MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up EarlyBerta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.
EditorsDec 23, 2020
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.
Houston independent Dubin’s Fine Jewelry created the “Book for a Book” initiative. For the sale of each gold or silver book pendant, the retailer will donate a book to a local nonprofit that aids underprivileged children.
My last blog post of the year is normally a roundup of my picks for most impactful stories of the past 365 days. But this time, I’m doing something a little different.
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.
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.
His mother, Sherry Dubin, worked for many years as a classroom teacher. For the last 20 years, she’s been the literacy and learning specialist at The Shlenker School in Houston, working with both children who are advanced readers as well as those who struggle.
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.
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.
More on Editors
The Latest
AuctionsDec 16, 2025
Suzanne Belperron, JAR Shine in Sotheby’s First Auctions at New HQSotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
TJS Now Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2026Winners will receive free registration and lodging for its fourth annual event in Detroit.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
ColumnistsDec 16, 2025
Beyond Unboxing: Creative Reveals to Drive Reach and EngagementHere are six ideas for making more engaging content for Instagram Reels and TikTok, courtesy of Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams.
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Names 2026 Award RecipientsThe honorees include a notable jewelry brand, an industry veteran, and an independent retailer.
CrimeDec 15, 2025
Men Receive Life Sentences in Home Invasion Murder of Jeweler Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
Policies & IssuesDec 15, 2025
Sara Yood Named Co-Chair of RJC Standards CommitteeYood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.
IndependentsDec 15, 2025
M.S. Rau to Open Store in AspenThe New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
