A Family Business Built on Innovation: The CLIQ Jewelry Story

by PIDC
June 8, 2026

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For more than three decades, CLIQ Jewelry has been redefining what’s possible in the fine jewelry industry. Founded in 1993 by Gena and Paul Alulis, the Philadelphia-based manufacturer was built on a simple observation: while many everyday products have evolved to better fit people’s needs, rings remained largely unchanged.

“With a background in the fine Jewelry industry, we identified a void in the market,” said Gena Alulis, co-founder of CLIQ Jewelry. “For literally centuries, rings were designed as rigid, geometric objects that failed to accommodate the natural and organic shapes of our fingers. While other industries have innovated over time with improvements like belts, fasteners, elastic, Velcro, etc. the jewelry industry has been stagnant. We were determined to identify not just a novel solution to a universal problem, but an approach that also aligns with the design integrity and aesthetic standards of the fine jewelry industry.”

CLIQ’s Patented Hinged Ring Technology

The solution was their revolutionary CLIQ hinge technology. Traditional rings are sized to fit over the knuckle—the widest part of the finger—rather than the base where the ring actually sits. CLIQ’s patented hinged design allows the ring to “click” securely into place, creating a comfortable, custom-feeling fit. This innovation makes it easier for people to wear their rings through life’s natural changes, including arthritis, pregnancy, and everyday fluctuations in finger size.

Originally founded as Superfit, the company later rebranded as CLIQ Jewelry, inspired by the signature “click” of its patented hinged ring technology. Today, the family business is led by Gena and Paul’s son, Eric Alulis, while the founders continue to serve in advisory roles.

What began as a business focused on manufacturing a jewelry component has grown into a unified operation producing finished fine jewelry sold worldwide. “Over the years, we have expanded into a fully-integrated, end-to-end manufacturing operation enabling us to produce complete, ready to wear, fine jewelry incorporating our unique hinged design,” said Alulis. “We have developed relationships with international distribution partners and have leveraged advanced manufacturing technologies that have sustained our continued growth.”

In an industry rooted in tradition, CLIQ Jewelry has embraced new tech and adapted quickly to changing market conditions. “Our business was founded on innovation which is uncommon in the traditionally conservative world of fine jewelry. This ethos remains our guiding principle as we continue to evolve,” said Alulis. “We have been quick to identify and implement emerging manufacturing technologies such as laser welding, computer numerical control (CNC) manufacturing, and 3d printing. This gives us the ability to quickly react to outside market pressures beyond our control. A current example is the rapid rise in precious metal costs which have driven us to explore and introduce alternative metal alloys and product designs.”

Growing with PIDC’s Support

CLIQ Jewelry has cultivated a long relationship with PIDC. “In 2012, I was introduced to the leadership at PIDC. They embraced our vision and provided guidance at every stage proving it is feasible to grow and maintain a manufacturing facility in Philadelphia,” said Alulis. “Over the years, we have remained active PIDC clients and are deeply grateful for their support. We have benefited from their advisory services, educational programs, networking, and financing opportunities.”

That support has helped the company expand its operations, workforce, and facilities. “Through various finance programs, we have benefited in renovation and modernization of our manufacturing facility to accommodate more equipment and more people,” said Alulis. “We have doubled our workforce and increased our revenues exponentially. We are currently engaged with PIDC to build out our newest state of the art facility in an effort to execute on our next phase of growth. We are grateful for our relationship with their talented and enthusiastic staff.”

One of CLIQ Jewelry’s proudest milestones came when its Philadelphia headquarters was selected by PIDC and the Philadelphia Department of Commerce to host a press conference featuring U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk and then Mayor Michael Nutter in support of President Obama’s Jobs Act. The event highlighted the company’s role in Philadelphia’s manufacturing sector and recognized its continued growth and innovation.

“Having venerated leadership emphasize the importance of supporting a growing manufacturing business in the community brought immeasurable pride in what we have accomplished,” said Alulis.

Throughout her career, Alulis has been an advocate for women in business and an active participant in industry organizations, including the Women’s Jewelry Association. She credits networking and professional development with helping her grow both personally and professionally and encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to seek out opportunities to connect with others in their field. “The networking was invaluable,” said Alulis. “Getting out of your workaday world to fully immerse yourself in the trade is the key to finding what you need to grow your business. Be brave; keep learning.”

A Ring Designed for Life’s Moments

CLIQ Jewelry line continues to serve customers of all backgrounds, helping people comfortably wear pieces that often carry deep personal meaning

“Anyone wearing any type of ring is a potential customer. They range from NFL players to our seniors who want to keep their memories and valued possessions close to them every day,” said Alulis. “Jewelry frequently represents special moments and events in our lives. It is truly heartwarming to hear from those who are once again able to comfortably wear their treasured rings. My hope is that anyone who experiences the benefits of wearing CLIQ jewelry is reminded of those special memories and not the discomfort of an ill-fitting ring.”

As CLIQ Jewelry looks toward its next phase of growth, the company remains committed to the same spirit of innovation that inspired its founding more than 30 years ago—proving that even the most traditional industries can evolve through creativity, persistence, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.

Photos courtesy of CLIQ Jewelry.

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