Gretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
Revving up the retail 'slowdown'
Now that President Bush has announced that the United States is not in or headed for a recession but simply in the midst of a slowdown, what upcoming events and holidays can jewelry retailers count on to rev up sales...
Now that President Bush has announced that the United States is not in or headed for a recession but simply in the midst of a slowdown, what upcoming events and holidays can jewelry retailers count on to rev up sales (whether you believe Bush or not)?
Springtime: When the season changes, even budget-conscious consumers can't resist new fashion trends in clothing and accessories. So now's the time to push those cocktail rings, bangles and statement necklaces.
St. Patrick's Day: Since nature-inspired motifs remain on the list of current jewelry trends, emerald-green four-leaf-clover pendants and charms are perfect items to promote through Monday, March 17, the actual date of this luck-themed holiday.
Tax season: This year, taxpayers will have a little extra in their return thanks to the government's economic stimulus plan. Although surveys have indicated that many will spend the money on bills, put it in savings or purchase a necessity, you can still count on those whose good intentions will fall to the wayside.
Prom: There's been plenty of talk about tiaras lately. While your average prom queen won't be in the market for a diamond-encrusted one, sparkling crystals will suit her just fine. Of course, charm bracelets, pendants and dangling earrings are must-have prom dress accessories.
Mother's Day/Father's Day: Jewelry will be one of the top gifts for Mother's Day (Sunday, May 11), but this year, recent trends in men's jewelry might drive sales for Father's Day (Sunday, June 15) as well.
The Latest

Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.

With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

Laughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.


The California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.

A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

The deadline to apply is Nov. 13.

The auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.

Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.

The British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.

The “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.

Nelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.

Cat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.

Arnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.

The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.

The stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.

Engagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Former Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.

The veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.

Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).

The labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.

“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.

The “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.

This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.

The former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.
























