If you want to attract good salespeople and generate a stream of “sleeping money” for your jewelry store, then you are going to have to pay.
Gearing up for a test run
Hello again, it's Michelle Graff, National Jeweler diamond editor and world's most inconsistent (but, in my defense, extremely busy) blogger. In my last blog posting back in February, I did a roundup of the many varied and somewhat ridiculous diamond...
Hello again, it's Michelle Graff, National Jeweler diamond editor and world's most inconsistent (but, in my defense, extremely busy) blogger.
In my last blog posting back in February, I did a roundup of the many varied and somewhat ridiculous diamond products now on the market.
Since that time, diamond manufacturers haven't disappointed.
There's the diamond-encrusted mouse figurine from Diamond Trading Co. sightholder Lazare Kaplan.
According to press reports, The Mouse, as it is creatively named, was going to be auctioned off in Malaysia, with bids starting at $20,000 for the 12.36-carat figurine. The Mouse is a display piece that doubles as a brooch and is made using 563 round diamonds, as well as pink diamonds on the rodent's ears, feet and the tip of its tail.
It's 18-karat yellow gold with a silver base and has been dubbed, "the world's largest diamond mouse," as if there were a number of contenders vying for this title. Imagine how quickly the world's largest diamond-studded elephant or blue whale would trump The Mouse.
In addition to The Mouse, I've found the perfect use for the $20,000 iPhone case I blogged about back in February: storing the world's most expensive iPhone.
Priced at $176,400 and designed by Austrian jeweler Peter Aloisson, the iPhone Princess Plus is studded with 318 diamonds weighing 17.75 carats and has an 18-karat gold rim.
Alas, a Russian businessman purchased the iPhone earlier this year, according to news reports, dashing my dream of owning this magnificent phone-case combo.
Do you think he bought the $20,000 case to go along with it?
Next, I move on to hair and body care, with plans to actually test some of these products that claim to give your body and/or locks a diamond-like sparkle.
I recently wrote Nivea Corp. to request product samples of its Diamond Gloss hair-care line. You can see the entire line for yourself here.
The site enables you to watch a movie on hair care and use of the products, in case shampooing or hairspray confuse you.
I expect to be blinding men in New York City with my shiny, super-lusturous hair.
Stay tuned!
The Latest

The top lot was a colorless Graff diamond, followed by a Burmese ruby necklace by Marcus & Co.

Gizzi, who has been in the industry since 2001, is now Jewelers of America’s senior vice president of corporate affairs.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Luca de Meo, a 30-year veteran of the auto industry, will succeed longtime CEO François-Henri Pinault.


The “Your Love Has the Perfect Ring” campaign showcases the strength of love and need for inclusivity and representation, the jeweler said.

The former De Beers executive is the jewelry house’s new director of high jewelry for the Americas.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

The New York Liberty forward is the first athlete to represent the Brooklyn-based jewelry brand.

Take a bite out of the 14-karat yellow gold “Fruits of Love Pear” earrings featuring peridots, diamond stems, and tsavorite leaves.

The one-day virtual event will feature speakers from De Beers, GIA, and Gemworld International.

The California-based creative talks jewelry photography in the modern era and tackles FAQs about working with a pro for the first time.

Al Capone’s pocket watch also found a buyer, though it went for less than half of what it did at auction four years ago.

The foundation has also expanded its “Stronger Together” initiative with Jewelers for Children.

Assimon is the auction house’s new chief commercial officer.

The De Beers Group CEO discusses the company’s new “beacon” program, the likelihood diamonds will be exempt from tariffs, and “Origin.”

The Danish jewelry giant hosted its grand opening last weekend, complete with a Pandora pink roulette wheel.

Industry veteran Anoop Mehta is the new chairman and independent director of the IGI board.

The winners of the inaugural “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” are student Lee Min Seo and China-based startup Ianyan.

“Ombré Desert Diamonds” will emphasize cream-, champagne-, and brown-colored diamonds, shades that set natural stones apart from lab grown.

It's one of the “Gresham grasshopper” rings English financier Sir Thomas Gresham was known to gift to acquaintances or business associates.

The brand also debuted its new “Zorae” collection featuring a talisman of protection and harmony inspired by a sheaf of wheat.

As Loudr’s new account manager, Johansen will partner with clients to craft and execute marketing strategies.

Designers were recognized in 12 categories, from platinum to pearls, before the evening ended with a new, retail-focused award.

The rare turquoise and diamond jewel was the top lot at Bonhams’ June jewelry sale.

This year’s honorees include a Midwest retailer and two multi-store independents, one in New York and the other in New England.

The deadline to submit is June 16.