From a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
NRF: 164M+ Consumers Expected to Shop Thanksgiving Weekend
If the number holds true, though, it would be a decrease from last year’s reported 174 million.

Washington—More than 164 million people are planning to shop over Thanksgiving weekend, according to a survey released from the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics.
Conducted from Oct. 29 to Nov. 7, the survey asked 7,516 consumers about their shopping plans for Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Sunday and Cyber Monday.
If this year’s estimate of 164 million shoppers out during those days holds true, it would be a decrease from the final number—174 million—that the NRF reported after the weekend concluded last year.
This year, not surprisingly, Black Friday is predicted to remain the busiest shopping day of the long holiday weekend, with an estimated 71 percent of consumers, or 116 million people, indicating they plan to shop on the day, the NRF said.
Meanwhile, 46 percent, or 75 million, will take advantage of online deals on Cyber Monday, 41 percent (67 million) are expected to shop on Small Business Saturday—with 78 percent of those saying they will do so specifically to support their local small businesses—21 percent (34 million) are predicted to shop on Thanksgiving Day, and 20 percent (32 million) said they will shop on Sunday.
Of those who said they will shop over the holiday weekend, 65 percent said they’ll take advantage of deals and promotions, while 26 percent said it has to do with the tradition of shopping over Thanksgiving weekend, 23 percent said it’s something to do over the holiday weekend and 23 percent said it’s when they start their holiday shopping.
Interestingly, the NRF also noted a “change in how the younger consumers see the weekend,” Prosper Insights Executive Vice President of Strategy Phil Rist said.
“Compared to older generations, younger consumers under the age of 35 are more likely to be attracted by the social aspects of shopping over the weekend or by the fact that it is a family tradition.”
The Latest

Groundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.

Jost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine


The designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.

Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.

The lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.

A Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.

New collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.

The citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.

Lanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.

A replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.

Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.

To enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.

The grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.

The winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.

The rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.

It is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.

Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.

The jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.

Spectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.

Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.

Alexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.

The Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.























