The new showcase dedicated to Italian jewelry design is set for Oct. 29-30.
A Love of Jewelry, Reading and Literacy
One Houston independent is tying these themes together in a jewelry collection that provides books for underprivileged children.

As many of you know, National Jeweler launched a webinar series this year called “My Next Question.”
The last episode of 2020 will air this coming Tuesday, Dec. 29 at 2 p.m., and will feature three out of our four editors doing a best-of rundown—the best stories they wrote, the best stories other editors wrote, the articles that surprised them, the ones that disappointed them, etc.
You can just listen to that instead of reading it here; registration is available on our website.
Also, to be completely honest, I’m exhausted and would like to end this heavy year on a lighter note with one of my favorite subjects—books.
Each year, I set a goal to read at least two books a month, with an eye on finishing between 24 and 30 every year. I write down the title and author of every book I read so I can keep track.
Right now, I am about halfway through “Fleishman Is in Trouble” by Taffy Brodesser-Akner.
If I can finish it soon and squeeze in another book before the new year—which should be easy, since I am off next week—I’ll have read 24 books this year. Not bad, but certainly not my best.
People who know me know I like reading, which is how I end up with book-themed socks (my favorite are a pair that say, “F*ck off, I’m reading”), magnets, masks and now, a pendant from Dubin’s Fine Jewelry.
My friend, jewelry designer-turned marketer-turned tarot goddess Jacqueline Stone, works as the store’s marketing coordinator and directed Jordan Dubin my way after the store launched the Book for a Book initiative this fall.
Described as the store’s “first design for a greater purpose,” the jewelry at the center of Book for a Book is simple—an engravable book pendant in sterling silver ($95) or 14-karat white, rose or yellow gold ($575) on a cable chain.
The concept is simple, yes, but the effect could be profound, particularly for disadvantaged children in low-income neighborhoods, who are undoubtedly the ones most severely impacted by the disruptions to in-person learning caused by COVID-19.
Books, Jordan told me during a recent phone interview, have always been important in the Dubin family, as has literacy.
At the family jewelry store, Jordan and the team worked with Jackie to figure out a way to tie the family’s love of books and quest for literacy into jewelry to create a program that could have a positive impact, and they came up with book pendant that gives back.

For each pendant sold, the retailer donates a book to Books Between Kids, a Houston nonprofit that provides books to at-risk children to help them build their home libraries.
Having books in the house and starting to read at an early age can have a lifelong, positive impact, and it’s even more important right now, with many schools across the country closed for in-person learning as the battle against the pandemic wears on.
The long-term social, psychological, emotional, and educational impacts of being away from school will not be fully realized for decades to come,” Jordan observed in a blog post on the store’s website.
“However, we do know how beneficial reading, and being read to, can be.”
Dubin’s Fine Jewelry spread the word about Book for a Book through social media, email marketing, direct mail, and worked with a local PR company to generate community interest, particularly in local blogs.
The book pendant program also aligns with the store’s December book drive.
Dubin’s used to do toy drives but transitioned to books two years ago, tying in the family’s literacy advocacy.
This year, everyone who donates to the book drive is being entered into a contest to win a 14-karat gold Book for a Book pendant at the end of the holiday season.
The pendants are sold both online and in the store, and Jordan said they’ve gotten online orders from all over, including from new customers.
He’s considering expanding the program in the future; soon, you might see book cufflinks at Dubin’s Fine Jewelry.
Happy reading, and happy holidays, to all. I hope to connect with you in the new year.
The Latest

Take a gaze at the sky with this pair of platinum diamond-set star earrings with blue lace agate drops.

In 2026, the jewelry retailer will celebrate a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.

You deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.

Jeffrey Zimmer's decades of leadership at Reeds Jewelers are defined by integrity, a love of sourcing gemstones, and a heart for community.


The new high jewelry design and production process takes 30 days or less from concept to completion, the auction house said.

The holiday catalog for 2025 features never-before-seen images of more than 100 one-of-a-kind masterpieces.

The upcoming show provides savvy retailers with the opportunity to stock their cases with best sellers in advance of the holiday season.

The brand has released a second installment of its collection of traditional and non-traditional commitment heirlooms.

Corey rescued New England chain Day’s Jewelers, preserving its legacy with strong people skills, pragmatism, and a “get-it-done” attitude.

Charles Robinson Shay was sentenced to life in prison plus 120 years while his accomplice, Michael James McCormack, got 75 years.

The Museum of Arts and Design's new exhibition features 75 pieces by the designer, best known for her work in the “Black Panther” films.

Timepieces at Luxury will take place at The Venetian and, like Luxury, will be invitation-only for the first two days.

The auction house named a new global head of jewelry, as well as a new head of the jewelry department for the Americas.

As chairman of Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers, Tom Dixon has been tasked with honoring the past and shaping the future of the family-run store.

Katty Villapando Lyte and Mica Rencher received a $10,000 grant for their business, Shimmer Culture LLC.

The parents of the Dallas Mavericks rookie bought their engagement ring at a Day’s store in Bangor, Maine, in 1997.

The UK-based brand sourced the gemstones, which are fully traceable, from an artisanal mining community in Tanzania.

The trio of Advent calendars include a version with 18-karat gold and lab-grown diamond jewelry in a red lacquer jewelry box.

Created in collaboration with Nymphenburg Porcelain, the lock is part of a four-piece collection that took two years to bring to fruition.

Jewelry industry veteran Alisa Bunger has taken on the role.

The company and industry leader’s two-decade tenure with De Beers will come to a close at the end of the month.

“The Winter Egg” set the world auction record for a Fabergé piece twice at previous Christie’s sales.

The company will pay 1.5x silver’s current spot price for each pound of silver oxide batteries submitted.

The line includes a “Shadow” series crafted exclusively for the new men’s offering and reimagined styles from the brand’s core collections.

The rough on offer was recovered from a newer area at the Montepuez mine.

The retailer’s new collection of engagement rings and fashion jewelry is set with natural diamonds that are traceable via blockchain.