From a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
7 Books To Read So Far This Year
From a book on blockchain to advice from a Broadway star, National Jeweler has it covered in its first book roundup of 2018.

New York--Do you want to learn more about blockchain, perfect your timing and get tips on risk-taking from a professional poker player?
Or do you want to read more about a women who had one of the best jewelry collections of all time?
Whichever it is, National Jeweler has it covered in our first book roundup of 2018.
Check out the seven titles below, and click or tap through for more information on book discussion site Goodreads.
Daniel Pink
Daniel Pink is a name that will be familiar to many who work in jewelry. He’s been a speaker at past American Gem Society Conclaves and was at the Atlanta Jewelry Show in August giving workshops on his book “To Sell Is Human.”
Pink’s latest work, “When,” came out in January and draws on research to show that timing isn’t an art but a science.
When people understand the science, they can use timing to, for example, build the ideal schedule or know exactly when to switch jobs.
2. Thinking in Bets: Making Smarter Decisions When You Don’t Have All the Facts
Annie Duke
Duke is a former World Series of Poker Champion who now works as a business consultant.
In her book, she encourages readers to quit worrying about being certain all the time and instead accurately assess what is known and what isn’t known in a situation before making a decision. This will help to avoid knee-jerk, biased reactions, reactions that are overly emotional and other bad decision-making habits.
Michael J. Casey and Paul Vigna
There’s been a lot of buzz around blockchain in the industry, from De Beers’ announcement that it’s piloting one for diamonds to Gübelin Gem Lab working with Everledger to create one for colored stones.
But what is it exactly, how will it work and why is it important?
Casey and Vigna, authors of “The Age of Cryptocurrency,” attempt to demystify the blockchain in their new book while also outlining the disruption it’s sure to cause in the finance, technology, legal and shipping industries.
4. Failing Up: How to Take Risks, Aim Higher and Never Stop Learning
Leslie Odom Jr.
Leslie Odom Jr. earned a Tony playing Aaron Burr in Broadway’s “Hamilton.” Before that, though, he struggled for years as a singer and actor.
His book uses stories from his life to help people achieve
Daniel Coyle
Coyle, who wrote the New York Times bestseller “The Talent Code,” went inside groups like the U.S. Navy’s SEAL Team Six, the championship-winning San Antonio Spurs and even a gang of jewel thieves to figure out what makes organizations work.
He teaches readers how to build a great culture by offering strategies for learning, collaboration and trust.
6. Marketing to Gen Z
Jeff Fromm and Angie Read
Fromm and Read’s new book takes a look at the generation coming up behind the much-talked-about millennials.
Born between 1996 and 2010 (which means the oldest of them are 21 or 22 right now), members of Gen Z will comprise 40 percent of consumers by 2020. They are, according to Fromm and Read, hardworking, socially conscious, skeptical of marketing and mobile-first.
“Marketing to Gen Z” teaches readers how to connect with them via social media, engender loyalty and offer a standout shopping experience.
7. Wallis in Love: The Untold Life of the Duchess of Windsor, the Woman Who Changed the Monarchy
Bessie Wallis Warfield, later known as the Duchess of Windsor, had one of the most spectacular jewelry collections of all time. It brought in $50 million at Sotheby’s in 1987 and was the most expensive private jewelry collection ever sold at auction, until, of course, Elizabeth Taylor’s collection went up on the block.
In this new book, Morton goes behind the duchess’s public persona to reveal a woman with a complex personality who grappled with matters of the heart—Edward VIII gave up the throne for her, and she is quoted as saying, “You have no idea how hard it is to live out a great romance”—and strove to determine her own fate.
The Latest

Groundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.

Jost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.

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

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine


From shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.

The designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.

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

Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.

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

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

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

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

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.






















