere. I don't know if she still has a team helping her design. I enjoy getting the newsletters from Laura.

It still says the jewelry is designed in New Mexico, but the AW headquarters is now in Rockaway, NJ.

[loriqvc]

@beach-mom - Yes, she has been a rep for Liz Claiborne, H by Halston, and NYDJ.

From everything I've seen posted by the company online, it is still headquartered in New Mexico and all the design work is continuing there; the manufacturing processes just moved to India.

[Suneshine]

Yes, she has been an ambassador for a few brands over the years.  I also thought she was with Dennis Basso for a time.  Right? 

[LindaSal]

I find it upsetting when companies sell and the product is no longer made in the USA.

I'm sure it will not be the same quality, even if it's "designed" here......that doesn't hold much water.  I love the line and agree with @Venezia ......I'm happy I made my purchases in earlier years, I won't purchase anymore of it.

[millieshops]

As more and more of the oldtime shoppers disappear for whatever reasons, who used to be the presenter will matter less and less.   Even though I know most of the names of previous hosts and vendors unless I want the products they are currently designing or repping, I seldom watch more than a few seconds. 

I like my American West, but I have more than enough.

[Venezia]

@beach-mom - The headquarters are likely in NJ because that's more practical for QVC, who now owns the brand.  Originally, Carolyn agreed to stay on as the representative; I'm sure to smooth the handover.

For me, it's the fact that the jewelry is no longer made in America.  There are plenty of very nice brands of jewelry made overseas, but the fact that this was made here, in Albuquerque, was important to me.  Now "American West" is just a name.

[Kachina624]

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@Venezia wrote:

The brand has been sold, it's now manufactured overseas and Carolyn Pollack is no longer the representative.  (They say designed here, but who knows who's really designing it?)

I'm glad I purchased my pieces before all that happened.

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@Venezia  Me too. Not to mention that the quality has decreased considerably.  I go through my older pieces and can't believe the difference in weight, intricacy, etc 

Too bad they couldn't have sold the business to someone with their passion.

[Caaareful Shopper]

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@loriqvc wrote:

@beach-mom - Yes, she has been a rep for Liz Claiborne, H by Halston, and NYDJ.

From everything I've seen posted by the company online, it is still headquartered in New Mexico and all the design work is continuing there; the manufacturing processes just moved to India.

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  @loriqvc   ...and most recently, Modern Soul.