Smith recalls a bit of wisdom the industry leader, who died last week, shared at a diamond conference years ago.
Finally, some glimmer in the numbers
No secret that there's a nasty economic undertow dragging on our industry. Many are hoping simply to keep their heads above water until the heavy surf subsides. Finally, several items have surfaced that I see as positive. The first came...
No secret that there's a nasty economic undertow dragging on our industry. Many are hoping simply to keep their heads above water until the heavy surf subsides.

Finally, several items have surfaced that I see as positive. The first came Monday in Tiffany's release of its fiscal 2008 financial results. Tiffany Chairman and CEO Michael Kowalski is one of the best, and it's always valuable to listen closely to what he says.
In the statement, Kowalski indicated that while we'll continue to see "challenging economic conditions throughout the year," the decline will become less severe as we move toward the latter part of the year.
More positive yet, Sterling, in a statement of its annual financial results that it issued today, noted that sales are down only 2.7 percent for the first seven weeks of the current fiscal quarter. Further, Valentine's Day was relatively strong, and these results are even better when the timing of Easter this year is calculated in. Margins are improving, too.
There's nothing that we at the magazine here want more than improved conditions for everyone in the industry. The conversation consistently seems to turn to when the downturn will bottom out. Still not certain on that one. But these two items, along with the stock market's rally of the past few days, are the first things we've had to cheer about in quite some time.
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From sunrise yoga to tariffs talks, these are some events to check out at the upcoming inaugural event.

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NYCJAOS is set for Nov. 21-23 in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.

U.S.-based investment company SMG Capital LLC is the new owner of the luxury brand.

A new court filing details the locations of the stores that will close, as well as the 830 that will remain open.

The new catalogs are “Tools, Equipment, & Metals” and “Findings & Metals.”

Sapphire’s variety of colors make it the perfect birthstone for September.

The retailer has raised its guidance after seeing total sales increase 3 percent in the second quarter, beating expectations.

Niccolò Rossi di Montelera, executive chairman of the board, was appointed as interim CEO.

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The collection is a collaboration between Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry and Oak and Luna, focusing on understated essentials.

The highlight of a single-owner jewelry and watch collection, it’s estimated to fetch up to $7 million at auction this December.

CEO Efraim Grinberg noted a resurgence in the fashion watch market.

The “Bullseye” necklace, with vintage bakelite and peridot, August’s birthstone, is the perfect transitional piece as summer turns to fall.

Sponsored by Clientbook

It will classify lab-grown stones into one of two categories, “premium” or “standard,” in lieu of giving specific color and clarity grades.

President Duma Boko addressed the country’s medical supply chain crisis in a recent televised address.

Former Free People buyer Afton Robertson-Kanne recently joined the retailer.

The jeweler teamed up with two local organizations for its inaugural “Back to School and Bling” event.