Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.
No downturn in Dubai?
I’ve been back a few weeks now from my latest trip, this one to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It was one of those trips where I was gone less than a week (after flying for 12 hours), but it felt...
I’ve been back a few weeks now from my latest trip, this one to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It was one of those trips where I was gone less than a week (after flying for 12 hours), but it felt like I had been gone for a month, so much happened while I was there.
The conference I was sent to attend—the Middle-East China Diamond & Jewellery Summit—didn’t result in any spectacular revelations—more, seemingly, was said at the recent “emergency” summit in Antwerp, Belgium—but I did gain a better understanding of what’s going on with the diamond supply pipeline in light of the global financial crisis, and I did take away some impressions about this particular corner of the world, which is always essential when traveling, whether for business or pleasure.
During the conference, several speakers talked about the growth of markets in both the Middle East and China, and growth indeed seems to be the watchword in Dubai.
Anywhere you go in the city, everywhere you look, there are towers going up, with seemingly no master plan for connecting them, creating neighborhoods, unclogging the roads and making it livable.
In fact, the Almas Tower (pictured here), a vertical version of Antwerp's Diamond Square Mile, if you will, which will essentially house Dubai’s growing diamond industry, is part of a development called Jumeirah Lakes Towers, a development of 87 high-rise buildings, (yes, you read that correctly), both residential and commercial.
Is it just me, or does this seem just a wee bit overly ambitious in this economy? While the super-rich were at one time shielded from the downturn, talk to any analyst today and they will tell you this: Today, nobody is immune. The downturn is going to hit everyone, everywhere, even if certain people, areas of the world, or industries don’t want to admit it.
Now, don’t get me wrong—I enjoyed my time in Dubai. There was a lot to see and do, and I met some fabulous people during my six-day stay there. And, as always, I enjoy traveling to new places as it gives me yet another perspective on the world. I just have to question how much they are growing in Dubai and if today’s economy can support such growth in any market.
The Latest

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.


The event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.

The Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

Agents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.

The designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.

The trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.

The organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.

Lori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.

The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.

The “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.

Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.

Signatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.

The winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

The singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.

The bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.

The heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.

The 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week.

The historic signet ring exceeded its estimate at Noonans Mayfair’s jewelry auction this week.

To mark the milestone, the brand is introducing new non-bridal fine jewelry designs for the first time in two decades.

The gemstone is the third most valuable ruby to come out of the Montepuez mine, Gemfields said.