MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
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.
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.
More on Surveys
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This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
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TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
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Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 BoardThe governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
