KGK Jewellery Manufacturing Limited and Xcel Brands, Inc. have signed an exclusive licensing agreement according to which Xcel will take over the wholesale jewelry business under the Judith Ripka brands. Xcel is a leading innovator in the acquisition, design, licensing, marketing, and retail sales of consumer brands.

The terms of the agreement will give KGK the license to manufacture, source, sell and distribute jewellery, including fine jewellery, diamond jewellery, and bridal jewellery, under the Judith Ripka label. The distribution will include luxury retailers, better departments stores and specialty fine jewelers worldwide.

Mr. Sanjay Kothari, Vice Chairman, KGK Group, said, "The partnership will give us the opportunity to combine Judith's distinctive designs with our unrivaled product development and bring exemplary quality product to the marketplace under the Judith Ripka brand.” He added that, “We are currently undergoing a vertical integration, getting closer to consumers with our retail ventures and closer to our supply chain by acquiring mines."

Robert D'Loren, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Xcel Brands, Inc., said, "This is a powerful alliance for Xcel & KGK with strong growth potential for the wholesale jewelry business under the Judith Ripka brands." Judith Ripka, Chief Design Officer, Judith Ripka appreciated that KGK ‘has been chosen as our licensee for the wholesale jewelry component of Judith Ripka businesses.’ Judith spoke high of the culture and ethics at KGK and its stature of being ‘not only one of the largest DeBeers site holders but which also has access to the highest quality colored gem stones.’