Policies & IssuesJul 24, 2026
New Trump Tariffs: What They Mean for Jewelry The new sweeping slate of tariffs impacts 60 countries, including India, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.
ColumnistsMar 20, 2020
On Data: 10 Tips for Coping with Coronavirus Fallout
In this special edition of On Data, Sherry Smith talks virtually connecting with customers and compiling a cheat sheet for employees on available resources.
Sherry Smith is director of business development for data and consulting company The Edge Retail Academy. She can be reached at sherry@edgeretailacademy.com.
Every day is unique as we navigate the unchartered waters of attempting to contain this global pandemic, COVID-19.
We are faced daily with making difficult decisions that affect not only us but our families, our staff and our communities.
While there are many unknown variables currently, there appear to be a few common concerns.
My area is forcing all nonessential businesses to close; how do I approach this?
What about my staff? Do I pay them or should be this be unpaid leave?
While there is no one right answer for everyone, there are things that you can continue to do to be proactive and while some of these might sound cliché, they do matter.
First, if you are a retailer that must close due to local mandate or a dramatic decline in foot traffic, that doesn’t mean your business shouldn’t be accessible.
1. Utilize chat features. If you’re a retailer currently using Podium, then you already have this feature. If you don’t, I highly recommend you get one set up immediately. This will allow you to communicate to your customers via your website. Let them know you’re still available to assist them. Use split shifts to man your chat log, which also will allow you to offer some hours to your personnel.
2. Update your website regularly. Post daily about your adjusted hours, closing, etc. Also, post contact information that includes email, texting and chat details. Let customers know you will be posting daily to keep them coming back to your site.
3. Stay social. Use Instagram, Facebook and social media as tools to communicate to your customers and community.
4. Utilize email blasts. The vast majority of people are house-bound and are currently attached to their devices. This is a perfect time to send out weekly email blasts. In addition to letting your customers know you’re accessible and still doing business—albeit remotely—email blasts also let them know services you might still be offering, such as curbside pickup or deliveries. Feature those specially priced pieces you’ve been anxious to move.
5. Don’t forget your devices. Take some photos of your products to use when working with your customers via email and/or chat. Our devices are a great selling tool and never was there a better time to use them. Use Skype, FaceTime, Zoom, etc., to enhance the connection. It’s impressive how interactive and personal the experience can be on those type of apps.
We are faced daily with making difficult decisions that affect not only us but our families, our staff and our communities.
While there are many unknown variables currently, there appear to be a few common concerns.
My area is forcing all nonessential businesses to close; how do I approach this?
What about my staff? Do I pay them or should be this be unpaid leave?
While there is no one right answer for everyone, there are things that you can continue to do to be proactive and while some of these might sound cliché, they do matter.
First, if you are a retailer that must close due to local mandate or a dramatic decline in foot traffic, that doesn’t mean your business shouldn’t be accessible.
1. Utilize chat features. If you’re a retailer currently using Podium, then you already have this feature. If you don’t, I highly recommend you get one set up immediately. This will allow you to communicate to your customers via your website. Let them know you’re still available to assist them. Use split shifts to man your chat log, which also will allow you to offer some hours to your personnel.
2. Update your website regularly. Post daily about your adjusted hours, closing, etc. Also, post contact information that includes email, texting and chat details. Let customers know you will be posting daily to keep them coming back to your site.
3. Stay social. Use Instagram, Facebook and social media as tools to communicate to your customers and community.
4. Utilize email blasts. The vast majority of people are house-bound and are currently attached to their devices. This is a perfect time to send out weekly email blasts. In addition to letting your customers know you’re accessible and still doing business—albeit remotely—email blasts also let them know services you might still be offering, such as curbside pickup or deliveries. Feature those specially priced pieces you’ve been anxious to move.
5. Don’t forget your devices. Take some photos of your products to use when working with your customers via email and/or chat. Our devices are a great selling tool and never was there a better time to use them. Use Skype, FaceTime, Zoom, etc., to enhance the connection. It’s impressive how interactive and personal the experience can be on those type of apps.
Secondly—and I would rank this as extremely important—help your employees work through this challenging time by staying aware of any and all programs designed to assist them through their potential unpaid leave.
1. General aid. Find out what programs and subsidizing are available for them.
2. Credit card deferment. Apple Card already has offered deferred payments through this challenging time. Encourage your staff to contact their creditors to see if they’re offering the same, especially if they’re on unpaid leave for the unforeseen future. Many credit card companies are already taking a proactive approach to help people through these unusual times.
3. Federal government aid. Learn the details about the relief bill Congress passed and the president signed into law earlier this week. According to CBS News, the bill includes free coronavirus testing, increased funding for Medicaid and state unemployment insurance, and paid sick, family and medical leave for workers at companies with 500 employees or fewer.
Are you aware of these details? Be prepared to discuss them with your employees, and please note: as of this writing, there are other bills being debated in Congress, including a $1 trillion economic stimulus plan that could include $250 million in aid for small businesses and checks for individual Americans.
4. Mortgage relief. Options are available. Find out the details and share the information with your staff. Other entities, including utility companies and student loan servicers, are following suit.
5. Put it all together. Compile a cheat sheet for your team to help assuage their worry. Make sure you include community and government assistance programs.
1. General aid. Find out what programs and subsidizing are available for them.
2. Credit card deferment. Apple Card already has offered deferred payments through this challenging time. Encourage your staff to contact their creditors to see if they’re offering the same, especially if they’re on unpaid leave for the unforeseen future. Many credit card companies are already taking a proactive approach to help people through these unusual times.
3. Federal government aid. Learn the details about the relief bill Congress passed and the president signed into law earlier this week. According to CBS News, the bill includes free coronavirus testing, increased funding for Medicaid and state unemployment insurance, and paid sick, family and medical leave for workers at companies with 500 employees or fewer.
Are you aware of these details? Be prepared to discuss them with your employees, and please note: as of this writing, there are other bills being debated in Congress, including a $1 trillion economic stimulus plan that could include $250 million in aid for small businesses and checks for individual Americans.
4. Mortgage relief. Options are available. Find out the details and share the information with your staff. Other entities, including utility companies and student loan servicers, are following suit.
5. Put it all together. Compile a cheat sheet for your team to help assuage their worry. Make sure you include community and government assistance programs.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
As to whether your employees take unpaid leave versus paid leave, that is reliant on your financial picture. Be smart and prudent. Assess your savings versus operating costs.
Adjustments made now can mean saved jobs later.
Be transparent in your conversations with your team. Offer a weekly or biweekly chat to update them as the effects of this virus continue to unfold.
Finally, and this might be the cliché part, try to remain positive.
None of us have been here before—and may we never be again—but we’re all in this together. This is the time for us to lean on each other, to brainstorm solutions, and to continue to focus on the things we can control.
Be empathetic. Be proactive. Be a role model. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
More on Columnists
The Latest
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ode to ‘The Odyssey’From coin pendants to diamond shields, these old world-inspired jewels are the perfect accessory for an epic journey.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Courtney Leidy’s Silk Cord Pendants Center Unexpected Pairings Our Piece of the Week pairs a checkerboard-cut amethyst with an ivy green silk cord.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
PodcastsJul 23, 2026
Episode 7: Reinhold Jewelers on the Power of RelationshipsMildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.
Weekly QuizJul 23, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJul 23, 2026
De Beers’ Production Jumps 88 Percent in Q2 Production also was up in the first half of 2026 but is expected to “substantially” decrease in H2 as two key mines undergo maintenance.
CollectionsJul 23, 2026
Silvia Furmanovich’s New Collection Travels Back to the 1920s“Art Deco” fuses ancestral techniques, rare materials, and modern perspectives as a tribute to the optimism and curiosity of the movement.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
IndependentsJul 23, 2026
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens Casino StoreThe jeweler’s newest store is inside Arkansas’ Saracen Casino Resort.
WatchesJul 23, 2026
Movado Inks Licensing Deal With Kate Spade New YorkThe watch company will design, manufacture, and distribute Kate Spade New York watches.
Policies & IssuesJul 22, 2026
Trump to Put 50% Tariff on Canadian Goods The higher tax is set to go into effect in August and will apply to loose polished diamonds as well as precious and base metals jewelry.
CollectionsJul 22, 2026
Monica Rich Kosann’s High Jewelry Is FruitfulThe “Enchanted Garden” series features a cherry, lemon, and pear that each hold a little secret inside.
IndependentsJul 22, 2026
Liljenquist Beckstead Opens Rolex New BoutiqueIt’s located in Tysons Galleria, an upscale shopping center in the Washington, D.C., metro area.
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2026
NY Now Returns in August Under New OwnershipThe show, recently acquired by Rockview Management Group, will be held at New York City’s Javits Center from Aug. 2-4.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2026
Apollo Funds Completes Emerald AcquisitionFormer Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky has transitioned to the role of senior advisor.
CollectionsJul 21, 2026
Graff’s New Butterfly High Jewelry Brooches MetamorphosizeThe 12-piece capsule collection transforms from brooches to pendants.
SourcingJul 21, 2026
Anglo Reportedly Selects Gareth Penny’s Consortium as Top Bidder for De BeersA Botswana government official told lawmakers Anglo has selected The Global Diamond Consortium, an entity chaired by Penny, to buy De Beers.
Policies & IssuesJul 20, 2026
Tariffs on Brazil to Increase But Rough Gemstones ExemptThe new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.
CollectionsJul 20, 2026
Vhernier Transforms ‘Freccia’ Collection Into High JewelryThe collection from 2014 has been reinterpreted into high jewelry with its signature triangular-shaped elements.
MajorsJul 20, 2026
Krista Collins Walters Promoted to Publisher of InstoreShe will also take on the role of vice president of jewelry for SmartWork Media, a newly created position.
Events & AwardsJul 20, 2026
TJS Accepting Speaker Proposals for 2027 EventOrganizers are looking for presentations on topics like manufacturing, technology and research, bench work, gemstones, and sustainability.
CollectionsJul 17, 2026
HOWL Taps Shailene Woodley for ‘Home Sweet Home’ CampaignWoodley is seen in the campaign wearing our Piece of the Week, the “Frida” collar featuring 13 pieces of hand-carved Venetian glass.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
U.K. Woman Pays £5 for £15K Diamond Ring at Car Boot SaleA WeBuyVintage jewelry expert uncovered how much the flea market find was actually worth.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
Diamond Dealer Jeff Pancis Pens MemoirThe founder of natural colored diamond wholesaler Pancis Gems shares stories from his five decades in the industry.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
EditorsJul 16, 2026
Q&A: Guzema’s Co-Owners On Its US Expansion, 10-Year AnniversaryValeriya Guzema and Mariana Lenha look back on the last decade and discuss the Ukrainian brand’s first U.S. store.
SourcingJul 16, 2026
Ekati to Close, Leaving Canada With One Diamond Mine The diamond mine, which opened nearly 30 years ago in Canada’s Northwest Territories, is expected to shut down by mid-August.
