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.
European trade show adds smartwatches
As the market for so-called smartwatches continues to grow, Inhorgenta Munich, the jewelry and watch trade show held in Germany, announced that a number of smartwatch manufacturers and brands plan to exhibit at the next show.
Munich--As the market for so-called smartwatches continues to grow, Inhorgenta Munich, the jewelry and watch trade show held in Germany, announced that a number of smartwatch manufacturers and brands plan to exhibit at the next show.
In addition to representing the segment with booths at Inhorgenta, show organizers said that smartwatches and wearable technology will be covered in the seminar and events program to provide an extensive overview of the market.
The next Inhorgenta Munich show is scheduled to take place from Feb. 20 to 23, 2015.
The addition of this category to the show, an important trade event in Europe with more than 1,200 exhibitors, is an indication of the rising importance of smartwatches and wearable tech, especially in terms of its place in the jewelry industry.
According to research firm Canalys, more than 17 million wearable bands, which includes both smartwatches and interactive fitness bands such as the “Fitbit,” are predicted to ship in 2014, and the company said that it believes that this will be the year that the wearables will become a “key consumer technology.”
RELATED CONTENT: 5 facts about Apple Watch
One of the biggest pieces of news in the category came just this week, when Apple unveiled its first smartwatch, which it is just calling Apple Watch. Apple joins a number of tech companies already in the smartwatch arena, including Samsung, Microsoft, Motorola and Android.
Early rumors about Apple’s smartwatch had some financial and market analysts speculating that global sales of what many thought would be called the iWatch would reach 10 to 15 million units in 2014, and could increase to 50 to 75 million next year. Tuesday’s announcement by Apple, however, included the revelation that the tech giant won’t begin selling its timepiece until 2015.
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


From shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.

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

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

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

“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.

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 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.

Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.






















