CrimeAug 18, 2026
2 California Men Arrested in Fatal Vehicle Smash RobberyOne is the driver who allegedly crashed a car into a Sacramento jewelry store in April, striking a 71-year-old employee who later died.
Events & AwardsNov 01, 2016
Live from New York: The Holiday Season is Looking Up
Exhibitors and buyers noted that the JA New York Special Delivery trade show was strong this year, particularly on opening day.
New York--JA New York’s Special Delivery show, which opened Sunday and ends today at the Javits Convention Center in New York, is experiencing a festive mood this year, and not just because it overlapped with Halloween.
“Sunday was amazing,” said Albert Kalantarov of New York-based wholesaler AR Creations. “The holiday season looks promising. We’re expecting a lot more sales.”
The majority of exhibitors with whom National Jeweler spoke noted the strength of business on Sunday, with things slowing down after that, though there was still a good amount of foot traffic on Monday.
“People aren’t spending like they used to, of course, but they have definitely been buying here,” said Adriene Pernice of World Trade Jewelers, who noted that the company’s diamond fashion jewelry seemed to be doing well.
David Rosen of Gold Trader Inc., a jewelry store in Springfield, Mass., also noted a positive buying mood, saying, “We are optimistic that we will see an increase over last December, simply based on trends we’re seeing. It’s not a comment on the economy in general, but at least for our slice of the world (it’s positive).”
"Given the market conditions, we’re feeling very positive about the show and the job we’ve done driving attendance," said JA New York Group Show Director Drew Lawsky. "People are seeing an uptick in their business because of exhibiting at Special Delivery.
Several companies who declined to be quoted for this story felt a discrepancy in buying per price point, with the lower-end category coming out on top. Fashion jewelry and silver sales were said to be particularly strong at the show.
Pernice concluded that items wholesaling between $150 and $500 seemed to be the sweet spot at Special Delivery, though a number of accounts still felt comfortable spending up to $3,000 or $4,000 total if needed.
Bowie Ha, of Top Ten Jewelry Corporation, a New York wholesale company explained, “I’m sure the election has something to do with the buying mood here at the show. People are not willing to spend a considerable amount of money into purchasing stock for their stores because consumers are not ready to spend that much money for jewelry yet.”
Ah, the election.
Like the country, buyers and sellers at Special Delivery seemed split on whether the presidential race was affecting business.
"It's difficult to speculate on the impact the election has had on buying behavior," Lawsky
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
said. "I think it's safe to say that people are being cautious in their buying decisions until they know the outcome of the election and how it may affect the global financial market."
While many wholesalers felt the gravitation toward lower-end price points was due to election anxiety, others took an opposite view.
“I would say the election isn’t influencing how people are buying,” said Matt Laggenbauer of swing state Ohio-based Quality Gold, who noted that the company was expecting a very busy holiday season. “No, I don’t see it affecting sales at all,” he affirmed.
Kalantarov said that he would be voting for Trump on Nov. 8, though. “We think that it’s going to be OK whether it’s Hillary or Trump; we’re going to be alright. Customers are a little more cautious, but it’s still a little hard to tell right now.”
Rosen wasn’t afraid of the election negatively influencing sales. “I think our customers are looking for value and opportunity--the opportunity to find a selection at a price they can afford. They’re value shoppers. They recognize price; they shop price.”
Some thought the election could even have positive effects.
Retailer Diane Glynn of Jenkintown, Pa. store Diane Glynn Jewelry, said, “After the election [business] is going to pick up because we’re all going to be optimistic no matter who the candidate is who wins.”
Glynn’s daughter, Lisa Glynn Vinicur, chimed in, “I am seeing, actually, more people starting to come in and buy, and business seems to be picking up.”
“We did see a real jump in business,” Glynn confirmed, “and I think that people are just going to be ready to do some more.”
Janice Levy, of Lissa Fine Jewelry, a retail store in New York, also felt that the retail jewelry landscape was looking positive for the holidays, no matter the outcome on Election Day.
She concluded, “Shopping makes everybody feel better.”
--Michelle Graff and Brecken Branstrator contributed to this report.
While many wholesalers felt the gravitation toward lower-end price points was due to election anxiety, others took an opposite view.
“I would say the election isn’t influencing how people are buying,” said Matt Laggenbauer of swing state Ohio-based Quality Gold, who noted that the company was expecting a very busy holiday season. “No, I don’t see it affecting sales at all,” he affirmed.
Kalantarov said that he would be voting for Trump on Nov. 8, though. “We think that it’s going to be OK whether it’s Hillary or Trump; we’re going to be alright. Customers are a little more cautious, but it’s still a little hard to tell right now.”
Rosen wasn’t afraid of the election negatively influencing sales. “I think our customers are looking for value and opportunity--the opportunity to find a selection at a price they can afford. They’re value shoppers. They recognize price; they shop price.”
Some thought the election could even have positive effects.
Retailer Diane Glynn of Jenkintown, Pa. store Diane Glynn Jewelry, said, “After the election [business] is going to pick up because we’re all going to be optimistic no matter who the candidate is who wins.”
Glynn’s daughter, Lisa Glynn Vinicur, chimed in, “I am seeing, actually, more people starting to come in and buy, and business seems to be picking up.”
“We did see a real jump in business,” Glynn confirmed, “and I think that people are just going to be ready to do some more.”
Janice Levy, of Lissa Fine Jewelry, a retail store in New York, also felt that the retail jewelry landscape was looking positive for the holidays, no matter the outcome on Election Day.
She concluded, “Shopping makes everybody feel better.”
--Michelle Graff and Brecken Branstrator contributed to this report.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
ColumnistsAug 18, 2026
Peter Smith: The IKEA Effect and Bridal Branding In a new column, Peter Smith posits that people actually enjoy putting together IKEA furniture, and the same is true for engagement rings.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
Thieves Snatch $1M in Jewelry From New Jersey Jeweler9lakha Jewelers in Iselin, New Jersey, was the target of a smash-and-grab robbery on Aug. 8.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
Lab-GrownAug 18, 2026
Ring Concierge, Kendall Jenner Collab on Bridal Earrings GiveawayThe jeweler has partnered with Jenner’s 818 Tequila brand to gift lab-grown diamond studs to a bride-to-be and their bridal party.
Weekly QuizAug 13, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsAug 17, 2026
Marquise Diamonds Dance in Spinelli Kilcollin’s ‘Wren’ CollectionMarquise-cut diamonds in drop charms are the center of the new collection, reflecting the movement of a dancer in modular styles.
IndependentsAug 14, 2026
Smyth Jewelers to Open Fourth LocationThe family-owned jeweler will open a new showroom in Bel Air, Maryland, this fall.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
CrimeAug 14, 2026
Wife of Man Convicted in Jeweler’s Murder Sentenced for Conspiracy Amanda Ileana Hernandez is married to Carlos Hernandez, one of two men in prison for the 2024 murder of Michigan jeweler Hussein Murray.
TrendsAug 14, 2026
Paul Morelli’s Latest ‘Wavey Vine’ Earrings Embrace ColorThe reimagined jewel, our Piece of the Week, trades the diamonds in the original 1998 design for blue, pink, yellow, and green sapphires.
Supplier BulletinAug 13, 2026
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSponsored by American Gem Trade Association
FinancialsAug 13, 2026
Pandora’s ‘Talisman’ Collection Shines, Lab-Grown Diamond Sales FallIn the United States, second-quarter sales were flat amid soft consumer sentiment and lower in-store traffic.
AuctionsAug 13, 2026
This Gold Cadbury ‘Conundrum’ Egg Set a World Auction RecordThe 22-karat gold egg, sold at Batemans Auctioneers in the U.K., was part of a 1980s treasure hunt ad campaign for Cadbury Creme Eggs.
SourcingAug 13, 2026
2,488-Carat Diamond, Largest Found in Botswana, Has a New Owner Lucara Diamond Corp., which recovered the “Motswedi” diamond from the Karowe mine, sold the stone for an undisclosed amount.
CollectionsAug 13, 2026
John Hardy Infuses ‘Icon,’ ‘Heishi’ Collections with ColorThe expanded collections now feature hand-cut gemstones like topaz, tanzanite, chrysoprase, chalcedony, smoky quartz, and fire opal.
Lab-GrownAug 13, 2026
Jean Dousset Opens Third StoreThe lab-grown diamond jewelry brand’s newest boutique is in Westfield Valley Fair in Santa Clara, California.
SourcingAug 12, 2026
Eshed-Gemstar on the Painstaking Process of Cutting ‘The Legacy Emerald’The gemstone supplier and manufacturer acquired the remarkable 104-gram Zambian emerald at Gemfields’ auction in May.
CrimeAug 12, 2026
Elderly NYC Woman Targeted in Jewelry Swap SchemeTwo suspects offered to trade the woman a “winning” lottery ticket for her jewelry.
SourcingAug 12, 2026
Another Diamond Mine Poised to CloseFinsch has been in business rescue since May, and owner Petra Diamonds said it sees no viable path forward for the mine.
CrimeAug 12, 2026
Jewelry Store Employee Gets 20 Years to Life in Choking Death of BossMichel Patrick DeSalles was sentenced after pleading guilty to the 2017 murder of Omid Gholian, who owned a jewelry store in Manhattan.
MajorsAug 12, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names New SVP of SalesLongtime industry executive Beth Miller has taken on the role.
AuctionsAug 11, 2026
Verdura Unicorn Brooch With Royal Connection Up for Auction The brooch was owned by Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, who served as a lady of the bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth II for nearly 50 years.
MajorsAug 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Selects Mattel Exec to Lead Zales, BanterJamie Cygielman will take on the role on Aug. 24.
IndependentsAug 11, 2026
Polly’s Fine Jewelry Co-Owner Richard Moore Dies at 69Moore, Polly’s husband, is remembered as a family man with an easygoing spirit and a love for sports and the outdoors.
ColumnistsAug 11, 2026
Creative Connecting: How to Sell Colored Gemstones to Gen ZDuvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams share the best ways to display, present, and explain colored gemstones to younger customers.
Events & AwardsAug 11, 2026
NAJA Announces Lineup For 2026 Fall Virtual ConferenceThe mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers will take place Sept. 5-6 on Zoom.
TechnologyAug 10, 2026
Colorado Jeweler Launches Customization Tool He Built HimselfHonest Hands Ring Co. Founder Benjamin Bosworth shared his thoughts on jewelry technology and why AI can never replace the human element.
