SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
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
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
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and FriendsChandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK AirportThe boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.
Supplier BulletinDec 18, 2025
Cell Jammers Are Targeting Your Business. Here's How to Beat ThemSponsored by Digital Monitoring Products
CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé PendantThe special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.
EditorsDec 17, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: The Best Piece of the Week PicksAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday CampaignThe “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.
GradingDec 17, 2025
SSEF Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersTwo awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.
MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up EarlyBerta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.
AuctionsDec 16, 2025
Suzanne Belperron, JAR Shine in Sotheby’s First Auctions at New HQSotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
TJS Now Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2026Winners will receive free registration and lodging for its fourth annual event in Detroit.
ColumnistsDec 16, 2025
Beyond Unboxing: Creative Reveals to Drive Reach and EngagementHere are six ideas for making more engaging content for Instagram Reels and TikTok, courtesy of Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Names 2026 Award RecipientsThe honorees include a notable jewelry brand, an industry veteran, and an independent retailer.
