SourcingAug 12, 2026
Eshed-Gemstar on the Painstaking Process of Cutting ‘The Legacy Emerald’The gemstone supplier and manufacturer acquired the remarkable 104-gram Zambian emerald at Gemfields’ auction in May.
IndependentsJun 05, 2020
10 Jewelry News Stories You Might Have Missed
How the civil unrest is impacting jewelers, a revived relief fund, and why the largest deal in luxury is reportedly on the rocks.
Jewelry designer Lauren Harwell Godfrey is donating all proceeds from the sale of this made-to-order onyx pendant to the NAACP. Read more via the link in No. 6 below.
New York—The nonstop news surrounding COVID-19 took a backseat last week as outbreaks of violence and looting broke out amid the mostly peaceful protests over the death of George Floyd.
Jewelers’ Security Alliance President John J. Kennedy said as of last Tuesday, more than 100 jewelry stores in 22 states had sustained damaged and/or lost merchandise to looters.
Also last week, we tracked developments in the Tiffany/LVMH deal and reported on the cancellation of another major industry event.
In the last few months, we’ve been doubling our “stories you might have missed” feature from five to 10 to bring readers the best of our coverage on how the pandemic is impacting the jewelry industry.
We will keep it at 10 in order to include stories about how the civil unrest is impacting the industry.
To catch up on all the jewelry industry news related to COVID-19, visit NationalJeweler.com/Coronavirus.
1) Jewelers React to Nationwide Protests, Looting
National Jeweler reached out to jewelers in Minneapolis and other cities where protests in response to the death of George Floyd have led to looting.
2) How Many Jewelry Stores Have Been Hit In Nationwide Rioting?
Jewelers Security Alliance’ John Kennedy answered this question and many more in a special webinar on store security held Tuesday.
3) Retired Police Captain Killed Guarding Jewelry Store
He was shot to death by looters at Lee’s Pawn & Jewelry.
4) JA, DCA Reopen Jewelers Relief Fund
The industry-wide fund aims to raise $25,000 for jewelers who have experienced looting or sustained damage after some protests devolved into looting and riots.
5) Report: Tiffany-LVMH Deal on the Rocks
The deteriorating situation in the United States is troubling members of LVMH’s board, according to news reports.
6) Piece of the Week: Harwell Godfrey’s Pendant for the NAACP
All proceeds from the sale of the made-to-order piece will benefit the organization dedicated to fighting for justice for black lives.
7) WJA Cancels Live 2020 Awards for Excellence, Takes Them Virtual
The annual fundraising event will be held online July 27 and include a keynote speaker.
8) The Smart Lab: Why Your Website Is an Integral Part of Reopening
It is an online representation of your brand and the perfect place to launch your store’s reopening campaign, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
9) Tacori Launches ‘Connect’ Virtual Concierge Service
It allows shoppers to have live one-on-one consultations with specialists online, then connects them with the closest retail partner.
10) Roberto Coin Honors 2020 Healthcare Heroes
The brand gave 100 nurses fighting
Jewelers’ Security Alliance President John J. Kennedy said as of last Tuesday, more than 100 jewelry stores in 22 states had sustained damaged and/or lost merchandise to looters.
Also last week, we tracked developments in the Tiffany/LVMH deal and reported on the cancellation of another major industry event.
In the last few months, we’ve been doubling our “stories you might have missed” feature from five to 10 to bring readers the best of our coverage on how the pandemic is impacting the jewelry industry.
We will keep it at 10 in order to include stories about how the civil unrest is impacting the industry.
To catch up on all the jewelry industry news related to COVID-19, visit NationalJeweler.com/Coronavirus.
1) Jewelers React to Nationwide Protests, Looting
National Jeweler reached out to jewelers in Minneapolis and other cities where protests in response to the death of George Floyd have led to looting.
2) How Many Jewelry Stores Have Been Hit In Nationwide Rioting?
Jewelers Security Alliance’ John Kennedy answered this question and many more in a special webinar on store security held Tuesday.
3) Retired Police Captain Killed Guarding Jewelry Store
He was shot to death by looters at Lee’s Pawn & Jewelry.
4) JA, DCA Reopen Jewelers Relief Fund
The industry-wide fund aims to raise $25,000 for jewelers who have experienced looting or sustained damage after some protests devolved into looting and riots.
5) Report: Tiffany-LVMH Deal on the Rocks
The deteriorating situation in the United States is troubling members of LVMH’s board, according to news reports.
6) Piece of the Week: Harwell Godfrey’s Pendant for the NAACP
All proceeds from the sale of the made-to-order piece will benefit the organization dedicated to fighting for justice for black lives.
7) WJA Cancels Live 2020 Awards for Excellence, Takes Them Virtual
The annual fundraising event will be held online July 27 and include a keynote speaker.
8) The Smart Lab: Why Your Website Is an Integral Part of Reopening
It is an online representation of your brand and the perfect place to launch your store’s reopening campaign, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
9) Tacori Launches ‘Connect’ Virtual Concierge Service
It allows shoppers to have live one-on-one consultations with specialists online, then connects them with the closest retail partner.
10) Roberto Coin Honors 2020 Healthcare Heroes
The brand gave 100 nurses fighting
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
the pandemic a necklace and created a video highlighting the efforts of individuals across the country.
More on Independents
The Latest
CrimeAug 12, 2026
Elderly NYC Woman Targeted in Jewelry Swap SchemeTwo suspects offered to trade the woman a “winning” lottery ticket for her jewelry.
SourcingAug 12, 2026
Another Diamond Mine Poised to CloseFinsch has been in business rescue since May, and owner Petra Diamonds said it sees no viable path forward for the mine.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
CrimeAug 12, 2026
Jewelry Store Employee Gets 20 Years to Life in Choking Death of BossMichel Patrick DeSalles was sentenced after pleading guilty to the 2017 murder of Omid Gholian, who owned a jewelry store in Manhattan.
Weekly QuizAug 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsAug 12, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names New SVP of SalesLongtime industry executive Beth Miller has taken on the role.
AuctionsAug 11, 2026
Verdura Unicorn Brooch With Royal Connection Up for Auction The brooch was owned by Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, who served as a lady of the bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth II for nearly 50 years.
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.
MajorsAug 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Selects Mattel Exec to Lead Zales, BanterJamie Cygielman will take on the role on Aug. 24.
ColumnistsAug 11, 2026
Creative Connecting: How to Sell Colored Gemstones to Gen ZDuvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams share the best ways to display, present, and explain colored gemstones to younger customers.
Events & AwardsAug 11, 2026
NAJA Announces Lineup For 2026 Fall Virtual ConferenceThe mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers will take place Sept. 5-6 on Zoom.
TechnologyAug 10, 2026
Colorado Jeweler Launches Customization Tool He Built HimselfHonest Hands Ring Co. Founder Benjamin Bosworth shared his thoughts on jewelry technology and why AI can never replace the human element.
MajorsAug 10, 2026
QVC Exits Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Names New Interim CEOQVC Group President and CEO David Rawlinson is temporarily being replaced by a familiar face, former QVC CEO Mike George.
CollectionsAug 10, 2026
State Property Puts a Ripple in the ‘The Voyager’ CollectionThe brand also added two one-of-a-kind brown diamond pieces to the “Sanssouci” series of its “Gardens” collection.
MajorsAug 10, 2026
And IJO’s 2026 Vendor of the Year Is … Ostbye took home top vendor honors at the Independent Jewelers Organization’s show, held last month in Kentucky.
Supplier BulletinAug 07, 2026
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsSponsored by Stratus Estate Buyers
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Retail Veteran Pam Cloud Appointed President of Blue NileCloud, who will officially join Blue Nile on Monday, spent 26 years at Tiffany & Co. and founded jewelry brand Roseate.
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Pandora Appoints Paulo Garcia as New CFO Garcia will take over from the company’s current CFO, Anders Boyer, who is retiring at the end of November.
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Etsy to Lay Off 12% of WorkforceEtsy CEO Kruti Patel Goyal explained why the company is letting go more than 200 employees as its performance improves.
TrendsAug 07, 2026
Look Ahead with Syna’s Binoculars PendantThe “Star Gazer” pendant, our Piece of the Week, is Syna’s tribute to curiosity and the discovery of something new.
CrimeAug 06, 2026
Lalique Museum to Remain Closed Following $5M HeistMuseum officials are looking to the public to help cover the “exceptional” costs involved in recovering from the July 5 smash-and-grab.
MajorsAug 06, 2026
Claire’s Revamps Piercing Services for Second Time in Three Years The overhaul includes enhanced employee safety training and trendy earring styles, including lab-grown diamond studs.
FinancialsAug 06, 2026
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 6%, Driven by High-Income ShoppersThe retailer said it had its biggest Mother’s Day ever, with strong demand for higher-priced jewelry.
TrendsAug 06, 2026
New Book on Handcrafted American Objects Highlights Jewelry“Handwork: Handcrafted Objects that Made America” features historic and contemporary works, including a Diné squash blossom necklace.
MajorsAug 06, 2026
AJA East Coast Names Ani Khachian as First Female President-ElectThe Armenian Jewelers Association’s East Coast chapter has also elected its 2026–2027 board of directors.
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Private Equity Firm Wants to Buy 100+ JCPenney StoresOnyx Partners has submitted a second offer to buy the department stores after its first offer fell through last year.
IndependentsAug 05, 2026
Another Member of the Siegel Family Joins Hamilton Jewelers Benjamin Siegel, son of President and CEO Hank Siegel, started working for the family business this week.
