Annie Doresca and Michelle Graff welcome Reggie Johnson and Sheryl Jones for a frank conversation on the state of DEI in fine jewelry.
10 Jewelry News Stories You Might Have Missed
A column detailing how independent jewelers did last year and the top watch brands of 2022 were among the most-read stories last week.

See them all below.
1) These Were 2022’s Top-Selling Watch Brands, Chrono24 Says
Rolex remained No. 1 while a brand known for its pilot watches slipped into the No. 5 spot.
2) Tiffany Buys 35 of the Last Diamonds Recovered From Argyle
Purchased directly from Rio Tinto, the collection consists of pinks, purples and one red, none larger than 1.52 carats.
3) On Data: Here’s How Independent Jewelers Did in 2022
Sherry Smith breaks down retailers’ performance last year, including how natural diamonds fared vs. lab-grown.
4) Designers to Watch in 2023: Aurelia Demark
The designer finds the modernity in classic motifs and family heirloom jewels.
5) Melanie Grant Named Executive Director of RJC
She has more than 20 years’ experience in watches and jewelry, and says sustainability is the “greatest single issue” facing the industry.
The trend forecaster and her guests explored unconventional jewelry designs, NFTs, AI art, and more during her Trendvision presentation.
7) Stephanie Gottlieb Announces First President, CCO Hire
Morgan P. Richardson joins from La Perla.
8) NDC and Lorraine Schwartz Announce New ‘EDDI’ Class
The Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative provides diamond credit and mentorship to young brands helmed by BIPOC designers.
9) GIA and AGS Launch Diamond Light Performance Supplement Report
The AGS Ideal Report by GIA is a digital-only addition to GIA diamond reports.
10) Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry Set to Open 10th Store
It will be located in San Antonio’s Alamo Quarry Market and will be Lee Michaels’ third location in the city.
The Latest

Artisan Martin Roberts fashioned lunar meteorites into 48 beads to create this out-of-this-world necklace.

Jacob & Co.’s new “Billionaire” timepiece features more than 200 carats of yellow diamonds.

Distinguishing natural diamonds from laboratory-grown stones – now more available than ever – has been difficult for jewelers. Until now.

Heidi Horten, wife of department store magnate Helmut Horten, collected jewelry from Bulgari, Cartier, Harry Winston and Van Cleef & Arpels.


The jewelry industry insurer and solutions provider is celebrating 110 years in business this month.

The statement came as the National Retail Federation released its retail sales forecast for 2023.

De Beers Institute of Diamonds provides the very best in diamond verification, education and diamond services.

Sotheby’s will auction the diamond, which it says is “arguably the most significant pink diamond to ever appear at auction,” in June.

The retailer, recently acquired by Signet Jewelers, will lay off 119 employees in July.

The Swiss watchmaker introduced 17 new models at Watches & Wonders Geneva.

As part of the promotion, Smith will share his sales expertise during a 90-minute training session.

At Watches & Wonders, the Swiss brand unveiled a follow-up to last year’s Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante.

The “rêve” collection’s engagement rings and wedding bands are geared toward “sustainability minded customers.”

A new word appears on the dial each day of the week.

Bensons Jewelers closed for good Feb. 24, impacted in part by the decline in foot traffic downtown since the onset of the pandemic.

Kolja Kiofsky has been with the crystal and jewelry company since 2010.

The Kruse GWS Auctions sale will include the replica “Taj Mahal” necklace Elizabeth Taylor made with Avon as well as a costume piece Marilyn Monroe wore.

Massimo Basei is moving up, while Chief Commercial Officer Martino Pessina is stepping down.

AGTA GemFair and the Denver Gem & Mineral Show also will have a presence on the show floor.

Sold by Christie’s Hong Kong, this masterwork of complications now holds the record for most expensive watch ever auctioned online.

The watch company expects first-quarter sales to fall as much as 15 percent due to inflation and tough comps.

Adam O’Grady, general manager of the Lightbox Lab, has taken on the new role and will report directly to Lightbox CEO Antoine Borde.

The watch marketplace gathered data from 1.3 million collectors, highlighting the most popular timepieces and exploring value appreciation.

Burgundy has opted not to exercise its option to buy the mining claims Gibb River Diamonds currently owns.

Patented and specialty cuts now can receive an 8X Proprietary Certificate, which can be customized to include a company’s brand and logo.

The organization said it will recognize those who exemplify the idea that doing good is good business.