Mark Loren Designs News

Archive for the ‘In the News’ Category

Mark’s Sanity

Wednesday, January 4th, 2012

Instore Magazine is a leading trade magazine for the jewelry industry and a valuable tool for jewelry stores throughout the nation.  Instore has even begun its own annual trade show in Chicago called the Smart Show, where jewelers from around the country gather and conference – providing each other with tips on how to grow and succeed in this business.  There is actually a sense of community at the show, and ideas are shared instead of guarded.  Mark has been a featured speaker at the last two shows – his out of the box thinking isn’t just applied to his designs, but his business as well.   Mark will again be featured at this years Smart Show, and is psyched to head back to Chi-town (his hometown!) and share his knowledge with his peers (and learn from them as well!).

Instore Magazine’s current issue contains a new feature called ‘The Sanity Files’ and Mark Loren is the first jeweler to be highlighted.  This time, Mark is being asked to share how he manages to keep his cool and simultaneously run a business and a family.  Mark has expertise in many areas, and this is another one he’s a master of!  Stress and depression suppress creativity,  and designers are not the only ones who need to be creative to succeed.

When asked about the interview, Mark responded: “It was fun to do and I was glad they asked…Good to take a look from time to time and see what are those things we do to keep our sanity and a balanced sense of self.”

If Mark’s tips don’t work for ya, you can always stop in for some ‘Shopping Therapy’! 

Instore Magazine Jan 2012 Sanity Files feature

In Recognition and Remembrance

Sunday, September 4th, 2011

9/11 Firemen raising flagIt has been ten years since this generation’s “day that will live in infamy,” September 11, 2001. As the world watched in horror, the World Trade Centers crumbled, taking thousands of lives and changing everyone who witnessed the events, forever. The heroes of September 11th are our everyday heroes – the men and women who serve – police, firefighters, paramedics and Red Cross personnel.

To honor those who serve, Mark Loren is offering free jewelry repair to first responders on Saturday, September 10th. Repairs will include battery replacements on watches, soldering, watch band repair, clean and checks on inset stones.

“The first responders put their lives on the line for us each and every day,” Loren said. “This is just our very small part in recognizing them for their service.”

Repairs will be offered at Mark Loren Designs from 9:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M.

Rumrunner’s 9th Annual Celebrity Chef Event

Tuesday, August 16th, 2011

Champagne glassesTomorrow, August 17th at Rumrunner’s 9th Annual Celebrity Chef Night to benefit the Children’s Hospital Cancer Program – there will be a champagne toast with a chance to win a piece from Mark Loren Designs.  Good luck to all who purchase a glass of champagne, and thank you for supporting the cause!

Also, Mark will be offering, for auction, a package for Dinner In Our Gallery. Four couples will enjoy an evening of fine cuisine by Chef Todd Johnson while surrounded by sumptuous gems and rare treasures from all over the world. They will also delight in fine wine provided by Patz & Hall.

Arts for ACT 2011

Saturday, August 6th, 2011

Mark Loren Designs one of a kind pendant with spear points and ametrine

Mark Loren Designs proudly supports Arts for ACT.  For the auction this year, Mark Loren Designs designed and created a stunning cross-style pendant set with a Bolivian Ametrine with fancy concave faceting, framed in 14 karat  Yellow Gold set with pave diamonds and four faceted blue pearls.  The points on the cross are 12th Century Crusader Iron Arrow and Crossbow tips of Saracen Design.

Women In Business Event

Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011

Mark Loren Designs was pleased to host the Women In Business event with record-breaking attendance: more ladies came than we ever expected (about 95!) It was a tight fit! but we crammed everyone in. The speakers were Scott Gregory from Oswald Trippe, Sara Owens CEO CCMI, Sandra Stilwell and Dr…. Mary Kay Peterson (all APEX award winners except Scott). They spoke about overcoming adversity in their own lives and careers and were taking questions from the attendees. Many dresses were brought for the ‘Love That Dress” event for PACE that is coming up soon! The wine was flowing and it didn’t rain, a great night indeed!

 

Mark Loren Designs proudly awards the APEX winners with a beautiful pin to commemorate the honor. 

Art of the Olympians Opening

Monday, March 7th, 2011

Art of the Olympians Mark Loren Designs Al Orter pendantMark designed and created this awesome piece for the opening of the Art of the Olympians Gallery. Cathy Oerter donated one of Al Oerter’s Olympic pins – which Mark Loren Designs then set in a stunning gold frame accented by diamonds, orange sapphire, and a pear shape pink tourmaline. Thanks to Pamela Templeton for her winning bid!  Check out Mark’s Blog about the grand opening of the Olympic Arts Museum in downtown Fort Myers, and meeting Olympians – among them, HSH Prince Albert of Monoco

 

 

 

Lee County 2011 Teacher of the Year

Thursday, February 24th, 2011

Teacher of the year 2011 yellow gold pinMark Loren Designs was proud to design, create and donate the pin for “The School District of Lee County 2011 Teacher of the Year”. Barbara Esno of Lehigh Elementary won the honored title and proudly wears the pin.Teacher of the Year 2011 Barbara Esno

2011 Cattle Baron’s Ball

Saturday, January 22nd, 2011

Mark Loren Design's one of a kind pendant set with bicolor stone and druzy

This amazing piece was designed and created by Mark Loren for the Cattle Barons Ball to raise funds for American Cancer Society. Money raised goes directly to support local cancer programs and fund cancer research.

 

The one-of-a-kind pendant is hand crafted in 14 karat Yellow Gold and set with a Bi-color Blue /Green Quartz framed by an Viking Bronze Artifact (circa 900AD).  The piece is accented by pave diamonds and a Titania Agate Druzy.

Heights Foundation Pin

Friday, January 21st, 2011

Inspired by friend and architect, the late Bruce Gora, along with the concern of the residents of the Harlem Heights Community in South Lee County, Mark Loren, of Mark Loren Designs, has created a limited edition, commemorative pin/pendant to help raise $250,000 to name the Tower Art Gallery in the new Heights Center in Bruce’s honor. Friends who contribute $10,000 to the Heights Foundation capital campaign before December 31, 2010, will receive a Heights Mark Loren legacy pin/pendant.

The Heights Community and Cultural Arts Center is Bruce Gora’s last unfinished work as an architect since his passing in 2008. When completed, Bruce’s vision to create a community center that would become the heart of the community – offering education, opportunity, hope, and a sense of pride – will become reality.

“Bruce and I used to talk about how we want what we do to live beyond us when we’re gone,” says Mark Loren. “I believe we’re accomplishing that with a community center that will serve the residents of Harlem Heights and help this community realize its full potential in the years to come.”

More than 12 have already given at this level and will be receiving the commemorative piece.

“To have the support of Mark Loren means so much to the Heights Foundation,” says Foundation Executive Director Kathryn Kelly. “He gets involved in so many worthwhile community projects that we feel his involvement in ours means that we not only have his support, but we also have his endorsement which is the gold seal of approval that only Mark can give.”  -article written by Carolyn Rogers

 

Our Resident Gemologist Quoted In the Local Paper

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

yellow cushion cut sapphireCameron Pelle, our Gallery Manager & Appraiser, is a gemologist (G.J.G.) certified by G.I.A.  (the Gemological Institute of America).  Melanie Payne, from the News-Press’ Tell Mel column, contacted Cameron for his expert opinion for her current article.  Cameron analyzed the gem in question and regretfully informed Mel (and Lee Koneval who purchased the ring) that it was not authentic and that she had paid nearly double its value.   There are good deals to be had out there – but always remember, if it sounds too good to be true it probably is!  Be ware of any merchant who will not give you the opportunity to do some independent research.  Also, if you are nervous about the purchase – be sure that you can return the item if you have buyer’s remorse.  If the stores policy is ‘no returns’  or they have no storefront to speak of, and therefore would be hard to track down – you are really taking a gamble.    Our gallery offers insurance appraisals (which are legal documents) for a fee, but we are always happy to give you our professional verbal opinion if you have a piece you are curious about.