U.S. customs agents in El Paso, Texas, intercepted the package, which would have been worth $9 million if the jewelry was genuine.
What You Might Have Missed
Here are the top five stories published on NationalJeweler.com for the week of March 6 to 12, according to Google Analytics.

New York--Here are the top five stories published on NationalJeweler.com last week, according to Google Analytics.
1. Column: The Disconnect Between Customer and Jeweler
Retailer Jim Alperin wrote that consumers today think they are giving small retail jewelers business when they ask them to size the ring they got on the Internet. But this isn’t type of business jewelers want to be doing.
2. Unique Settings Sued for Allegedly Failing to Pay Overtime
The Queens, N.Y.-based jewelry manufacturer is facing a collective action lawsuit in federal court in Brooklyn over allegations it failed to pay employees for time worked over 40 hours a week.
3. 3 Consumers Share Their Jewelry Shopping Habits
At the WJA In the Know conference last Thursday, Ben Smithee moderated a panel of consumers who discussed everything from where they buy jewelry to how they feel about lab-grown diamonds.
4. Customers’ Smartphones and High Expectations
An article published last week by The Washington Post about how bars are dealing with the deluge of requests to charge patrons’ smartphones brings up the larger question of, when is it OK to say “no” to a customer?
5. Jeweler Shoots, Kills Robbery Suspect
The owner of Leilani’s Jewelers in Torrance, Calif. shot and killed a man who allegedly was trying to rob his store last week, police said.
The Latest

Health monitors become statement pieces when paired with the brand’s new collection of stackable diamond-studded bands.

Ten organizations were selected this year.

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.


Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.

Designer Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.

Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.

The company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

Simon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.

The company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.

The organization also announced its board of directors.

Charms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.

Located in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.

Paola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.

A platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.

The basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.

The Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.

The 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.

Lilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.

GCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.

The Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.

“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Van Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.

Industry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
The two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.