EVENTS & MEDIA

Philadelphia Style Magazine

March 11, 2013

Craiger Drake Designs opens its new showroom on Walnut Street!

Although it has been less than three years since Philly resident Craiger Drake launched his namesake wholesalejewelry collection, the designer has already found himself in need of more space. Drake’s new 3,000-square-foot showroom, just down the block from his original location, features abundant jewelry displays, an expanded lounge, and a space for customers to choose loose gemstones. This spring, the shop boasts its new collection of sterling silver and yellow-gold animal bracelets complete with luxe diamond, sapphire, and green onyx details. 

Businesswire.com

October 23, 2012

Jeweler to showcase larger collection and offer additional services in new chic setting.

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Craiger Drake Designs, a private wholesale jeweler founded by distinguished Philadelphia jewelry manufacturer Craiger Drake, opens its showroom today at a new location at 1701 Walnut Street. The company’s move from 1616 Walnut Street to a larger showroom inside the historic Allman building near Rittenhouse Square offers clients an unrivaled retail experience. The larger location supports the company’s continued growth since its launch in November 2010.

“We’ve always been committed to delivering a superior experience. When 1616 Walnut was sold earlier this year, we embraced the opportunity to move to a larger showroom where we could elevate the level of service to our clients yet again”

The 3,000-square-foot showroom features more jewelry displays and an expanded lounge for one-on-one consultations with Craiger and his team, allowing clients to collaborate in the design process to create jewelry that is uniquely theirs. With 900 more square feet of space than his previous location, Craiger is able to showcase his entire collection " from elite avant-garde pieces to an accessible runway-inspired collection. Most notably, the larger space allows greater access to Craiger’s trove of rare loose gemstones from across the globe used to create exclusive custom pieces.

“We’ve always been committed to delivering a superior experience. When 1616 Walnut was sold earlier this year, we embraced the opportunity to move to a larger showroom where we could elevate the level of service to our clients yet again,” said Craiger. “Whether you are shopping from our collection on display or working with our team to create a one-of-a-kind piece, our new showroom offers clients the personal attention they deserve.”

Craiger Drake Designs also offers several expanded services, including jewelry appraisals, cleaning and repairs. The showroom can also accommodate a larger number of guests, allowing Craiger to host educational jewelry seminars and intimate parties to celebrate the debut of new collections. “Our events are meant to deepen the appreciation that our clients have for their jewelry, from selecting a piece that complements their physique and personality to learning the history of a specific gemstone. Understanding these elements makes the jewelry selection and design processes much more personal for our customers.”

The showroom’s new setting was designed by architect Pete Lazor and interior designer Rhonda Clark Carlson. Supporting Craiger in the location is his team of highly experienced associates, including Graduate Gemologist Alison Amann and Master Stone Cutter David Nassi.

About Craiger Drake Designs

Located in the heart of Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square, Craiger Drake Designs is a private wholesale jeweler offering custom-designed pieces as well as one-of-a-kind jewelry sold in the retail showroom. Founded by distinguished jewelry manufacturer Craiger Drake, it focuses on personal attention and client involvement, ensuring an exclusive customer experience. For more information, please visit www.craigerdrake.com or call (215) 253-6507.

Contacts

Brownstein Group

Laura Van De Pette, 267-238-4118
lvandepette@brownsteingroup.com
or
Meagan Sloan, 267-238-4172
msloan@brownsteingroup.com

Citybizlist Philadelphia

October 23, 2012

Private wholesale jeweler Craiger Drake Designs has relocated its showroom in Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square, leasing 3,000 square feet in the historic Allman Building.

The company has moved to 1701 Walnut St. from 1601 Walnut St., which was sold earlier this year. The new showroom is 900 square feet larger, allowing Craiger Drake to showcase its entire collection and ample room for housing its treasure trove of rare loose gemstones that are used to create exclusive custom pieces. There also is room to host educational jewelry seminars and intimate parties to celebrate the debut of new collections. Architect Pete Lazor and interior designer Rhonda Clark Carlson designed the new space.

BY JENNIFER NGUYEN | Philly.com Blog

AUGUST 15, 2013

Behind the doors of his spacious store in Rittenhouse, jewelry designer Craiger Drake houses his exclusive designs in a stylish, yet welcoming ambiance. Drake's luxurious designs are in an assortment of styles, from bright and bold baubles to delicate and dainty strands, all of which are wonderfully indulgent pieces to splurge on.  The local designer spoke to Philly.com about his inspirations, the hottest trends and of course - the details on what to expect from him next. 

How did Craiger Drake grow into the reputable jewelry brand that it is today? How did it all begin? I have been in the jewelry business since 1988 and during this time have really developed a strong knowledge of the industry and manufacturing. This paired with my design background allows me to have a unique position in the industry. I opened my showroom four years ago and since then our business has grown because of our ability to understand our clients' wants and needs. 99.9% of our business comes from word of mouth and we really pride ourselves on that. Along with dainty, thinly-chained necklaces and bracelets, there are a lot of bright, ornate baubles in the current collection. 

What influenced you to design these vintage-inspired pieces? I have always been a fan of vintage and especially love the deco era, which I am heavily influenced by. I always strive to design timeless pieces with a modern twist. 

Do other designers' works influence your jewelry design? If so, what are the current fashion trends and/or runway looks that inspire your designs? I tend to design more for the individual, than going with trends. However, a lot of the Fall runways showed looks reminiscent of the punk era and we do have some great understated, punk inspired pieces, like thin cuffs with diamond studs. I am influenced by colors of the season and one that has been hot and that has been requested a lot recently is purple. There are some beautiful stones with purple hues: Sapphires, Tanzanite, Amethyst... We get a lot of requests for long pearls. These are great because they are inexpensive and fashion forward, yet timeless. 

Have you noticed any particular trends in engagement rings lately, if so, what are they? The most popular cuts are cushion and round. We have also been seeing more requests than ever for stones, other than diamonds. Also, people are looking for a ring that is unique and not like everyone else. We will custom design each engagement ring. The customer can choose their stone individually and then we will custom design a setting for them. 

What are concerns that clientele have when choosing jewelry, especially engagement rings? The truth- "Is she the one?" But all kidding aside, most men are really looking to make sure they get a ring that she will really love and for it to stand out. This is where our specialization in custom design vs. off the rack rings really comes into play. 

What can we expect from Craiger Drake's upcoming collection? Definitely some major pieces that are not just meant to be worn for special occasions, with ball gowns, but fine jewelry that can be worn everyday. We are also working on some interesting long diamond chain link necklaces with unique shapes, instead of the typical round cut- marquis, emerald, etc. 

http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/style/Jewelry-designer-Craiger-Drake-shines-in-Rittenhouse.html#bOfMExM1ldsgG2F2.99

Businesswire.com

November 01, 2010

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Craiger Drake Designs, a custom jewelry company owned by distinguished Philadelphia jewelry manufacturer Craiger Drake, opens its Walnut Street showroom today, where it will unveil a distinctive selection of avant-garde, one-of-a-kind pieces that mix rare gems, surprising materials and bold designs. Passionately focused on delivering an exclusive customer experience, Drake has built his new business on personal attention and customer involvement in the design of jewelry that will be uniquely theirs.

“As the designer, I am deeply inspired by the customer, so I have created an intimate showroom that ensures everyone is given the personal attention necessary to select or create a piece that complements their distinct style.”

“Selecting a piece of jewelry should be a very personal experience that revolves around the customer’s personality, style and physique,” said Drake of his approach to Craiger Drake Designs. “As the designer, I am deeply inspired by the customer, so I have created an intimate showroom that ensures everyone is given the personal attention necessary to select or create a piece that complements their distinct style.”

Located at 1616 Walnut Street in the heart of Rittenhouse Square, Drake’s stylish, chic showroom is warm and inviting, complete with a cozy sitting area ideal for one-on-one consultation with Drake. “Whether you are shopping our showroom’s jewelry or have a vision for a piece that is uniquely yours, the showroom is designed to offer the customer a space to begin the experience,” said Drake. “Here, we can sketch a custom engagement ring design or discuss which ‘statement piece’ is best suited for their style.”

Creating iconic jewelry since the mid-1980s, Craiger Drake has designed and manufactured timeless jewelry collections for upscale retailers, such as Tiffany & Co., Neiman Marcus and Bailey Banks & Biddle. For his opening, Drake has designed several exceptional pieces, including a rare 20 carat purple tourmaline set in a handmade platinum diamond- and sapphire-encrusted mounting.

The showroom will also include affordable unique jewelry, such as a Mali wedding bead necklace, which features bold-colored African trade beads in a variety of designs. Craiger Drake Designs will also be the exclusive Philadelphia distributor of Poor Cat Designs, affordable funky designs of 18 carat yellow, white and rose gold, as well as platinum and sterling silver.

Craiger Drake will be joined by a team of highly experienced jewelry sales associates and designers, including Joan Holmes, Nancy Claster, Mindy Mussari, Amanda Rich and Elena Nottis, Graduate Gemologist Alison Amann and Master Stone Cutter David Nassi.

Editor’s Note: From November 1 " 5, members of the media are invited to tour the Craiger Drake Design showroom for a private viewing of Drake’s jewelry. Interviews and photography can be arranged upon request.

About Craiger Drake Designs: Located in the heart of Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square, Craiger Drake Designs is a private wholesale jewelry company offering custom-designed pieces as well as one-of-a-kind jewelry sold in the retail showroom. Owned by distinguished jewelry manufacturer Craiger Drake, it focuses on personal attention and client involvement, ensuring an exclusive customer experience. www.craigerdrake.com

Digital Network

December 2013

(NewsUSA/Brownstein Group - Craiger Drake Designs) - Getting engaged is a very personal and intimate experience for a couple. But for many guys, the purchase of the engagement ring can be a bit overwhelming. Color, clarity, cut, carat weight -; there's a lot to consider! But by understanding the basics of diamonds and keeping the future bride in mind, guys can find the process of selecting a ring much less daunting.

Philadelphia-based jewelry designer Craiger Drake of Craiger Drake Designs offers the following tips to help men select a ring that their bride will love:

Know the 4Cs. Men should always consider the color, clarity, cut and carat weight of a diamond. Color and clarity, less commonly understood, are critical to the quality of the stone. Choose a diamond valued higher on both the color and clarity grading scales to limit the presence of color and unwanted inclusions. Carat and cut, on the other hand, are personal preferences. Keep the bride's personality in mind to select a size and a shape that will complement her style.

Get certified. To guarantee the diamond's authenticity and quality, be sure to purchase a diamond that is certified from the Gemological Institute of America. The diamond's certificate outlines all the individual characteristics of the stone, including the 4Cs, serving as proof of the diamond's identity and value.

Be unique. For many women, an engagement ring is their most treasured piece of jewelry, so it's important that it is special and unique. A rose gold band or colored side stones, for example, can accent a traditional ring with a touch of color. To personalize the piece further, consider custom designing a one-of-a-kind ring tailored to the bride's individual style. 

A final piece of advice: Remember what the ring signifies. "With so much to bear in mind, it can be easy to lose the romance of selecting an engagement ring," said Drake. "Although it is valuable to know the basics of a diamond, what's most important is for men to remember the reason they're buying it."

Information contained on this page is provided by NewsUSA, an independent third-party content provider. WorldNow and this Station make no warranties or representations in connection therewith.

BY CARRIE DENNY | Philadelphia Wedding Online Magazine

DECEMBER 13, 2013

Philadelphia jeweler Craiger Drake, owner of the eponymous fine jewelry studio in Rittenhouse, has designed a lot of colorful engagement rings, lately.

Sometimes, when a guy is looking for a colored-stone engagement ring, there’s a specific reason "like maybe she just plain old prefers sapphires to diamonds, or her birthstone is a ruby and has always been her favorite. And then other times, they’re just looking to be a little bit different. To rock a rock that sets them apart. Whatever the motivation, though" it seems these days that more guys are feeling it.

Often, says Drake, a guy will come in knowing they want to do something different, something colorful "but not know exactly what that might be. Other times, they'll have a color in mind, he says" "They'll come in and say, 'She loves purple,'" "but need a little guidance when it comes to how, exactly, to use it. And that's where the custom-design process starts: First, by choosing a stone. And then, by designing its setting.

Below, find a few of the gorg designs that have come out of Craiger Drake's design studio recently, and who knows, if you're one of the lovely pre-engaged ladies hanging out here with us, you just might find your inspiration in one of them.

(Oh, and in case you're curious, the hierarchy of popularity when it comes to colored stones goes like this: Sapphires, rubies, emeralds, colored stones and then colored diamonds, mostly because they are super rare, and therefore mega expensive.)

Which one's your fave?