AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
EditorsApr 30, 2012
The Swiss Guard
Lots of talk cropping up again about the "Swiss-made" label. As most in our business are aware, there are set criteria for determining what level of “Swiss” labeling manufacturers can claim for their watches. Like other magazines, we publish and...
Lots of talk cropping up again about the "Swiss-made" label. As most in our business are aware, there are set criteria for determining what level of “Swiss” labeling manufacturers can claim for their watches. Like other magazines, we publish and discuss those on a fairly regular basis, especially at the beginning of the year, around the time the BaselWorld timepiece lollapalooza heats up.
As on many issues, the whole idea of “Swiss-made” generates a host of conflicting opinions. At one extreme, there are those who consider the whole thing to ring of elitism. On the other, there are many--perhaps even most--who recognize the system’s value.
From a broad perspective, watches are somewhat of an antiquated product. We’re surrounded today by innumerable gizmos that not only tell us the time, but add a legion of functionality that not even the most ambitious of grand complication watches could ever hope to match. More and more, the real value of watches resides in their roles as conceptual fashion accessories. They’re man-jewelry, making statements about personal tastes and denoting identification characteristics from economic status to lifestyle preferences.
Further, like classic cars—physically and psychologically a very similar contemporary collector and investment category—much of the attraction of top-end brands lies in their levels of mechanical precision and performance. Often, it’s a workmanship issue. In a world where so much seems so often to go so wrong, a highly accurate mechanical watch can stand as a symbol of the human potential to forge order from chaos.
In a global culture that teeters increasingly toward the politically correct, many would agree that it’s a vast pleasure to find oneself in the purely absolute: i.e. This is good, period. And while there are always the unscrupulous who would seek to demean watches by stretching or outright cheating in describing their origins, it is clear that true value for luxury timepieces--and their
reputations--resides with those who would defend an immutable set of defined quality standards.
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This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
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Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
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Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
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Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
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Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
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State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
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Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
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Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
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AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
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Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned PlatformThe Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
