She is remembered for her joie de vivre, upbeat personality, genuine interest in other people, and love of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
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.
The Latest

Online bidding is open now for Julien’s sale of items owned by the “Walk On By” singer, whose final album comes out this fall.

The founder and executive chairman of Stuller Inc. is being honored for his impact on the jewelry industry at the 25th annual Gem Awards.

Experience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.

December is the most popular month to propose, and jewelers need to keep that in mind when planning their holiday marketing.


Cat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction Wednesday.

“Vibrations” features several firsts for De Beers’ high jewelry, including the use of chalcedony and diamonds sourced from artisanal miners.

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

The “Bows” collection features three interpretations of the bow motif designed with Georgian and Victorian influences.

The American Gem Society recognized industry members, one Guild, and a law enforcement official for their contributions to jewelry.

Through a new system integration, customers can now receive instant personal jewelry insurance quotes at the time of appraisal.

Five of the 10 fastest-appreciating Rolex models on Bob’s Watches were Datejust 31 or Lady Datejust watches.

The Sherwood family and AJS Creations CEO Tejas Shah purchased the jewelry chain back from Palladium Equity Partners.

“The Elizabeth Taylor Collection” uses lab-grown diamonds and gemstones in contemporary designs inspired by the icon.

The artist wore Dana Rebecca Designs’ marquise diamond-set gold hoops at the Chiefs game last Sunday. Now they’re our Piece of the Week.

JSA and Jewelers Mutual shared advice on spotting suspicious behavior, combatting cell phone jammers, and staying safe at home.

The fancy light blue diamond is estimated to fetch up to $2.6 million at Elmwood’s next week.

“Secret Language of Victorian Jewelry” unveils the meaning behind the symbols, motifs, and gemstones used in Victorian-era jewelry.

KIRAJewels.one gives retailers access to more than 500 SKUs of lab-grown diamond rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.

This holiday season, look to pieces that will help to fill out customers’ everyday diamond jewelry wardrobe, experts say.

The Natural Diamond Council is now The Diamond Collective and has announced a new strategy under CEO Amber Pepper.

Paul’s Jewelers sells coffee, chocolate, and cookies from a custom gold-wrapped trailer parked outside the store starting at 7 a.m.

Part of its brand relaunch, the marketing around the campaign includes a contest involving a jacket set with 550 diamonds.

The curation, opening soon at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, honors the jeweler’s heritage through a distinctly American lens.

The jewelry giant has partnered with the famed makeup artist to create a colorful new collection of charms and rings.

The association will mark the milestone at its convention next month.























