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

In a 6-3 ruling, the court said the president exceeded his authority when imposing sweeping tariffs under IEEPA.

Smith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.

JVC also announced the election of five new board members.

Launched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.

The brooch, our Piece of the Week, shows the chromatic spectrum through a holographic coating on rock crystal.


Raised in an orphanage, Bailey was 18 when she met her husband, Clyde. They opened their North Carolina jewelry store in 1948.

Material Good is celebrating its 10th anniversary as it opens its new store in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston.

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

The show will be held March 26-30 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

The estate of the model, philanthropist, and ex-wife of Johnny Carson has signed statement jewels up for sale at John Moran Auctioneers.

Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.

It will lead distribution in North America for Graziella Braccialini's new gold pieces, which it said are 50 percent lighter.

The organization is seeking a new executive director to lead it into its next phase of strategic growth and industry influence.

The nonprofit will present a live, two-hour introductory course on building confidence when selling colored gemstones.

Western wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.
![A peridot [left] and sapphires from Tanzania from Anza Gems, a wholesaler that partners with artisanal mining communities in East Africa Anza gems](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/cdd3962e9427ff45f69b31e06baf830d.jpg)
Although the market is robust, tariffs and precious metal prices are impacting the industry, Stuart Robertson and Brecken Branstrator said.

Rossman, who advised GIA for more than 50 years, is remembered for his passion and dedication to the field of gemology.

Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.

Butterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.

Paul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.

The nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.

Parent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.

It is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.

The AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.

The “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.

Sourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.

The clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.


















