Lorraine DePasque

Cedar Grove, NJ USA
Contact

Professional Experience

As an award-winning journalist and jewelry insider, I've been writing about fine jewelry for many years: what's new and next in jewelry and gem trends, how it relates to the latest fashion, and who's hot in design in the states and abroad. My specialties include: American designers, luxury, and Italian brands. I've been honored by the fine jewelry industry on many occasions for truthful, fair, accurate reporting. I can provide recommendations from editors, publishers, jewelry designers, retailers, and worldwide jewelry associations. After a consistent career as an on-staff editor for national magazines, I now freelance full-time for traditional and new media: consumer, trade, and custom publications, newsletters, and websites; plus corporate clients, requiring website content, press materials, and branding expertise. I have my own jewelry blog: The Jewelry Journalist (TM), and I am one of InStore Magazine's "expert bloggers."

Expertise

Content Editor (online)
3 Years
Editor
30 Years
Writer
30 Years

Specialty

Business (general)
5 Years
Other, Specify
23 Years
Beauty
5 Years

Industries


Magazine - Large Consumer/National magazines
10 Years
Magazine - Trade magazines/publications (B2B)
23 Years
Online/new media
3 Years

Total Media Industry Experience

32 Years

Media Client List (# assignments last 2 yrs)

AddMoreColorToYourLife.com (6-10), InDesign Magazine (10+), InStore Magazine (10+), ACCENT Magazine (6-10), Tufts Communications (6-10), JQ International Magazine (3-5), Watch & Jewelry Review Magazine (1-2), Canadian Jeweller Magazine (1-2), National Jeweler Magazine (6-10), NICHE Magazine (1-2), ePRISM Online Newsletter (6-10), FashionFactsFolio.com Newsletter (10+)

Corporate Client List (# assignments last 2 yrs)

Committee for Colour & Trends (10+), The Silver Institute (3-5), Nina Forrest Jewelry Designs (1-2), J.R. De Bellard Fine Jewelry (1-2), American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) (6-10), Paul Sorvino Foods, Inc. (1-2), KWM Exclusives Inc. (1-2), Annie Fensterstock Fine Jewelry (1-2)

Other Work History

* Editor in Chief and Founding Editor: LUSTRE Magazine * Executive Editor, Jewelry and Fashion, and Special Projects Director: Modern Jeweler Magazine * Editor/Writer: Redbook; Good Housekeeping; The Star; Beauty Digest Magazine; Home Fashions Magazine; New Jersey Business Magazine

Computer Skills

Word; Microsoft Office Outlook; Windows 7; Windows XP; Blogspot; Twitter

Equipment

HP Laptop; Dell Desktop; Digital Camera/Video Recorder (Canon PowerShot); Travel Tripod; Scanner; Fax; BlackBerry Global; Microcassette Audio Recorder; Standard Cassette Long-playing Audio Recorder; Unlimited Long Distance Coverage

Work Permits & Visas

U.S. Citizen

References

See References on www.linkedin.com/in/lorrainedepasque

Awards

* Award for Excellence, Editorial/Reporting/Publishing (Women's Jewelry Association) * Italian Jewelry Award (Italian Trade Commission) * High Achievement Award, Best Designer Advocate (Contemporary Design Group) * Highest Achievement Award, School of Communications (Seton Hall University)

Associations

MediaBistro AvantGuild Alumni Mentorship Program, Seton Hall University Women's Jewelry Association

Showcase

JEWELRY: Trends, News, How-to, Editorials, Profiles

Statement Rings
(InDesign Magazine 1/15/2010)
They're big and beautiful--and surely one of the hottest jewelry items for 2010!
My Favorite Things: Leonard Girardo
(InDesign Magazine 5/1/2010)
I write this new monthly column, each time spotlighting one of the nation's top jewelers, who tells what works in their store and why. For this issue, hear what the owner of New Jersey's J. Thomas Jewelers has to say--particularly about the many shades of pearls.
John Hardy
(TUFTS 11/15/2008)
His jewelry adorns the runway models of trendsetters like Monique Lhuillier and others. Talking one-on-one with the creative director and head designer of this international brand.
How to Create a Jewelry Wardrobe
(TUFTS 11/15/2008)
Begin with the basics, add statement pieces, and layer, layer, layer! Here's a step-by-step guide for every jewelry lover on how to accessorize with jewelry--right now.
GURHAN
(Lustre Magazine 1/1/2006)
Whether it's 24-karat gold or 24-karat platinum, this Turkish-born artisan is pure genius with metal. An exclusive interview and a retrospective of his work over the past ten years.
Remembering Steven Kretchmer (1953-2006)
(Lustre Magazine 9/1/2006)
A personal remembrance and tribute to a design legend--from an editor who was his fan and friend.
Modern Meets Old-World
(Modern Jeweler Magazine 7/1/2007)
Profile of a young, up-and-coming jewelry designer, Nicole Landaw, who employs ancient techniques for modern designs--and, in the process, has won coveted recognition from her peers.
The Marilyn Collection
(Lustre Magazine 7/1/2006)
Marilyn Monroe, legendary movie icon, was like a big sister to her. An exclusive interview with the woman who inherited many of Marilyn's precious jewels.
Ask Bergio . . . but first go to www.theknot.com
(Lustre Magazine 2/1/2006)
A luxury bridal designer takes the concept of education to a new level in an innovative way: partnering first with the legendary Town & Country magazine, then with The Knot's website for all things bridal.
Straight and Narrow
(Lustre Magazine 9/1/2001)
A-list celebrities ignite the trend for "matchstick" earrings.
Blue Streak
(Lustre 5/1/2005)
From cobalt to robin's-egg--think of President Obama's signature campaign necktie--blues become more and more important in the second half of the decade, says one of Western Europe's most plugged-in trend forecasters.
Blue Velvet
(National Jeweler Magazine 2/1/2009)
What do consumers think of tanzanite? How much do they really know about this gem? Is it a stone they prefer in luxury or in mass? These and many more questions will be answered in tanzanite's first-ever consumer study. And here, we present some of those findings--for the first-ever time in print.
Shape-shifters
(National Jeweler Magazine 10/1/2009)
In this Annual Fashion Issue, a look at the perfectly imperfect!
A 2009 Prediction: Designers Will Drive Palladium
(National Jeweler Magazine 1/1/2009)
One of the four noble metals, palladium will be the next designer darling. Plus, as a bonus, a "Primer on Palladium."
Bridezilla Rules!
(Lustre Magazine 7/1/2001)
A humorous, self-deprecating, first-person editorial on my second marriage---and the jewelry and fashions second-time brides want.
A Modern Classic: DAVID YURMAN
(ACCENT Magazine 10/15/2009)
One-on-one with one of America's premier designers of fine jewelry.
Customizing a Keepsake
(ACCENT Magazine 10/15/2009)
A Work of Heart: How to make your wedding band into jewelry that says you, your husband, and someone long gone but always in your heart. (A first-person essay)
Michelle Obama;s Earrings Had A Familiar Sparkle
(National Jeweler Magazine 1/1/2009)
Designer-to-the-stars Loree Rodkin talks about "the highlight of her career."
Jewelers Say Unusual Times Call for Special Events
(National Jeweler Magazine 4/1/2009)
Are special events trumping trunk shows? A look at the latest trend in selling jewelry during the economic downturn.
Somers Randolph--Turning Soapstone into Gold . . . and Silver
(JQ International Magazine 9/1/2008)
First he was an sculptor, then a jewelry designer. What's next for this award-winning artist from Santa Fe? Learn more in this interview with Somers Randolph.
Penny Preville
(Lustre Magazine 9/1/2006)
Jewelry by a woman, for women. What's the secret behind her success? Here, an up-close and personal interview with the unstoppable Penny Preville.
Pink Gold Has Rosy Outlook for Holidays
(National Jeweler Magazine 9/1/2008)
Why pink? Why now? A special report on rose gold's imminent return to fashion--with insights from an international trend and color forecaster, a celebrity makeup artist, and luxury retailers like Brazilian-based brand H. Stern.
For Some, Bollywood Jewelry Is A Golden Ticket
(National Jeweler Magazine 5/16/2009)
Ancient Indian influences signal gold's global direction for fall and holiday.
The Prince of Platinum
(JQ International Magazine 11/1/2008)
Meet Michael Bondanza: He's one of fine jewelry's distinct nobility of contemporary craftsmen. And now he's expanding his bridal territory.
A Kaleidoscope of Diamond Jewelry Predicted for 2009
(National Jeweler Magazine 10/1/2008)
A bright forecast on the future of natural color diamond jewelry--featuring an exclusive interview with the woman known as "the international color guru," Leatrice Eiseman of the Pantone Color Institute, as well as TV personality and jewelry and style expert, Michael O'Connor.
Woman to Woman--Judith Ripka
(ACCENT Magazine 10/1/2008)
Judith Ripka is one of the world's most recognized designers: she's on QVC, has retail stores from Beverly Hills to Boca Raton, and her jewelry collection is in 275 stores across the globe. Here, Ms. Ripka discusses everything from her newest collection to her precious puppy, Pookie!
Play the Age Card
(National Jeweler Magazine 12/1/2009)
Jewelry for every age--here's what's hot!
STEVE FORBES: the 2005 Economic Forecast
(Lustre Magazine 1/1/2005)
Forbes Magazine's Editor in Chief and Forbes CEO--the man who once campaigned for the Republican nomination for president--talks about the economy.
A Sterling Choice
(TUFTS 11/1/2009)
How to wear silver to be at your shining--and most fashionable--best!
Soft Focus
(Lustre Magazine 7/1/2005)
Say goodbye to in-your-face shades. The Manhattan-based founder of a leading forecasting firm is far from subtle when discussing the new discreet palette of the next five years.
MICHAEL KORDA
(Lustre Magazine 3/1/2005)
Simon & Schuster's Editor in Chief makes time to talk about "Marking Time," his newest book on watches he has and those he would love to have!
Zoltan David
(Lustre Magazine 9/1/2005)
His name is Zoltan, but you can call him Sir. Sir Zoltan David is one of contemporary jewelry's most talented artisans. Here's a retrospective of his often award-winning work, beginning from 1979.
Rose in Bloom
(ACCENT Magazine 4/15/2009)
Instantly update your jewelry wardrobe with rose gold jewelry--the year's red-hot accessory for sophisticated chic.
Tots, Tweens & Teens
(TUFTS 11/1/2009)
What do kids want? The sparkling must-haves for female fashionistas.
Silver's Back--and So Is Its Marketing Apparatus
(National Jeweler Magazine 12/1/2008)
In a bleak economy, sterling silver is one of fine jewelry's bright spots. The Silver Institute has a shiny, new agenda for 2009--including a logo and a consumer website.

JEWELRY, ITALIAN STYLE

An Artist's Soul, An Athlete's Heart: ROBERTO COIN
(ACCENT Magazine 5/15/2010)
"Tell us some secrets," we asked--and he did! A revealing profile of the man who is surely the most recognized contemporary Italian jewelry name in America.
Marco Bicego
(TUFTS 11/1/2008)
One of Italy's hottest young designers talks about his signature style and newest collection in this exclusive interview.
Group Dynamic
(Lustre Magazine 3/1/2007)
This is one of the first articles on a new trend: established Italian luxury brands banding under one umbrella company. Illaria Furlotti, CEO of one such venture, tells us she sees herself as "the director of a movie with a lot of stars."
Italian Innovation
(Lustre Magazine 3/1/2003)
From Milan's Pasquale Bruni to Florence's Orlando Orlandini, some of Italy's native sons show us originality in technology as well as design.
Natural Beauty
(Lustre Magazine 3/1/2006)
For new designs and themes, Mother Naure--"Mama Natura" in Italy--is a strong guiding force.
Fine Jewelry from Italy: Black, Blended, Big
(FashionFactsFolio.com 2/1/2010)
A roundup of the best trends in Italy, sure to make their way to the states by summer!
Jewelry, Italian Style
(Fashion Facts Folio 3/26/2009)
I'm a Contributing Writer for this online newsletter of the Committee for Colour & Trends, an international forecaster on fashion, accessories, and color for retailers, fashion houses, designers, manufacturers, importers, and wholesalers.
From Pink to Pearls
(Lustre Magazine 3/1/2007)
Italy was one of the first countries to trend toward a soft and romantic fashion mood--and they did it with satin-finished rose gold and lustrous pearls.
A Celebration of italian Style and Substance
(Lustre Magazine 3/1/2004)
Here, I created and developed a section as a special editorial salute to luxury Italian jewelry's past and present, featuring, among other articles, an interview with the legendary Gianmaria Buccellati and a discussion of the world-traveling Castellani exhibit.
Exports Down, but 'Made in Italy' Label Still Coveted
(National Jeweler Magazine 6/1/2009)
It's amore--style-setters adore Italian clothing and, by extension, Italian jewelry. Luxury retailers talk about the objects of their customers' affection.
All the Raj
(Lustre Magazine 3/1/2005)
An unanticipated report on Italian jewelry that's being inspired by India. Some say it's part of the Global Quake macro trend, which will evolve at least through 2010.
From Italy, Con Piacere
(Lustre Magazine 3/1/2004)
An editorial on Italy's new Afrocentric chic--a trend mixing everything from rough-hewn finishes to horn and ebony.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
(Lustre Magazine 3/1/2005)
One of Capri's most animated designers, Pippo Perez, makes Murano glass ithe focus of a capricious new collection: jewelry to bring smiles during troubling times.
Lite Italian
(Watch & Jewelry Review Magazine 2/1/2009)
What's fresh out of Italy this year? Among other fare, "Italian lite."
Italy Striving for Imperfection
(JQ International Magazine 3/1/2009)
In insider's look into the newest trends in "made in Italy."

NEW MEDIA: Web Content

Designer Sterling Silver Jewelry
(Silver News 5/1/2010)
As the first Guest Editor for "Silver News," the new online newsletter of The Silver Institute, I talk--opinionate--about what really makes sterling silver jewelry a designer piece.
Moonstone's New Day
(American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) 1/28/2009)
I am a Contributing Editor for this consumer website of the AGTA, generating and writing stories on trends in gems, jewelry, designers, and fashion.
Silver Sizzles, High Price Points Fizzle
(Fashion Facts Folio 6/15/2009)
Five fabulous trends we love . . . and predict will be hot for the holidays. (I'm a Contributing Writer for this online newsletter of the international forecasting firm, Committee for Colour & Trends.)
Actor Paul Sorvino
(www.paulsorvinofoods.com 9/17/2008)
Wrote press release for national media distribution and subsequent posting on website for launch of actor Paul Sorvino's new pasta sauce line. Story ran coast to coast, from The Los Angeles Times to Forbes.com and The Hollywood Reporter. (TO VIEW: Click "News," then "Press Release.")
Nina Forrest Jewelry Designs
(ninaforrest.com 8/1/2008)
Wrote website copy and helped craft brand voice and identity for this Albuquerque, New Mexico, jewelry designer, who specializes in one-of-a-kind handmade pieces. Copy included: Home Page and "About the Designer" Bio. Branding included: creating Company Tagline, Blog Title, and Elevator Pitches.
Annie Fensterstock Fine Jewelry
(anniefensterstock.com 11/1/2008)
Wrote "Artist Bio" for the redesigned website of this Brooklyn-based goldsmith, whose hand-fabricated designs are sold in the best luxury jewelers nationwide.
Bring on the Browns
(American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) 1/4/2010)
The new browns are "not your mother's earthtones"! What trendsetting gems to wear with this year's taupe, tan, and Tuscany!
J.R. De Bellard Fine Jewelry
(jrdebellard.com 7/1/2008)
Created all copy, including company bio, artist statement, and collections/product descriptions for this new website for J.R. De Bellard, an upscale 18-karat gold jewelry collection from a Venezuelan-born designer recently on the American scene.
Strange Times Spark Unusual Jewelry
(Fashion Facts Folio 9/1/2009)
The top trends to brighten up a wardrobe in a bleak economy. (I'm a Contributing Writer for this online newsletter of the international forecasting firm, Committee for Colour & Trends.)

TRAVEL

The Show's the Thing
(Home Fashions Magazine 4/1/1988)
A travel guide for doing business in Baltimore: the best hotels, restaurants, plus sites to see in your spare time!

HEALTH AND FITNESS

How to Survive All Those Holiday Binges
(Star Magazine 12/16/1986)
A true-false nutrition quiz to help readers stay slim and healthy.