From a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
Jeweler opens up shop in NY
Although recent JBT data shows the jewelry industry is continuing to shrink, David Desso Fine Watches & Jewelry opened on Long Island’s South Shore this month.
Cedarhurst, N.Y.--Though recent statistics show that more jewelers closed up shop in the third quarter than the year prior, it doesn’t mean there are no new beginnings for the industry.
In addition to carrying pieces from brands including Pandora, Roberto Coin, Longines, Montblanc and Frederique Constant, the store also offers jewelry and watch repair and appraisal services.
Owner David Ustaev said he’s created a Facebook and Instagram page for the store already, and also is advertising in the local newspaper, The 5 Towns Jewish Times, and with a local cable company for the holiday season.
“My goal is for the store to become a jewelry destination for jewelry lovers, couples in search of the engagement ring of their dreams, and people who would like to enhance and accentuate their appearance with beautiful and stylish accessories,” Ustaev said.
Although the store’s soft opening happened the first week in November, a grand opening is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 10 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The news of Ustaev’s store opening came the same week the Jewelers Board of Trade released data showing that overall jewelry business discontinuances have increased 15 percent in 2015.
Still, the organization did record a total of 180 new retailers this year, compared with 173 at this time last year.
The Latest

Groundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.

Jost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine


From shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.

The designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.

“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.

The lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.

A Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.

New collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.

The citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.

Lanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.

A replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.

The grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.

The winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.

The rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.

It is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.

Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.

The jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.

Spectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.

Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.

Alexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.

The Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.

Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.






















