Watch: The Highs and Lows of 2024
The National Jeweler editors recap the top news, the best jewels, and their favorite stories of the year.
In the latest episode of “My Next Question,” a co-branded webinar series hosted by National Jeweler and Jewelers of America, the National Jeweler editorial team took stock of the highs and lows of 2024.
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow, and Associate Editors Lauren McLemore and Natalie Francisco highlighted their favorite stories of the year, the best jewelry to hit the auction blocks, and their favorite jewelry moments, from red carpet looks to fun collaborations.
The editors also shared the biggest news on their beats, including the diamond market, retail, fashion, and colored gemstones, along with their hopes for 2025.
Watch the full discussion in the video above and find the editors’ picks for a few of their favorite stories of 2024 below.
Michelle Graff’s Picks
Q&A: Constance Polamalu on Selling Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds
Single Mine Origin Gold Now Being Distributed in the US
Kaley Cuoco Has a Three-Stone Engagement Ring With a Twist
De Beers, Signet Lean Into Finding ‘The One’ in New Natural Diamond Campaign
Lenore Fedow’s Picks
The End of an Era: John Kennedy Reflects On 32 Years at JSA
Retailer Hall of Fame 2024: Gina Drosos
Piece of the Week: Cartier’s Ring-Tailed Lemur
Gem Awards Highlight the Power of Retail, Community
Lauren McLemore’s Picks
The Modern Bride’s Approach to Wedding-Day Jewelry
Why Fine Jewelry Belongs at New York Comic Con
‘A Tsar’s Treasure’ Fetches $2.9M at Sotheby’s Jewelry Sale
703-Carat Tanzanite Sets Guinness World Record
Natalie Francisco’s Top Stories
Bows, Snakes, and Tennis Bracelets: A Guide to What May Be Trending in Vegas
State of Retail: 4 Retail Design Trends for 2024
Alison Lou, Barilla Debut ‘Ring-a-toni’ Pasta Rings
Pamela Love Channels Surrealist Artists in New Collection
“My Next Question” will return in 2025 with “Predictions for the Year Ahead” on Tuesday, Jan. 23 at 11 a.m. EST, co-hosted by Graff and Jewelers of America President and CEO David Bonaparte with guests Sherry Smith and Edahn Golan.
To see past episodes of “My Next Question,” visit the Recorded Webinars page.
The Latest

The lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.

“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.

A Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

New collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.


The citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.

Lanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

A replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.

Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.

To enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.

The grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.

The winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.

The rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.

It is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.

Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.

The jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.

Spectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.

Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.

Alexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.

The Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.

Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.

Cahoon was appointed strategic account and educational program manager at Gesswein, which recently joined Continental Buying Group.

Tiffany & Co.’s latest ambassador makes her debut in its “Love Is a Gift” holiday campaign.

For her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow highlights bewitching jewels fit for a witch that go from day to unholy night.

Jaythan Gilder was found guilty of robbery and grand theft after stealing and then ingesting nearly $800,000 worth of Tiffany & Co. jewelry.

Consumer confidence remains on the long-term downward trend that’s persisted over the past few years, said a Conference Board economist.




















