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.
IndependentsMay 27, 2020
Squirrel Spotting: 20 Songs for Sanity’s Sake
Seventy-plus days into isolation, Peter Smith takes a break from sharing reopening tips to give us his ultimate lockdown playlist.
Peter Smith is president of Memoire and Hearts On Fire. He is author of two books, “Hiring Squirrels,” and “Sell Something.” Connect with Smith on LinkedIn or at dublinsmith@yahoo.com.
I got one of those Facebook suggestions from my friend, Haygo, last week. You know, the ones that have you post 10 influential albums from your earliest memories in 10 days?
It got me thinking about songs that could be fun to listen to in these-less-than-fun days.
So, here goes! This list was taken from my phone, where these songs live with about 20,000 of their closest friends.
How many of them do you know?
1. “How Long,” Ace
I’m not even sure I remember what age I was when this lockdown started.
2. “Knowing Me, Knowing You,” ABBA
More than Sherry could ever could have wished for or imagined, but she still loves me. Whew!
3. “What’s Going On,” Marvin Gaye
Yeah, I think I got it. Left-handed blonde people can shop on Tuesdays and Fridays in the morning, provided they pay with gift cards bought in an odd month.
4. “Our House,” Madness
Dear House, I love you, but it’s time we saw other people.
5. “Heroes,” David Bowie
Wow, where do I begin … nurses, doctors, all hospital staff, and everyone who kept working—mail carriers, grocery store folks, etc. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
6. “Always On My Mind,” Elvis Presley
To our family, friends, our co-workers (including those laid off and furloughed) and customers, we miss you.
7. “Stuck With You,” Huey Lewis and the News
My dog thinks I lost my job.
8. “Lips Like Sugar,” Echo and the Bunnymen
Working so close to the kitchen was always gonna be a bad idea.
9. “Wish You Were Here,” Pink Floyd
That’s a long list … friends, family, live concerts, Premier League soccer.
10. “Song for Guy,” Elton John
I miss my barber, Gus. There is no “Song for Gus.” Get over it!
11. “Viva Las Vegas,” Elvis Presley
I never thought I’d miss Las Vegas. I miss Las Vegas.
12. “Don’t Stand So Close To Me,” The Police
Enough said (and thanks, Michelle).
13. “Here Comes The Sun,” The Beatles
Summer is coming, and there are brighter days ahead. Also, there’s been no rain since I planted a billion dollars’ worth of plants in my yard.
14. “I’m Not The Enemy,” Lina
I just want you to wash your hands. A lot.
15. “Tempted,” Squeeze
OK, enough with the kitchen already.
{youtube}Zo1naJEacE8{/youtube}
16. “Still Crazy After All These Years,” Paul Simon
The
It got me thinking about songs that could be fun to listen to in these-less-than-fun days.
So, here goes! This list was taken from my phone, where these songs live with about 20,000 of their closest friends.
How many of them do you know?
1. “How Long,” Ace
I’m not even sure I remember what age I was when this lockdown started.
2. “Knowing Me, Knowing You,” ABBA
More than Sherry could ever could have wished for or imagined, but she still loves me. Whew!
3. “What’s Going On,” Marvin Gaye
Yeah, I think I got it. Left-handed blonde people can shop on Tuesdays and Fridays in the morning, provided they pay with gift cards bought in an odd month.
4. “Our House,” Madness
Dear House, I love you, but it’s time we saw other people.
5. “Heroes,” David Bowie
Wow, where do I begin … nurses, doctors, all hospital staff, and everyone who kept working—mail carriers, grocery store folks, etc. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
6. “Always On My Mind,” Elvis Presley
To our family, friends, our co-workers (including those laid off and furloughed) and customers, we miss you.
7. “Stuck With You,” Huey Lewis and the News
My dog thinks I lost my job.
8. “Lips Like Sugar,” Echo and the Bunnymen
Working so close to the kitchen was always gonna be a bad idea.
9. “Wish You Were Here,” Pink Floyd
That’s a long list … friends, family, live concerts, Premier League soccer.
10. “Song for Guy,” Elton John
I miss my barber, Gus. There is no “Song for Gus.” Get over it!
11. “Viva Las Vegas,” Elvis Presley
I never thought I’d miss Las Vegas. I miss Las Vegas.
12. “Don’t Stand So Close To Me,” The Police
Enough said (and thanks, Michelle).
13. “Here Comes The Sun,” The Beatles
Summer is coming, and there are brighter days ahead. Also, there’s been no rain since I planted a billion dollars’ worth of plants in my yard.
14. “I’m Not The Enemy,” Lina
I just want you to wash your hands. A lot.
15. “Tempted,” Squeeze
OK, enough with the kitchen already.
{youtube}Zo1naJEacE8{/youtube}
16. “Still Crazy After All These Years,” Paul Simon
The
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
more things change, the more they stay the same.
17. “I Want To Break Free,” Queen
But you’re going to have to keep your distance. See No. 12.
18. “The Longest Time,” Billy Joel
I used to have a long drive to work. Now I try not to slip coming down the stairs.
19. “Work It Out,” Jurassic 5
Zoom. Teams. GoToWebinar. Lunch. More Zoom. Teams again. Dinner. Dream about Zoom.
20. “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” Blue Oyster Cult
Our office opened week before last. A ripple, not a wave. We’ll take it. Things are getting better.
I am available, for a small fee, to sing snippets of any or all of the above the songs for your listening pleasure.
Stay safe!
17. “I Want To Break Free,” Queen
But you’re going to have to keep your distance. See No. 12.
18. “The Longest Time,” Billy Joel
I used to have a long drive to work. Now I try not to slip coming down the stairs.
19. “Work It Out,” Jurassic 5
Zoom. Teams. GoToWebinar. Lunch. More Zoom. Teams again. Dinner. Dream about Zoom.
20. “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” Blue Oyster Cult
Our office opened week before last. A ripple, not a wave. We’ll take it. Things are getting better.
I am available, for a small fee, to sing snippets of any or all of the above the songs for your listening pleasure.
Stay safe!
More on Independents
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.
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
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.
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.
