From a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
Mother’s Day jewelry spending to increase
Americans are expected to spend a total of $4.3 billion on jewelry for the day, up considerably from $3.6 billion last year.
Washington, D.C.--Nearly 35 percent of shoppers are planning to splurge on jewelry for Mother’s Day this year, and their spending could total more than $4 billion, the National Retail Federation said on Monday.
According to the NRF’s 2015 Mother’s Day Spending Survey, 34.2 percent of consumers will “wow” their mothers will jewelry next month, spending $4.3 billion, up from $3.6 billion last year.
Still, jewelry will not be the No. 1 of those buying for the mother figures in their lives this May.
According to the survey, the majority of shoppers will pick up a greeting card (80 percent), spending more than $786 million, and another 67 percent will buy flowers, spending $2.4 billion. Respondents also plan on giving apparel and clothing items (36 percent), spending $1.9 billion.
Overall, the NRF said, total spending on Mother’s Day is expected to reach $21.2 billion, with Americans spending an average of $173, up from $163 last year and the highest amount in the survey’s 12-year history.
“We’re encouraged by the positive shift we’ve seen in spending on discretionary and gift items from consumers so far this year, certainly boding well for retailers across all spectrums who are planning to promote Mother’s Day specials,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said.
Most survey respondents will head to department stores to make their purchases (33 percent), as well as specialty stores (28 percent) and discount stores (25 percent). Fewer are shopping online this year--only 25 percent, compared with 29 percent in 2014.
The survey also showed that consumers between the ages of 25 and 34 will spend the most on mom, an average of $244.
Americans also will shop for more than just their mom or step-mom: 23 percent will buy something for their wife, 10 percent for their daughter, 9 percent for their sister and 7 percent for their grandmother.
The Latest

Groundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.

Jost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine


The designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.

Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.

The lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.

A Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.

New collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.

The citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.

Lanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.

A replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.

Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.

To enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.

The grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.

The winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.

The rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.

It is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.

Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.

The jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.

Spectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.

Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.

Alexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.

The Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.






















