Rapaport: The Ins and Outs of Entering Foreign Jewelry Markets
In the Press
12·11·2026
RAPAPORT - NOVEMBER 08, 2026
When introducing a brand to overseas markets, don't skip the groundwork: retail partnerships, trade-show connections, and adapting to local preferences.
By Smitha Sadanandan
For a foreign independent jewelry brand, entering America is rarely a singular decision, according to leading brand consultants. It is a slow culmination of trade fairs, trunk shows and client relationships that, if successful, can look like a well-chalked out strategy.
Mistaken Assumptions
The American preference for lighter-weight jewelry is one example, though Duha AlRamadhan, founder of Kuwaiti fine-jewelry retailer Aubade, has watched the reverse stereotype play out with Gulf clients: “We can’t count how many times people have assumed that with our clientele, bigger is better. We’re not after the intricate, heavier pieces often associated with the region.”
Authenticity is a must, agrees Aubade brand and buying director Harriet Lindsay. “As soon as a designer starts producing a product they don’t personally believe in, it’s amazing how quickly clients can sense that.”
