From a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
Reward being offered in Philly abduction, robbery
The Philadelphia mayor’s office is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the abduction, beating and robbery of a 53-year-old jewelry store employee over the weekend.

Philadelphia--The Philadelphia mayor’s office is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the abduction, beating and robbery of a 53-year-old jewelry store employee over the weekend.
According to the Philadelphia Police Department, at 4 p.m. on Saturday, the woman--identified in news reports as an employee of National Watch & Diamond Exchange, located in the area of the city known as Jewelers’ Row--was walking to her car inside a parking garage when she was approached by three men who forced her into a van.
Over the next hour, she was beaten and tasered and reportedly asked for the keys to the store and codes to the safe, which she did not know. Eventually, the men forced her to turn over her bank codes and personal information before releasing her in a cemetery.
She was treated at a local hospital for a concussion and hematoma on her right eye, as well as multiple bruises, contusions and scratches, police said.
WATCH: Surveillance video of the suspects’ van as shared by the Philadelphia Police Department
On Wednesday afternoon, the Philadelphia Police Department posted an article on its blog noting the fact that the mayor’s office is offering a reward in the case. The blog also contains photos of the suspects’ van, descriptions of the three men, video surveillance footage and information for contacting the police department to submit a tip.
John J. Kennedy, president of the Jewelers’ Security Alliance, said the JSA has been in contact with Philadelphia police as they work to track down the suspects in this case.
He said while there was very little the victim in this case could have done to prevent what happened, incidents such as this serve as a reminder that jewelers and their employees have to be as vigilant off-premises as they are when they are in and around the store.
Though off-premises crimes are down dramatically from what they were years ago due to the fact that there are fewer traveling salespeople on the road, the number of off-premise crimes increased from 40 in 2013 to 58 last year, the JSA’s annual crime report shows. Parking lots were near the top of the list of most frequent locations for off-premises crimes, topped only by highways/streets.
The Latest

Groundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.

Jost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine


From shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.

The designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.

“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.

The lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.

New collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.

The citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.

Lanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.

A replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.

Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.

To enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.

The grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.

The winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.

The rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.

Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.

The jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.

Spectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.

Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.

Alexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.

The Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.

Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.






















