EXCLUSIVE: Zales and Prince Partner on Tennis-themed Jewelry Collection for the U.S. Open
Zales is embarking on its latest major partnership to celebrate the U.S. Open.
The Signet Jewelers-owned retailer is joining forces with tennis brand Prince on a co-branded jewelry collection that celebrates the tournament. The collection offers five tennis-inspired styles across necklaces and bracelets in sterling silver or 14-karat white or yellow gold.
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“We collaborated with Prince to ensure that the pieces that we were making really brought the sport to life,” said Angie Kennedy, vice president of innovation at Zales. “Not only do we just have jewelry, but we incorporated elements of both brands that allow our fans to celebrate their love of tennis that also expresses their personal style, but in a super unique way. When people see the collection, it’s that subtle nod back to tennis.”
The collection includes styles such as 18-inch Tennis Racquet Pendant Necklaces, seven-inch Tennis Racquet Bracelets and both tennis necklaces and bracelets that come with charms. Prices range from $250 to $7,500 and pieces are available on Zales’ website.
Additionally, Zales and Prince collaborated on a co-branded, diamond-embellished tennis racket that will be on display at Zales’ suite during the U.S. Open. The racket is designed with roughly 794 diamonds that equates to 205 carats that adorn the strings and grip. The racket is valued at $2.5 million.
“We’re honored to be able to partner with someone like Prince, [which] really is a company of innovation,” Kennedy said. “That’s how they got created and they’ve been legendary in the whole sport of tennis. Now to be able to bring this limited-edition assortment to life, just like Prince, it shines both on the court and off the court. We talk about that at Zales a lot.”
The jeweler is sponsoring several players during the U.S. Open. Zales was not able to confirm the list of players.
“We were drawn to the idea of collaborating with Zales because of their expertise and 100-year history of creating timeless jewelry that resonates with a wide variety of consumers,” said Matthew Salter, executive vice president of partnership and marketing at Authentic Brands Group, which owns Prince. “This partnership gave us the opportunity to bring Prince’s iconic designs into the world of fine jewelry, mixing the brand’s heritage with Zales’ know-how in telling stories through their elegant designs. Plus, creating diamond tennis bands is a fun way to pay homage to Prince’s roots and bring a touch of tennis style to everyday wear.”
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