SourcingOct 05, 2026
De Beers to Take Full Ownership of Gahcho KuéIt is the last fully operational diamond mine in Canada following the recent closures of Ekati and Diavik.
IndependentsDec 28, 2016
Hearts On Fire Names 2016 Retailer of the Year
The diamond brand awarded Midwestern jeweler James & Sons with its top honor for independent retail partners.
Hearts On Fire has named Chicago-based James & Sons as its Retailer of the Year, recognizing the retailer for increased inventory, brand training for staff and the installation of new HOF brand boutiques in all of their stores as seen here.
Boston--Hearts On Fire has announced the winners of its top honors for its independent retail partners, naming a Midwestern jeweler its 2016 Retailer of the Year.
This year, the brand had a new set of criteria and awards, now comprised of five categories: Bridal, Strongest Increased Retail Sales, Brand Advocate, Rookie of the Year and the top honor, Global Hearts On Fire Retailer of the Year.
In past years, the awards were given based on region. However, this year, the 2016 honors were given to retail partners who “best aligned themselves with Hearts On Fire’s specific business goals,” the company said.
These companies are being recognized for dedication to growing their Hearts On Fire business, providing an unforgettable brand experience, maximizing marketing initiatives and in-store environments and a culture of exceptional training and brand values designed to drive sell-through at the counter.
The winners for this year are as follows.
--Global Retailer of the Year: James & Sons, in Chicago and Orland Park, Illinois and Schereville, Indiana
--Rookie of the Year: The Diamond Galleria in Evansville, Indiana
--Bridal Retailer of the Year: Wedding Ring Shop in Honolulu, Hawaii
--Increased Sell-Through Retailer of the Year: Koser Jewelers in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania
--Brand Advocate Retailer of the Year: MG Joyeros in Panama City, Panama
Receiving this year’s top honor, Chicago-based James & Sons, led by owners Jim and John Sunderland, exceeded their business goals and remained committed to everything that the Hearts On Fire brand had to offer in 2016, the company said.
With increased inventory, brand training for staff, a creative marketing plan and a number of trunk shows, as well as the installation of new HOF brand boutiques in all of their stores, “the James & Sons team truly exemplified what a best-in-class retail partner should be and has set a new standard of partnership for the future,” Hearts on Fire said.
Hearts On Fire President Caryl Capeci also said, “2016 was a year of laser focus for Hearts On Fire, as we took huge strides in building the brand and continuing to strengthen our independent retail partnerships. Our primary objective and the foundation of our programs was to drive sell through success at retail and support our partners to achieve a ROI above industry standards.
“As a result, our brand is stronger than ever, and we are positioned for huge momentum as we head into the New Year. We sincerely thank our
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
partners worldwide, and hope that they are all as excited as we are to see what comes next during this exciting time.”
Hearts On Fire also announced the 2017 dates for its Hearts On Fire University, which will take place at The Wynn Las Vegas from Oct. 8 to 11.
Hearts On Fire also announced the 2017 dates for its Hearts On Fire University, which will take place at The Wynn Las Vegas from Oct. 8 to 11.
More on Independents
The Latest
AuctionsOct 05, 2026
The Star Cats of the Sandy Lerner AuctionThese jewels stood out at Bonhams’ sale of the cat-loving tech entrepreneur’s collection of objects depicting the feline form.
CollectionsOct 05, 2026
Sorellina Writes Another Love Letter for ‘Postscript’ CollectionThe fine jewelry brand has expanded the collection that debuted at Couture with four new designs based on its most popular styles.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
SourcingOct 05, 2026
Bruce Bridges Joins CIBJO BoardThe AGTA president was elected for a two-year term on the board of directors.
Weekly QuizOct 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingOct 02, 2026
De Beers, National Geographic Society Renew Okavango Eternal Partnership The partnership, a pledge to protect Africa’s Okavango River Basin, has been extended for an additional five years.
MajorsOct 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New $150M Manufacturing Facility in VietnamThe new facility, its first outside of Thailand, will boost its manufacturing capacity by 50 percent.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
TrendsOct 02, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30th Anniversary With Heart PendantThe special-edition “Dream” pendant, our Piece of the Week, was created to mark Hearts On Fire’s 30-year milestone with 30 diamonds.
CrimeOct 01, 2026
Police Looking for 4 Suspects in $600K Smash-and-Grab RobberyDubai Jewelers in Springfield, Virginia, was once again the target of an armed robbery.
SurveysOct 01, 2026
Rolex Ranks Among Most Recommended Brands in US, Survey Says YouGov’s 2026 U.S. Most Recommended Brands report’s out, and a fast-fashion giant is sitting at No. 1 while Rolex is just shy of the top 5.
SourcingOct 01, 2026
Columbia Gem House Opens ‘Cutting Toward Change’ FundraiserProceeds from its jewelry raffle will benefit an organization working in India to combat silicosis, a lung disease affecting stone cutters.
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Carolina Hurricanes’ Championship Ring Reveals Hidden Hockey Puck PendantThe rings, crafted by Jason of Beverly Hills, celebrate the hockey team’s Stanley Cup win with design elements that honor its traditions.
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Color Range This roundup of birthstone jewelry for October features vibrant tourmalines and opals with personality.
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Botswana’s President, De Beers CEO Say Diamond Demand Is RecoveringPresident Duma Boko spoke at back-to-back events in the city last week, touting Botswana’s stability and the diamond “bounceback.”
CollectionsSep 30, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Holiday Book Is ‘A Living Archive’ The catalog showcases 112 new, one-of-a-kind pieces amid highlights from the jeweler’s historic archive.
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Gemfields Posts $98.5M Loss, Writes Down Value of Ruby MineIts Montepuez Ruby Mining operation in Mozambique, which is not yielding enough high-quality rubies, has taken a $125 million hit.
SurveysSep 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls to 12-Year Low in SeptemberThose surveyed were worried about the present and the future, with write-in responses mentioning high oil and gas prices.
Events & AwardsSep 30, 2026
Jewelers of America, JA New York to Host Networking EventThe event will take place on the evening of Oct. 26 in New York City.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
Dionne Warwick’s Jewelry Goes Up for AuctionOnline bidding is open now for Julien’s sale of items owned by the “Walk On By” singer, whose final album comes out this fall.
Events & AwardsSep 29, 2026
Matt Stuller to Receive 2027 Gem Award for Lifetime AchievementThe founder and executive chairman of Stuller Inc. is being honored for his impact on the jewelry industry at the 25th annual Gem Awards.
ColumnistsSep 29, 2026
Your Holiday Marketing Has a Bridal Blind SpotDecember is the most popular month to propose, and jewelers need to keep that in mind when planning their holiday marketing.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction Wednesday.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
De Beers London Drops Water-Inspired High Jewelry Collection“Vibrations” features several firsts for De Beers’ high jewelry, including the use of chalcedony and diamonds sourced from artisanal miners.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
Jessica McCormack Turns to Classic Motif for New CollectionThe “Bows” collection features three interpretations of the bow motif designed with Georgian and Victorian influences.
Events & AwardsSep 28, 2026
Guy Borenstein, Troy Underwood Among the Professionals Honored at AGS Conclave 2026The American Gem Society recognized industry members, one Guild, and a law enforcement official for their contributions to jewelry.
FinancialsSep 28, 2026
Instappraise, Jewelers Mutual Look to Simplify Jewelry InsuranceThrough a new system integration, customers can now receive instant personal jewelry insurance quotes at the time of appraisal.
