Ritani, a leading designer and manufacturer of custom engagement rings and fine jewelry, has been honored as one of Forbes' America's Most Promising Companies - a list of 100 privately held, high-growth companies. Companies that made the cut boast compelling business models, strong management teams, as well as notable customers and investors.

What began as a wholesale business in 1999, Ritani is being recognized for its direct-to-consumer business, which launched in 2012. Ritani is the first jewelry brand to integrate the increasingly popular 'clicks and bricks' model with local independent jewelers. Visitors to Ritani.com experience the optimal way to shop for diamond jewelry by receiving a best in class online e-commerce experience coupled with the option for a Free In-Store Preview at a local jeweler in their area. The complete list, along with videos featuring Ritani President Brian Watkins and other honorees at Aileron Entrepreneurial Institute, is now available on Forbes.com.

"It's an honor to be recognized by Forbes as one of our nation's most promising companies," said Brian Watkins, Ritani President. "We look forward to continuing our growth in 2014, welcoming customers new and old, while developing our robust network of trusted local jewelers."

For the third annual list of America's Most Promising Companies, Forbes strove for a holistic gauge of young, privately-held businesses, attempting to pin down their trajectories by taking a range of variables into account. Over the course of four months Forbes reviewed hundreds of applications. The final assessment is based on growth (both in sales and hiring), quality of management teams and investors, margins, market size and key partnerships. After verifying sales numbers, speaking with each company and debating their merits and blemishes, Forbes produces a final ranking.

About Ritani

Ritani is a premium jewelry brand modernizing the way consumers purchase engagement rings and fine diamond jewelry. Founded in 1999, Ritani marries the online shopping experience for handcrafted and custom-made engagement rings, loose diamonds, and other fine jewelry with a network of trusted local luxury jewelers in one seamless transaction. Ritani is headquartered in New York with e-commerce operations in Seattle. Jewelers interested in becoming a Ritani retail partner can contact Ritani at partner@ritani.com.

DKC for Ritani
Dave Donovan, 212-981-5240
Dave_Donovan@dkcnews.com