ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
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
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.
More on Crime
The Latest
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
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.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
