The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.
New Survey Ranks Amazon World’s Most Valuable Brand
The annual BrandZ rankings showed that disruptive companies not rooted to one particular category or region are today’s most successful.

London—A new survey commissioned by marketing and advertising agency WPP has ranked Amazon above Apple in an index of the world’s top brands.
The annual BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands ranking, conducted by Kantar and released last week at the New York Stock Exchange, combines market data from Bloomberg with data from millions of consumers to evaluate brands that are either owned by publicly traded companies or publish their financials.
This year, Amazon occupies the top spot in the index, overtaking Apple, which ranked No. 2, and Google, which ranked No. 3.
WPP and Kantar attributed this to Amazon’s smart technology, which has led to new revenue streams, its emphasis on customer service and its diverse array of products and services.
The once-online-only retailer continues to grow in myriad ways, including by expanding its brick-and-mortar presence with more book stores and the opening of technology-driven, cashier-less grocery stores.
“We’re seeing a move from individual product and service brands to a new era of highly disruptive ecosystems. Brands need to understand the value this type of model can create and should embrace its approach to be successful in the future,” said David Roth, BrandZ chairman and CEO of The Store WPP EMEA and Asia.
Doreen Wang, Kantar’s global head of BrandZ, said: “Amazon’s phenomenal brand value growth of almost $108 billion in the last year demonstrates how brands are now less anchored to individual categories and regions.
“Using their consumer experience and expertise, these brands are crossing over into the business services sector, creating new opportunities for brand growth.”
Morgan Holt, chief strategy officer at brand and retail consultancy Fitch, also said customer service was a major reason why Amazon’s value continues to increase.
“A customer looking to connect with or purchase a product from their chosen brand in today’s world is looking for a smooth and frictionless experience: easy navigation, painless transactions, and a genuine, personal form of contact,” she said in an e-mail to National Jeweler.
“Amazon’s platform sells immediacy, and its stellar customer service ticks all the right boxes. Likewise with Apple, its various help forums and simple navigation support a wide network of customers as they set out to achieve a task. Convenience is king, but a smooth journey is the jewel in the king’s crown.”
After Amazon, Apple and Google, Microsoft occupies the No. 4 spot in the BrandZ rankings, Visa
Chinese retailer Alibaba was No. 7 and Chinese technology company Tencent was No. 8.
Rounding out the top 10 were McDonald’s at No. 9 and AT&T in the No. 10 position.
The fastest riser in the index was social media platform Instagram, which jumped 47 places since last year’s rankings, followed by Lululemon, the athletic apparel company.
Overall, WPP and Kantar said that though technology and finance companies accounted for the bulk of the companies on the list, luxury was the fastest-growing category, followed by retail.
The latter two categories are being fueled by their embrace of digital shopping channels suited to Gen Y and Gen Z consumers, they said.
The index also showed an increase in the number of “sustainable” brands, or brands that work to communicate their responsible practices, whether through social, environmental or corporate initiatives, to consumers.
The Latest

The program provides essential funding to organizations for projects that enhance the jewelry industry.

The jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

JSA is seeking information about the gunpoint robbery of a Kay Jewelers location in Oregon’s Washington Square Mall.


The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.

The “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.

You deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.

Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.

In her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.

“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”

Organizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.

The Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.

The Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.

The “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.

The big diamond’s sale added to the company’s revenue though the market remains “challenging” overall, particularly for smaller goods.

Rob Bates of The Jewelry Wire will also moderate a panel on the state of the jewelry industry during the virtual event.

The Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.

With their durability, brilliance, and beauty, diamonds are the perfect stone for everyday birthstone jewelry.

The retailer failed to file its annual report on time and said it may issue a going concern warning.

Smith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.

John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.

Founder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.

“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.

“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.

Signet confirmed that Caffie, president of Zales and Banter, and Bentzen, who headed Blue Nile, have left the company.

The antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.























