EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking AboutFrom a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
CrimeJul 21, 2015
14 tips for staying safe on social media
Social networks provide unique opportunities for jewelers to connect with consumers but also open up the business to certain safety risks. Here’s how jewelers can protect themselves online.
New York--Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and other social media sites can provide unique ways for jewelers to interact with their customers and potential clients as well as help build a store’s brand.
But opening the business up to social engagement also opens it up to safety risks if not done carefully, from people who might be “following” for the wrong reasons to divulging sensitive information to the wrong crowd.
Jewelers Mutual Insurance Co. and Jewelers UnBlocked shared with National Jeweler their top tips for helping retailers stay safe as they tackle the social media world.
1. Monitor followers. It’s not uncommon for criminals to hide among followers, taking a specific interest in the store and even the owner’s or employees’ personal activities. If someone has a bad feeling about a follower or “friend” on a social network, they should trust their instincts. Most social networks give the option of blocking individuals from accessing the store’s profile or page so consider that if need be, and be selective about who is accepted as a friend on any social networking site.
2. Avoid oversharing. Be thoughtful of what information is shared, especially when it comes to product and if there is a new shipment arriving. Don’t let people know exactly when an employee is out of town--especially if that means one person is at the store by themselves--and keep employee travel schedules private. Consider not posting photos until everyone has returned from a trade show or vacation.
3. Pictures say a thousand words. Be sure that posted photos don’t show too much, such as the location of the high-end watches or the store’s safe in the background. Also, panoramic images that provide a 360-degree view of the store can help criminals case the store with just the click of a mouse.
4. Keep one’s private life private. For jewelers and their employees, it is recommended they set their personal social media profiles to private. When it comes to personal information shared or posted about the store’s owner, its employees and their families on the company accounts, use good judgement. Assume every caption and photo posted is permanent.
5. Require approval. On the store’s Facebook account, require that all photos of the store or anyone from it be approved before tagging and making them public.
6. Take conversations offline. Detailed conversations with customers on the sections of social media sites
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
that are visible to all can put both the store and the customer at risk.
7. Keep private events private. If there is a private event coming up, avoid drawing attention to it on public pages beforehand and contact just the people who need to know about the event. Anyone could target the store or its customers as they leave with a new piece.
8. Engagement ring selfies may be risky. Public posts and photos with identifying landmarks and a valuable new ring can put customers at risk. If the store posts about newly engaged couples, avoid sharing last names and cities.
9. Re-think passwords. Be sure to use random combinations that do not include any personally identifiable information.
10. Utilize the experts. IT security experts are available and cost effective. Use them for employee safety and to protect the business.
11. No scanning allowed. Do not allow social networking services to scan email address books; it can grant access to contacts’ personal information.
12. Protect your assets. Work with an expert to ensure the business has the proper insurance coverage and to get ahead of any limitations that might arise in basic cyber insurance coverage.
13. Stay discerning. Cyber criminals often hack into computers by reeling users in with a link in a tweet, post on Facebook, or in an email. If the link looks suspicious, even though the source may be known, it’s best to ignore the post or either delete the email altogether or mark as junk mail, if appropriate.
14. Establish a social policy for staff. Share these tips with anyone who posts on behalf of the store, whether they post for the business or their personal accounts.
The Latest
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election NightGroundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.
MajorsNov 06, 2026
SNL’s Colin Jost Finds the Perfect Gift in Kay Jewelers’ Holiday AdJost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
Weekly QuizNov 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearFrom shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition YetThe citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New PresidentLanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for AuctionA replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet GiveawayTo enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 ApplicationsThe grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship WinnersThe winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s GenevaThe rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ CollectionThe jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising OfficerAlexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington StateThe Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.
