EditorsDec 23, 2024
My Favorite Piece of the Week Jewels of 2024Associate Editor Natalie Francisco chose her 12 favorite Piece of the Week picks from the year gone by.
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers
The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
Brought To You By International Gemological Institute
New Year's resolutions offer a fresh start and the promise of self-improvement. The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves. Below are three suggestions for professional jewelers and consumer enthusiasts designed to increase value, improve knowledge, and protect the integrity of all those sparkling pieces we love.
#1 - Appraise Your Gifts
Whether you’re selling, gifting or receiving jewelry, an independent appraisal from IGI confirms the quality, authenticity, and value of every treasured item. Jewelers who provide IGI appraisals with their sales build trust and loyalty among clients with that ironclad confirmation of quality. Shoppers who send their pieces to IGI will receive comprehensive documentation from one of the world’s most respected gemological institutes, verifying expectations and enhancing future value. An IGI appraisal not only provides peace of mind, but also guarantees proper insurance coverage in case of damage or loss.
Resolution - New Year’s Collaboration: Team up with some fellow jewelry lovers and send a variety of sparkling pieces to IGI for fast affordable appraisals, followed by a “show and tell” party.
#2 - Sharpen Your Skills
Improve your knowledge with IGI. Whether through quick 45-minute eLearning courses, or hands-on diamond and jewelry grading at IGI New York, education enhances your understanding of the value, quality, and appeal of any jewelry item. Jewelry professionals gain expertise, credibility, and a better ability to meet client needs. Shoppers make more informed decisions, ensuring they get the best quality and value for their money, while all enthusiasts deepen their appreciation for diamonds, colored gemstones and the exhilarating world of jewelry.
Resolution - Buddy System: Come to New York with a friend and take one of IGI’s efficient hands-on courses over 2-3 days, or 5 weekday mornings, while enjoying time together in the Big Apple.
#3 - Protect Yourself, and Your Clients
Jewelry professionals face significant risks today. Those who buy over the counter, handle estate pieces, or consign consumer jewelry are often exposed to fraud, whether intentional or not. Behind the scenes, bad actors mix lab-grown diamonds into melee parcels and set large stones with fake inscriptions. Consumers trading online are often unaware of the risks and can later discover the piece they purchased isn't as described. We urge professionals to protect themselves and their clients with decisive laboratory screening. IGI does this for finished jewelry and loose gemstones in New York and Los Angeles, with fast, affordable service (one-day turnaround available) designed to safeguard the integrity of our industry.
Resolution - Be Completely Confident: Have all gemstones and jewelry from the secondary market screened at IGI... Bonus, have those items returned with IGI Jewelry Reports to add value, ensure authenticity and boost trust.
Wishing you a sparkling 2025, full of joy, success, and moments that shine as brightly as your most cherished pieces.
More on Independents
The Latest
GradingDec 23, 2024
GIA Adds Filler Identification to Emerald ReportsLab clients have the option to request this addition on their emerald reports.
Events & AwardsDec 20, 2024
Two Participants Complete Inaugural Ella Klein InternshipJamie Dunton and Gabriella Botelho are the first graduates of the program, created by the WJA Foundation and Julius Klein Diamonds.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday CampaignA Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
CollectionsDec 20, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Ring for CharityIn the spirit of giving, Retrouvaí will donate $4,000 from the sale of this ring to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
Weekly QuizDec 19, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsDec 19, 2024
State Property Transforms Spain’s Generalife Gardens into JewelryAlong with the latest “Gardens” collection, the brand has released limited-edition designs offering more indulgent pieces.
CrimeDec 19, 2024
Alleged Jewelry Thieves Attempt Rowboat EscapeThe man and woman are accused of stealing jewelry from a shipping container then trying to flee by paddling a small boat out into a bay.
Brought to you by
De Beers Group Launches Holiday Campaign for Natural Diamonds‘Forever Present’ campaign revives the iconic A Diamond is Forever tagline and celebrates the diamond dream.
SourcingDec 19, 2024
The Second-Largest Diamond Ever Found Now Has a Name The 2,488-carat diamond recovered from a mine in Botswana has been dubbed “Motswedi” while its 1,094-carat sibling is “Seriti.”
SourcingDec 19, 2024
Gemfields Reports Record Ruby Auction Results Despite Challenges at SourceThe average price per carat hit a record high for the miner, which said it remains unaffected by the conflict in Mozambique.
AuctionsDec 18, 2024
Alexandrite Ring Sells for Record-Setting $1.9M at Sotheby’sThe nearly 17-carat stone made history for the color-change gem that, according to the auction house, is experiencing a “notable surge” in the market.
WatchesDec 18, 2024
Historic Titanic Pocket Watch Winds Its Way Back to Tiffany & Co. More than a century after survivors gifted a Tiffany timepiece to the captain of the ship that rescued them, the jeweler has reclaimed it.
TechnologyDec 18, 2024
Picchiotti Utilizes AI in ‘Spotlight’ Video CampaignThe videos highlight how pieces from the “Xpandable” and “Reversible Xpandable” collections put the wearer in the spotlight.
IndependentsDec 18, 2024
Industry Veteran Steve Feldman Set to RetireFeldman reflected on 45 years in the jewelry industry and clarified that it’s not a total retirement.
Events & AwardsDec 17, 2024
Chanel to Receive Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceThe luxury brand is being honored for excellence in high jewelry design in its “Haute Joaillerie Sport” collection.
SourcingDec 17, 2024
Frank Circelli, Founder of Gem Shopping Network, Dies at 75Circelli was a pioneer in the world of TV shopping who is remembered for his passion for gemstones and his big personality.
AuctionsDec 17, 2024
Blue Diamond Fetches $8.8M at Christie’sThe nearly 6-carat stone headlined the recent jewelry auction, which also featured Mica Ertegun’s jewelry.
CrimeDec 17, 2024
‘Black Bin Crew’ Robbers Get 14-16 Years in Prison The three men, who got their nickname because they’d toss the jewelry they stole into black plastic bins, were arrested back in August.
TrendsDec 16, 2024
Marion Fasel’s New Book Delves Into the History of Engagement Rings“The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance” is a 128-page small-format book containing more than 165 images.
WatchesDec 16, 2024
Take a Look Inside the New Rolex Boutique on Rodeo DriveGearys opened a 6,200-square-foot Rolex store with a design that pays homage to the brand’s connection to the ocean.
GradingDec 16, 2024
GCAL By Sarine Expands 8X to 2 More Fancy Shapes The diamond cut grade is now available for marquise- and pear-shaped diamonds.
SourcingDec 16, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces 2025 Award RecipientsDDG said the honorees’ business practices embody a commitment to positive social impact, industry innovation, and community empowerment.
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Selena Gomez Said ‘Forever Begins Now’ to Marquise Diamond Engagement RingEstimates on the size and value of the solitaire diamond, which is mounted on a diamond pavé-set yellow gold band, vary.
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Piece of the Week: Martin Katz’s Tanzanite Drops These half-moon tanzanite earrings totaling 25 carats are part of a special trunk show taking place this weekend in Dallas.
Recorded WebinarsDec 13, 2024
Watch: The Highs and Lows of 2024The National Jeweler editors recap the top news, the best jewels, and their favorite stories of the year.
AuctionsDec 12, 2024
Tom Brady’s Watches Top $4M at Sotheby’s AuctionThe highest-grossing lot of the sale was the retired QB’s Rolex Paul Newman Daytona “John Player Special.”
SourcingDec 12, 2024
Grizzly Emerald Auction Garners $22.4MRecent expansion initiatives at the Zambian emerald mine have shown strong production numbers, said Grizzly founder Abdoulaye Ndiaye.
