AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
IndependentsDec 22, 2016
The 16 Most Popular Stories of 2016
National Jeweler recounts the articles readers clicked on the most in the past year.
And National Jeweler’s most-read story of 2016 was … the April “The History Behind” piece on choker necklaces, like the Edwardian-era example pictured here.
New York--As the year draws to a close, we are taking a look back at the stories that made the biggest splash in 2016.
These are the articles on NationalJeweler.com that received the most page views as of Dec. 15.
Enjoy and please use the comments section below to let National Jeweler’s editors know if there are any topics that should receive more, or less, coverage in 2017.
1. The History Behind … The Choker
This article from March examined the history of the choker necklace, from ancient civilizations to their popularity among goth girls in the 1990s.
2. What Will Become of Retail Jewelry Stores?
It seemed like everybody in the industry read part one of Peter Smith’s two-part column from April on the changing retail landscape and what jewelers need to do to adapt and survive.
3. 5-Carat Lab-Grown Blue Diamond Graded by GIA
At the time this article was published in February, this stone was the largest faceted lab-grown blue the Gemological Institute of America had ever studied.
4. Analysis: The State of the Majors
Posted online in early November, this was the cover story from the 2016 State of the Majors report, which was published in print for the first time since 2010.
5. What Will Become of Retail Jewelry Stores? Part II
The second part of Smith’s popular article included three pieces of advice for jewelers along with a list of recommended reading.
6. Pantone Names the 10 Colors Expected to Rule Fall
The color authority released the palette it expected to be popular for fall 2016 fashions in February. 
7. The Top 10 Trends Expected to Drive Retail in 2016
Synchrony Financial released a market brief in February predicting that technology would shape eight of the top 10 trends expected to have the greatest impact on retail sales this year.
8. 7 Trends to Watch in 2016
In January, Senior Editor Brecken Branstrator counted down the trends expected to be prevalent in jewelry design in the new year.
9. JA, AGTA Add Spinel as August Birthstone
Jewelers of America and the American Gem Trade Association announced the addition in June. 
10. No. of US Jewelers Closing Climbs 24%
Reports on store closings were a story throughout 2016, including this report from February on the total number for 2015.
11. Rio Tinto Unveils ‘Impossibly Rare’ Violet Diamond
The diamond, which is 2.83 carats, oval cut and GIA color-graded as a fancy deep grayish blue violet, was part of
Rio Tinto’s Argyle tender this year.
12. Cindy Edelstein, A Rare Gem in the Industry, Dies
The woman considered a “godmother” to the jewelry industry’s fledgling designers died unexpectedly in January. She was 51.
13. The Real Reason People Buy Jewelry
Following the death of her grandmother, Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff reflected on the significance of objects that are passed from generation to generation.
14. Jewelry Business Closures Climb 34% in Q1
Another story on the JBT’s statistics on jewelry store closures, this one ran in May and covered the figures from the first quarter 2016.
15. A State-by-State Breakdown on Diamond Shapes and Sizes
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff analyzed data released by White Pine on where people with the biggest and best diamonds live.
16. Which Social Media Platforms Are Best for Jewelers?
A column from Mike Farrell, formerly of Likeable Local, that was published in April was the 16th most-read story on National Jeweler this year.
12. Cindy Edelstein, A Rare Gem in the Industry, Dies
The woman considered a “godmother” to the jewelry industry’s fledgling designers died unexpectedly in January. She was 51.
13. The Real Reason People Buy Jewelry
Following the death of her grandmother, Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff reflected on the significance of objects that are passed from generation to generation.
14. Jewelry Business Closures Climb 34% in Q1
Another story on the JBT’s statistics on jewelry store closures, this one ran in May and covered the figures from the first quarter 2016.
15. A State-by-State Breakdown on Diamond Shapes and Sizes
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff analyzed data released by White Pine on where people with the biggest and best diamonds live.
16. Which Social Media Platforms Are Best for Jewelers?
A column from Mike Farrell, formerly of Likeable Local, that was published in April was the 16th most-read story on National Jeweler this year.
More on Independents
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MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
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TrendsJun 26, 2026
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Weekly QuizJun 25, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
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CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2026
Watches & Wonders Announces 2027 DatesThe week-long event in Geneva is slated for April 2027.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy BoardThe three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.
ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online CartJewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-TrendThe fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.
Events & AwardsJun 24, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026This year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards will feature two new categories.
SourcingJun 24, 2026
Columbia Gem House To Offer Alexandrite Melee OnlineThe collection features traceable alexandrite from Brazil in calibrated sizes that is sorted by grade.
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales OfficerDhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in EthiopiaSSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime DayAs Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnerCole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.
EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
