She is remembered for her joie de vivre, upbeat personality, genuine interest in other people, and love of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Jewelers taking to social networking
Yesterday, Friday morning, was the first in our series of four breakfast educational sessions at the 2009 Couture show. Held at the opulent Wynn Hotel, the breakfasts are part of our America's Best Jewelers program, which not only recognizes top-performing...
Yesterday, Friday morning, was the first in our series of four breakfast educational sessions at the 2009 Couture show. Held at the opulent Wynn Hotel, the breakfasts are part of our America's Best Jewelers program, which not only recognizes top-performing companies but also brings them together to work toward solutions to common challenges.
The model for successful jewelry retailing is changing so rapidly that it's hard to see how companies that don't embrace--and excel--in social networking will really be able to survive profitably in the new marketplace. It would be as if a traditional jeweler had never learned the basics of advertising and marketing. You just can't run a business without the standard tools of operation, and today, this includes social networking to build relationships with customers and stay connected.
The thing is, it's not difficult to get started on it. And some of the amazing success stories I heard yesterday confirmed my belief that this is truly the wave of the future.
There's a lot more to be said on the topic, obviously, but I need to get downstairs to this morning's session, which will focus on employee training and compensation. It's being led by our educational sponsor, Jewelers of America.
If you're here in Las Vegas, join us for today, tomorrow, or Monday's sessions. I'll be back moderating tomorrow, when we'll share and discuss in-store events. We'll finish up on Monday with inventory management. These are great sessions, and everyone always walks away wiser.
You can also join the America's Best Jewelers Network online at ABJNetwork.com. To become a member, you must be a JBT-listed North American fine jewelry retailer. I'll approve you, and you can join in discussions with 500 of your peers on our industry's only jeweler-to-jeweler social network.
The Latest

Online bidding is open now for Julien’s sale of items owned by the “Walk On By” singer, whose final album comes out this fall.

The founder and executive chairman of Stuller Inc. is being honored for his impact on the jewelry industry at the 25th annual Gem Awards.

Experience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.

December is the most popular month to propose, and jewelers need to keep that in mind when planning their holiday marketing.


Cat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction Wednesday.

“Vibrations” features several firsts for De Beers’ high jewelry, including the use of chalcedony and diamonds sourced from artisanal miners.

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

The “Bows” collection features three interpretations of the bow motif designed with Georgian and Victorian influences.

The American Gem Society recognized industry members, one Guild, and a law enforcement official for their contributions to jewelry.

Through a new system integration, customers can now receive instant personal jewelry insurance quotes at the time of appraisal.

Five of the 10 fastest-appreciating Rolex models on Bob’s Watches were Datejust 31 or Lady Datejust watches.

The Sherwood family and AJS Creations CEO Tejas Shah purchased the jewelry chain back from Palladium Equity Partners.

“The Elizabeth Taylor Collection” uses lab-grown diamonds and gemstones in contemporary designs inspired by the icon.

The artist wore Dana Rebecca Designs’ marquise diamond-set gold hoops at the Chiefs game last Sunday. Now they’re our Piece of the Week.

JSA and Jewelers Mutual shared advice on spotting suspicious behavior, combatting cell phone jammers, and staying safe at home.

The fancy light blue diamond is estimated to fetch up to $2.6 million at Elmwood’s next week.

“Secret Language of Victorian Jewelry” unveils the meaning behind the symbols, motifs, and gemstones used in Victorian-era jewelry.

KIRAJewels.one gives retailers access to more than 500 SKUs of lab-grown diamond rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.

This holiday season, look to pieces that will help to fill out customers’ everyday diamond jewelry wardrobe, experts say.

The Natural Diamond Council is now The Diamond Collective and has announced a new strategy under CEO Amber Pepper.

Paul’s Jewelers sells coffee, chocolate, and cookies from a custom gold-wrapped trailer parked outside the store starting at 7 a.m.

Part of its brand relaunch, the marketing around the campaign includes a contest involving a jacket set with 550 diamonds.

The curation, opening soon at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, honors the jeweler’s heritage through a distinctly American lens.

The jewelry giant has partnered with the famed makeup artist to create a colorful new collection of charms and rings.

The association will mark the milestone at its convention next month.























