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 owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.

The company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.

The retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Of the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.


Megan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.

Following decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

The museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.

The new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.

The “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.

Buying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.

Lazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.

A portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.

Their partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.

Respondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.

Our Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.

Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.

“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.

Believed to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.

Officials are looking for a group that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers at an outlet mall in Round Rock, Texas, in broad daylight on April 21.

Sponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition

Some retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.

The Edge has announced its new CEO, as well as a new partnership with an investment firm focused on founder-led software businesses.

De Beers’ diamond production was up 17 percent in Q1, boosted by increased output at its mines in South Africa and Canada.

A signet ring belonging to the Western film star of Hollywood’s Golden Age will be up for auction at Elmwood’s next month.

Importers can submit claims now to receive money back for the IEEPA tariffs they’ve paid, with refunds expected to take up to 90 days.




















