Ricki Butwinick started HOT ICE 16 years ago as a faux jewelry wholesaler, sending nine sales representatives across the country to place her wares in retail stores. The company also hosted charity boutiques, home parties and hotel sales, the latter of which brought about much more than just a few buyers. It also helped Butwinick find Stacey Rosenthal, who has worked alongside her for the past 13 years. “I went to one of (Butwinick’s) sales as a customer, bought a ton of stuff and just fell in love with it, “Rosenthal says. “I called her and said, 'I would love to do a show for you.” She agreed, and our relationship started from there.”
Together, Butwinick and Rosenthal now run Hot Ice’s showroom where, six times per year, they open their doors for three-day jewelry shows and sales (they no longer sell to other retail outlets). Their line of classic and vintage-style jewelry – some of which they’ve designed themselves – sells from $15 to $90 per piece, as opposed to the hundred-and thousand – dollar price tags that accompany the real things. They’ve also scoured the U.S. and parts of Europe to find trendy, unique pieces that let them keep up with changing styles. “We have a woman in New York who hand-strings beaded lariats for us.” Rosenthal says. “They’re gorgeous. She actually sells them to high-fashion department stores for $300. Ours are $88.”
Just as Hot Ice’s atmosphere complements its products the two women who run it fit like hand in glove. Each concentrating on different areas of business development, their disparate personalities are part of what gives the shop its charm. Moreover, the meshing of these mentalities has allowed the women of Hot Ice to develop a product line that’s just as versatile as they are.
"We can take you from blue jeans to black tie.” Rosenthal says. “That’s what I love about our jewelry.”
Our Mission to You
Our mission is to provide designer-inspired jewelry at a fraction of designer costs. The company's faux jewelry imitates the look of famous designs seen in fashion magazines and sold in fine jewelry stores, from classic diamonds to trendy charms and pendants.
-- Ricki Butwinick & Stacey Rosenthal |
