US bead brand Viva Beads launches in the UK

Since its inception on a kitchen table in Chicago, jewellery designer Viva Beads has grown into a multi-million dollar enterprise. Now, the US-based company is launching in the UK to work directly with UK retailers.

Viva Beads jewellery features a wide range of colourful, unique pieces handcrafted from polymer clay using an artisan technique called caning. With lines for women, children and men, Viva Beads offers bracelets, watches, rings, earrings and necklaces, plus bags and key chains. The line is sold in more than 8,000 stores throughout the US.

Owners Lori Mottlowitz and Jill Manzara said they are aiming to maintain exceptional customer service while growing their company and jewellery selection. White Pebble International, a sales and marketing agency, will help manage the operation in the UK.

White Pebble International partner Susan Fairley believes Viva Beads has the potential to thrive in the UK market. She said: “Its appealing price points, artisan quality and versatile styles will appeal to a wide range of retail stores and their customers.”


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Fast Facts on
Opals

  • 4000BC:The year opals date back to. They are most likely to originate from Ethiopia
  • 90%:Australia has dominated opal production since the 1800s with more than 90% of the global output coming from down under
  • 19th:The century when the opal was considered bad luck in Europe. However, Queen Victoria was quite a fan of opal and wore her personal collection throughout her reign
  • 15,000: Black opals, the most rare and prized, can cost more than Aus$15,000 (about £8,750) a carat

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