Was 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
Northeastern Fine Jewelry Lends a Hand to Local Restaurants
The family-owned jeweler is donating a portion of its gift card proceeds to local restaurants in the Capital Region in New York as both weather the coronavirus pandemic.

Schenectady, N.Y.—Northeastern Fine Jewelry of Schenectady, New York is lending a helping hand to its local restaurants as small businesses in all industries struggle through the coronavirus pandemic.
The family-owned jeweler will donate $20 to an independent, local restaurant in the Capital Region—the metropolitan area around Albany, New York—for every purchase of a $50 gift card to its store.
“As soon as we posted it [on Facebook], a customer bought $200 worth of gift cards. People are doing what they can,” Vice President Gregg Kelly said in an interview with National Jeweler.
The restaurant industry is currently one of the most affected, Kelly said, and the company wanted to make a difference and show support for the local restaurants.
“We hope this program will inspire neighborhood businesses—with the help of the community—to band together during these difficult times. Perhaps it may spur others to come up with creative ways to support their local shops and restaurants,” Northeastern Fine Jewelry President Ray Bleser said in a press release.
The “Neighbor Helping Neighbor” program will benefit three restaurants located in each of the three communities where Northeastern Fine Jewelry has a store.
In Schenectady, the proceeds will go to Gershon’s Deli, Mike’s Hot Dogs and Scotti’s Restaurant.
In Albany, Café Calabria, Café Madison and dp American Brasserie will benefit from the program.
In Glen Falls, funds will go to Raul’s Mexican Grill, Sam’s Diner and Siam Thai.
“The phrase ‘we’re all in this together’ means more now than ever before,” said Capital Region Chamber President and CEO Mark Eagan.
“While we anticipate aid for small businesses from the federal and state governments, Northeastern Fine Jewelry is leading the way in demonstrating that assistance can begin from the ground up.”
Northeastern Fine Jewelry’s three store locations are currently closed following a mandate from New York State regarding nonessential businesses.
Gift cards are available for purchase online and will be delivered at no charge.
For more information about Northeastern Fine Jewelry, visit NEFJ.com.
The Latest

Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.

Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.

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

Plus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.


“Vimini” is the first chapter of the “Bulgari Eternal” collection that merges archival pieces with modern creations.

The third edition will be held in Half Moon Bay, California, in April.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

The grant is in its first year and was created to recognize an exceptional fine jewelry designer whose star is on the rise.

Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Heath Yarges brings two decades of experience to the role.

Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.

Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.

Our Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.

Trevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.

The program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.

A new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.

Avocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.

Petra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.

The brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.

The department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.

The award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.

In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.

The family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.

Ivel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.

The supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.






















