NRF’s annual survey found that 45 percent of consumers plan to purchase jewelry for a loved one this Mother’s Day.
App attack
I personally don't own an iPhone and probably never will. Instead, I have this phone called the "Instinct," which is basically Samsung's version of the iPhone and is a device so similar that it causes some people to actually envy...
I personally don't own an iPhone and probably never will.
Instead, I have this phone called the "Instinct," which is basically Samsung's version of the iPhone and is a device so similar that it causes some people to actually envy me.
"Is that an iPhone?" they ask when I pull this sleek-looking black sheath of a phone out of my purse.
"No it's an Instinct," I say.
"Oh," they say, immediately losing interest in my generic excuse for a cell phone.
I only got the "Instinct" because it had been so long since I have upgraded my phone that Sprint practically paid me to get with the times.
And you want to know what? I don't do anything more with this phone than I did with my other phone, except pay a bigger monthly bill.
I really don't maximize the phone's potential, mostly because I'm too lazy/disinterested/busy to bother reading the instruction manual and figure out how to really use the thing.
I'll be switching back to a simpler phone (with a smaller bill) soon.
But I digress.
For those happy iPhone owners, there are at least two industry "apps" - that's iPhone speak for applications - out there already, and I'm sure we'll see more on the way.
The first jewelry industry "app" to come to my attention was what I like to call the "Rap app," because it just rhymes so nicely.
(The real name of the app is iDiamonds; you should use this name if you want to find it in the App Store.)
Roei Kashi, son of Israeli diamantaire Moti Kashi, developed the iDiamonds app earlier this year, while still at student at Stanford University.
This useful device provides immediate iPhone access to the Rapaport price list, letting you see what the running price is for, as an example, a 1.5-1.99-carat, VVS2, E-color stone.
But take note: you have to have a RapNet username and password to have a "Rap-app" attack.
Read more about the Rap app here on IDEX.
The second industry app is by Stuller, called the "Live Diamond Try-On (brought to you by Red Box Diamonds.)"
While the title is not as snappy as the "Rap app," this is a really savvy application that allows consumers to, essentially, design their own engagement ring and virtually try it on by taking a picture of their hand.
They can e-mail, Tweet and Facebook the ring to get the opinions of friends and family, and can then
Amazing, isn't it?
This app will be free and available to about-to-engaged iPhone users everywhere starting in late summer.
Read more about the diamond try-on here.
Then go out and buy your apps. If you need me, I'll be at the Sprint store, in search of a cheaper phone.
The Latest

The “Vault” charm, our Piece of the Week, expands on the memories that can be stored in a locket by connecting to your phone.

The open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

The jeweler’s Mother’s Day campaign highlights the women who work there—mothers, grandmothers, women who want to be mothers, and dog moms.


Sponsored by Jewelers Mutual

The proposed agreement follows the moissanite maker’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing last month.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

The Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. timepiece Astor brought aboard the ill-fated ship sold for double its estimate at a Freeman’s auction.

The “Dalí’s Garden” collection was inspired by a surreal dream Neeley had after cooking a recipe from Salvador Dalí’s 1973 cookbook.

Natalie Feanny has been appointed to the role.

The pair falsely claimed their jewelry was made by Navajo artists, but it was imported from Vietnam.

Julien’s Auctions is selling the musician’s fine and fashion jewelry alongside her clothing, gold records, and other memorabilia.

Rachel King’s book dives into the history of the pendant believed to have belonged to Henry VIII and his first wife, Katherine of Aragon.

The company will have deals on precious metals testers as well as the latest in lab-grown diamond detection technology and security.

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel is a character in the “Coco Game” collection of watches and the queen in its first haute horlogerie chessboard.

The annual list honors rising professionals on the retail and supply sides of the jewelry industry.

Seized in Kentucky, the packages include fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, and Fendi jewelry.

Rodolfo Lopez-Portillo faces 25 years to life in prison after being found guilty in the March 2022 beating death of Arasb Shoughi.

“Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems” highlights the relationships among 22 influential designers, brands, and gem dealers.

The AJS Spring 2027 show will be held in Savannah, Georgia, with future shows taking place in other Southeast cities.

The jewelry retailer plans to open 20 new stores this year and expand into new product categories.

Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.

The retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.

The “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.

The alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.

The “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.





















