AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
SurveysDec 27, 2017
The 17 Most Popular Stories of 2017
Reading these will be more fun than whatever you have planned for New Year’s Eve.
Our most-read stories of 2017 included crime, notable auctions, gemstone supply blogs and corporate shake-ups.
New York--To mark the end of yet another 365-day trip around the sun, National Jeweler has rounded up its most-read stories of the year.
From crime to amazing auction results to corporate shakeups and more crime, these are the 17 stories our readers clicked on the most in 2017.
Enjoy, and Happy New Year!
17. 1,564 Jewelry Businesses Ceased Operations in 2016
This story from February shared year-end statistics from the Jewelers Board of Trade.
16. 12 Charged in $9M Diamond District Scam
Charged by federal authorities in early April, the men allegedly passed bad checks, used forged documents and told tall tales to cheat wholesalers out of millions of dollars in melee.
15. $13 Diamond Ring Sells for $850K
Originally bought at the British equivalent of a garage sale, the owner long thought it was a piece of worthless costume jewelry.
14. The ‘Monster’ Looking to Disrupt Man-Made Diamond Marketing
Amish Shah, whom National Jeweler interviewed at the JCK show in June, wants to change the conversation the industry is having with consumers about lab-grown diamonds.
13. Mark Light Retiring, Signet Appoints First Female CEO
The news broke in July, with Light reportedly stepping down due to health reasons and Virginia “Gina” C. Drosos stepping up.
12. Analysis: Light’s Out at Signet
Shortly after news broke of Light’s exit, our editor-in-chief detailed the long chain of events that led to his departure.
11. The State of the Majors
The popular report returned in October 2016 after a four-year hiatus and the digital flipbook version attracted thousands of readers. Here’s a link to the 2017 version, which came out this October.
10. Why People Still Wear Watches
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff asked people about their reasons for wearing a watch in an age in which the time is available everywhere.
9. Two Killed in Separate Weekend Robberies
It was a very sad start to the year with jewelry store-related shootings in Henderson, Nevada, and San Antonio, Texas, on the same weekend in January.
8. Forbes List of Wealthiest Women Includes 2 from Jewelry
Alex & Ani founder Carolyn Rafaelian and Kendra Scott made this year’s list of the richest self-made women in the United States.
7. Shake-Up at Signet: Two Big Retirements, New Roles
Interestingly, the February article about the retirements of Ed Hrabak and Tryna Kochanek topped news of Light’s retirement in terms of readership.
6. Forget Millennials, Meet the ‘Midult’
She’s a woman between the ages of 35 and 55 with spending power who’s largely being ignored by jewelers.
5.
Editors' Picks
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Hoop There It is: The Trend That’s Taking Us into 2017
OK, so this story technically ran in 2016 but it was December. And it proved to be popular into the new year, detailing the resurgence hoop earrings of all styles are enjoying right now.
4. 5 Things to Know About … Ethiopian Emeralds
Senior Editor and colored gemstone reporter Brecken Branstrator launched a “5 Things to Know About” series in 2017, and her story about emeralds from a new source proved popular.
3. Jewelry Industry Bullying on Facebook
A ring included in an article about pastel-colored gemstones ignited a heated back-and-forth on social media that got unnecessarily nasty.
2. How Much Are U.S. Consumers Spending on Engagement Rings?
Published in February, this story compared figures from two major sources of data on the wedding market.
1. 5 Things to Know About … Burmese Rubies
The first installment in Branstrator’s “5 Things to Know About” series, this story was published in late January and continued to attract readers all year long.
OK, so this story technically ran in 2016 but it was December. And it proved to be popular into the new year, detailing the resurgence hoop earrings of all styles are enjoying right now.
4. 5 Things to Know About … Ethiopian Emeralds
Senior Editor and colored gemstone reporter Brecken Branstrator launched a “5 Things to Know About” series in 2017, and her story about emeralds from a new source proved popular.
3. Jewelry Industry Bullying on Facebook
A ring included in an article about pastel-colored gemstones ignited a heated back-and-forth on social media that got unnecessarily nasty.
2. How Much Are U.S. Consumers Spending on Engagement Rings?
Published in February, this story compared figures from two major sources of data on the wedding market.
1. 5 Things to Know About … Burmese Rubies
The first installment in Branstrator’s “5 Things to Know About” series, this story was published in late January and continued to attract readers all year long.
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This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
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GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
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G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
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AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
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Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
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Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
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Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
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31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
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