ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.
IndependentsFeb 29, 2016
Retailer does a diamond take on Apple Watch
One independent jeweler has gotten into the holiday spirit by adding a blinged-out version of Apple’s smartwatch to its gift guide.
The Diamond iWatch from Mervis Diamond Importers, featuring more than 15 carats of diamonds and set in 18-karat rose gold ($30,150)
Washington--Though Apple remains mum on distribution plans for its Apple Watch, one independent jeweler has gotten into the holiday spirit by adding a blinged-out version of the smartwatch to its gift guide.
The idea of a stone-enhanced version of the smartwatch arose when Mervis Diamond Importers wanted to make its gift book for the season that was a balance between classic pieces, like diamond studs and tennis bracelets, and “wow” pieces to pull people in to, hopefully, end up purchasing the classics, said Jonathan Mervis, the store’s chief growth officer.
So, based on the information Apple has released about Apple Watch, the Washington, D.C. retailer created a photo rendering of the smartwatch in 18-karat rose gold with a band covered in diamonds.
RELATED CONTENT: 5 facts about Apple Watch
The rendering of the “Diamond iWatch”--as the store is calling it to avoid any trademark issues with Apple, Mervis said--features eight rows of round brilliant-cut diamonds set in a shared-prong tennis bracelet design. It has more than 15 carats of diamonds, E/F in color and VS1/VS2 in clarity.
Though prices will vary based on the metal chosen as well as the quality of the diamonds, as Mervis is open to customizing the piece according to what the buyer wants, the retail price for this version is $30,150.
Once the Apple Watch is actually released and the retailer can buy a few, it will customize iWatches for its customers, Mervis said.
Currently, Apple has not released any details about where it will be selling its smartwatch, but Mervis said that even if the store doesn’t become an authorized seller of the Apple Watch, it will go to a retailer that is and purchase a select amount to set with diamonds and sell as the “Diamond iWatch.”
The first run of production will be extremely limited.
“My goal is to make five to 10 in this production,” he said, adding that the second edition might be different, depending on what Apple does as it updates its smartwatch and how Mervis opts to vary its product to ensure exclusivity with each version.
The retailer is not yet accepting pre-payments for the watch but has posted it on its website to gauge interest via pre-orders.
Mervis said that the Diamond iWatch is garnering attention from all over the world, including from a number of buyers in the Middle East. Pre-orders are
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
expected to ship in June 2015.
More on Independents
The Latest
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic OfficerIn her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerOrganizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.
Weekly QuizApr 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingApr 09, 2026
AGA To Honor ‘Quiet Leadership’ With New AwardThe Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Oris Names New CEO, CFOThe Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
CollectionsApr 08, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30 Years By Asking a QuestionThe “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.
SourcingApr 08, 2026
Sale of 42-Carat Blue Diamond Gives Petra a Boost in Q3The big diamond’s sale added to the company’s revenue though the market remains “challenging” overall, particularly for smaller goods.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
AGS Confluence Returns with AI, Sustainability SessionsRob Bates of The Jewelry Wire will also moderate a panel on the state of the jewelry industry during the virtual event.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
TJS to Honor 2 Longtime Former Stuller EmployeesThe Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.
TrendsApr 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: April’s Brilliant Birthstone With their durability, brilliance, and beauty, diamonds are the perfect stone for everyday birthstone jewelry.
MajorsApr 07, 2026
QVC Group’s Latest Filing Calls Its Future Into QuestionThe retailer failed to file its annual report on time and said it may issue a going concern warning.
ColumnistsApr 07, 2026
Peter Smith: A Tip to the Post Office on Workplace CultureSmith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.
GradingApr 07, 2026
GIA CFO David Tearle to Retire in June John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Nerd Out Over Gemology Geek’s First Jewelry CollectionFounder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Ukrainian Jewelers Highlighted In New Book“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Fope’s New Jewelry Debuts Are Golden“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.
MajorsApr 06, 2026
Kecia Caffie, Corinne Bentzen No Longer With Signet JewelersSignet confirmed that Caffie, president of Zales and Banter, and Bentzen, who headed Blue Nile, have left the company.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Historian Tanzy Ward Pens Book on Black Victorians’ JewelryThe antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.
SourcingApr 06, 2026
Gemfields Reports $51M Loss in 2025Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Taylor Swift’s ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ Video Puts Jewelry Front and CenterIconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.
MajorsApr 03, 2026
Saks Global Says It Will Emerge From Bankruptcy This SummerThe luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.
Events & AwardsApr 03, 2026
JCK Luxury, NouvelleBox Partner on New Designer BallroomThe NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Buddha Mama Brings Its ‘Moon’ Locket To DallasThe one-of-a-kind locket, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal three hidden images to keep close to your heart.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New Canadian Distribution Center Amid Tariff ConcernsThe new facility was also designed to better serve its growing customer base in Canada.
