Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.
3 Books to Check Out in February
This month, National Jeweler recommends three recently released titles that take a deeper look at 21st century business trends.

New York--Ten years ago saw the release of the first iPhone and no one had heard of Airbnb or Uber.
A lot of changes have transpired in a decade and this month, National Jeweler is recommending retailers peruse three titles that provide in-depth analyses of business trends that are distinctly of the 21st century.
To learn more about or buy these books, links are provided to cultural institution Powell’s Books, located in Portland, Oregon, and known as the world’s largest independent bookstore.
1. “Hit Makers: The Science of Popularity in an Age of Distraction”
Derek Thompson
The Atlantic Senior Editor Derek Thompson explores what makes a hit a hit from an economic angle in “Hit Makers: The Science of Popularity in an Age of Distraction,” released this month.
Arguing that no hit song, movie or app becomes successful through luck alone, Thompson explores the circumstances that provide the foundation for something’s popularity today.
“Hit Makers” is 352 pages.
2. “Thank You for Being Late: An Optimist’s Guide to Thriving in the Age of Accelerations”
Thomas L. Friedman
Feel like changes in technology develop at a breakneck pace these days? In “Thank You for Being Late,” three-time Pulitzer Prize winner Thomas L. Friedman distills the rapid developments of the 21st century into understandable trends.
With an optimist’s point-of-view, Friedman examines recent dramatic changes in technology, the global market and Mother Nature, and how people can utilize positive aspects of these changes to not only work for them, but to protect the future for all.
Released in November, this book is 496 pages.
3. “The Upstarts: How Uber, Airbnb, and the Killer Companies of the New Silicon Valley are Changing the World”
Brad Stone
Out last month, “The Upstarts” by Brad Stone takes a magnifying glass to Silicon Valley businesses that have disrupted traditional business models.
Stone focuses on the leaders of Uber and Airbnb and what they have in common, plus the tough financial times they’ve had to endure to reach their current successes.
“The Upstarts” is 384 pages.
The Latest

Yood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.

Set in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

The jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.


Take luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.

This year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

In its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.

Starting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.

The new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.

The filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.

The new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.

Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.

“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.

Silas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.

The sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.

Most customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

The collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.

MatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.

The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.

Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.

Billed as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.

Don’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.

The new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.

A choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.

The manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.





















