EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking AboutFrom a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
SurveysApr 26, 2017
50 Jewelers/50 States: Alaska
In a new series, National Jeweler is taking the pulse of the nation’s independent jewelers state by state. The second installment features jewelry store Giamante in Anchorage, Alaska.
In a new series, National Jeweler is taking the pulse of the nation’s independent jewelers state by state. Here, we talk with Giamante in Anchorage.
Anchorage, Alaska--Amid the changing and challenging retail environment, the editorial team at National Jeweler wondered how macro trends--from online shopping to serving new generations of shoppers--have affected jewelers in disparate parts of the country.
In order to find out, we decided to launch a new series called 50 Jewelers/50 States, in which we interview one retailer in each of the 50 U.S. states.
The second installment features Giamante jewelry store in Anchorage, Alaska, a fairly new venture from industry veterans and husband-and-wife duo Joseph and Debi Gimeno, who face Alaska’s current economic uncertainties.
National Jeweler: What's the biggest challenge your store is facing?
Joseph Gimeno: It’s very particular to our state. Right now, because of the oil industry leaving Alaska, we are in a major recession and we’re doing OK, but we have to deal with a new economic scenario, which is affecting most businesses and leading to a lot of unemployment.
Oil was a major provider of jobs and money in Alaska. The challenge is adapting to the state’s new economic outlook over the last year and a half.
NJ: What’s the top-selling item or brand at your store?
JG: Definitely engagement rings. For brands, Danhov out of L.A. is one of the top-selling designers that we carry.
NJ: Describe your regional customer.
JG: We try to cater to higher-end customers. We specialize in bridal, so we seek mostly people who are looking to get engaged or married or celebrating anniversaries.
NJ: What’s the most popular style of engagement ring with your clientele now?
JG: Here, we’re definitely still selling a halo with a basic shank, very thin. Minimalist.
NJ: What about diamond shapes?
JG: Round diamonds are definitely the most popular.
NJ: What’s your internet and social media presence like? What accounts do you have or actively use?
JG: We have a well-maintained website, but we don’t sell online. We’re very active on social media and our website is directly connected to all of our social media accounts: Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram. We’re everywhere.
Our main focus online is on acquiring new clientele and keeping our clientele informed of what’s going on here.
NJ:
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
Of the social media accounts you’re using, which is the most important to you?
JG: I would say Facebook.
NJ: What’s the best piece of advice you’d offer to other independent jewelry stores?
JG: You have to find your niche--how you are different than everybody else--and then do that.
For us, I think the quality of our customer service and the way that we care sets us apart. We genuinely care about our customers, and it shows.
NJ: What’s a fun fact about you we can share with our readers?
Debi Gimeno (in the background): You speak five languages.
JG: That’s not a fun fact … I’ve been a jeweler working in the jewelry industry pretty much nonstop since 1977.
DG: You like to jump off of really high things.
JG: (laughs) That has nothing to do with work, but that is true.
JG: I would say Facebook.
NJ: What’s the best piece of advice you’d offer to other independent jewelry stores?
JG: You have to find your niche--how you are different than everybody else--and then do that.
For us, I think the quality of our customer service and the way that we care sets us apart. We genuinely care about our customers, and it shows.
NJ: What’s a fun fact about you we can share with our readers?
Debi Gimeno (in the background): You speak five languages.
JG: That’s not a fun fact … I’ve been a jeweler working in the jewelry industry pretty much nonstop since 1977.
DG: You like to jump off of really high things.
JG: (laughs) That has nothing to do with work, but that is true.
More on Surveys
The Latest
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election NightGroundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.
MajorsNov 06, 2026
SNL’s Colin Jost Finds the Perfect Gift in Kay Jewelers’ Holiday AdJost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
Weekly QuizNov 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia AirportA Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition YetThe citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New PresidentLanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for AuctionA replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet GiveawayTo enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 ApplicationsThe grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship WinnersThe winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s GenevaThe rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ CollectionThe jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising OfficerAlexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington StateThe Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.
