Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond ClaimsNDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.
EditorsJul 09, 2025
The Most-Read Stories of 2025, So Far
Diamonds and crimes (some involving diamonds) top the list of National Jeweler’s most popular stories halfway through the year.
The most popular stories NationalJeweler.com to date in 2025 are, from left to right, an article about De Beers’ new “beacon” program; an engagement ring trends report; a story on the sentencing of the social media star known as “The Timepiece Gentleman;” an article about a diamond dealer who pleaded guilty to diamond swaps; and a story about a large seizure of counterfeit jewelry.
Last week (last Wednesday, to be precise), we reached the halfway point of 2025.
Normally, this is where I would write something like, “I can’t believe we’re already halfway through the year!” but, honestly, 2025 has felt like the longest year on record.
As is customary, this is the point of year at which the National Jeweler editors take a breath, maybe take a vacation, and assess what has resonated with readers.
If you had asked me to guess what our most-read story of 2025 has been so far, sans data, I would have said anything to do with tariffs, including (but not limited to) my initial story explaining how the tariffs could impact jewelry imports; the story about the tariffs being put “on pause” 13 hours after going into effect; or the short-lived trade court ruling on the tariffs.
(Natalie Francisco and Lauren McLemore also did some excellent reporting on the potential impact of higher tariffs on jewelry designers and colored gemstone dealers.)
Or, I might have pointed to one of the excellent submissions from our roster of regular columnists.
There was Sherry Smith’s January lookback at 2024, Emmanuel Raheb’s how-to on Pinterest (which sparked some new ideas internally), and Peter Smith’s recent article on pricing.
But, what does the data say our readers actually liked?
According to Google Analytics, diamond stories and then crime, crime, and more crime.
See below for the rundown of National Jeweler’s top five stories of 2025, so far.
1) De Beers Turns to Brown, Yellow Diamonds for New ‘Beacon’
De Beers’ “beacon” programs for marketing and selling as much diamond jewelry as possible were popular back in the day, so it’s no surprise that the announcement of a new “beacon” program attracted so much attention.
Reactions to the idea of emphasizing “off-color” diamonds have been mixed, but I personally like it. Feel free to send us some samples.
2) 5 Engagement Ring Trends Expected to Rule 2025
From chunky bands to vintage diamond cuts and bezel settings, Associate Editor Natalie Francisco’s engagement ring rundown, published in February, proved prescient.
We saw these trends all over the show floors in Las Vegas, including at the booth of one of the U.S.’s biggest jewelry suppliers, Stuller.
3) ‘The Timepiece Gentleman’ Sentenced to 5-Plus Years Behind Bars
I am not a luxury watch consumer, and I don’t spend a lot of time on social media, so I didn’t know much about “The Timepiece Gentleman.”
Apparently, a lot of other people did, as this story about the ungentlemanly behavior of “The Timepiece Gentleman” (real name: Anthony Farrer) proved popular.
4) NYC Diamond Dealer Pleads Guilty to Lab-Grown Diamond Swaps
It’s no surprise that a story about crime and diamonds did so well.
In February, Manashe Sezanayev, a dealer based in New York City’s Diamond District, pleaded guilty to grand larceny after he defrauded two other merchants by swapping their natural diamonds for lab-grown stones, which (as everyone is well aware) are considerably less valuable.
5) Customs Seizes Nearly 2,000 Pieces of Counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry
For some reason, stories about seizures of fake jewelry from brands like Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef & Arpels always attract an unusually high amount of readership.
This story, written by Senior Editor Lenore Fedow in April, was no exception.
Normally, this is where I would write something like, “I can’t believe we’re already halfway through the year!” but, honestly, 2025 has felt like the longest year on record.
As is customary, this is the point of year at which the National Jeweler editors take a breath, maybe take a vacation, and assess what has resonated with readers.
If you had asked me to guess what our most-read story of 2025 has been so far, sans data, I would have said anything to do with tariffs, including (but not limited to) my initial story explaining how the tariffs could impact jewelry imports; the story about the tariffs being put “on pause” 13 hours after going into effect; or the short-lived trade court ruling on the tariffs.
(Natalie Francisco and Lauren McLemore also did some excellent reporting on the potential impact of higher tariffs on jewelry designers and colored gemstone dealers.)
Or, I might have pointed to one of the excellent submissions from our roster of regular columnists.
There was Sherry Smith’s January lookback at 2024, Emmanuel Raheb’s how-to on Pinterest (which sparked some new ideas internally), and Peter Smith’s recent article on pricing.
But, what does the data say our readers actually liked?
According to Google Analytics, diamond stories and then crime, crime, and more crime.
See below for the rundown of National Jeweler’s top five stories of 2025, so far.
1) De Beers Turns to Brown, Yellow Diamonds for New ‘Beacon’
De Beers’ “beacon” programs for marketing and selling as much diamond jewelry as possible were popular back in the day, so it’s no surprise that the announcement of a new “beacon” program attracted so much attention.
Reactions to the idea of emphasizing “off-color” diamonds have been mixed, but I personally like it. Feel free to send us some samples.
2) 5 Engagement Ring Trends Expected to Rule 2025
From chunky bands to vintage diamond cuts and bezel settings, Associate Editor Natalie Francisco’s engagement ring rundown, published in February, proved prescient.
We saw these trends all over the show floors in Las Vegas, including at the booth of one of the U.S.’s biggest jewelry suppliers, Stuller.
3) ‘The Timepiece Gentleman’ Sentenced to 5-Plus Years Behind Bars
I am not a luxury watch consumer, and I don’t spend a lot of time on social media, so I didn’t know much about “The Timepiece Gentleman.”
Apparently, a lot of other people did, as this story about the ungentlemanly behavior of “The Timepiece Gentleman” (real name: Anthony Farrer) proved popular.
4) NYC Diamond Dealer Pleads Guilty to Lab-Grown Diamond Swaps
It’s no surprise that a story about crime and diamonds did so well.
In February, Manashe Sezanayev, a dealer based in New York City’s Diamond District, pleaded guilty to grand larceny after he defrauded two other merchants by swapping their natural diamonds for lab-grown stones, which (as everyone is well aware) are considerably less valuable.
5) Customs Seizes Nearly 2,000 Pieces of Counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry
For some reason, stories about seizures of fake jewelry from brands like Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef & Arpels always attract an unusually high amount of readership.
This story, written by Senior Editor Lenore Fedow in April, was no exception.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Editors
The Latest
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award WinnersTwo pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.
Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account ExecutiveIn his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEOJosé Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship ProgramIt has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain FutureThe owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown DiamondsThe company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to ApprovalThe retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby'sOf 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.
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His RootsFollowing decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports HistoryThe museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure ProgramThe new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
CrimeMay 04, 2026
Pawn Shop Manager Shot, Killed in FloridaLazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.
IndependentsMay 04, 2026
Zadok Jewelers, Austin Parks Foundation Support Wildflower PreservationA portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
