Smith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
Longtime JCK Editor Rob Bates Pens Mystery Novel
Bates’s debut novel, “A Murder is Forever: The Diamond District Mystery Series,” combines his industry expertise with a murder mystery storyline.

“A Murder is Forever: The Diamond District Mystery Series” combines Bates’ industry expertise and diamond knowledge with a murder mystery storyline.
The story follows Mimi Rosen, whose family is in the diamond business.
When her diamond-dealer cousin Yosef is murdered, allegedly for a $4 million pink diamond, Rosen finds herself tangled in a conspiracy as she tries to get the bottom of who killed Yosef.
"Bates, who has more than 25 years as a journalist covering the diamond business, easily slips in loads of fascinating information on diamonds and Jewish culture without losing sight of the mystery plot. Readers will look forward to Mimi’s further adventures," said Publishers Weekly.
Bates has written about the diamond industry for more than 25 years, winning 12 editorial awards, including the Gem Award for Media Excellence in 2016.
He is also a comedy writer and performer, whose work has appeared on Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update segment, Comedy Central’s website, and McSweeney’s .
The book is available on Amazon and other major booksellers.
The Latest

The Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.

The retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.


The price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.

The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.

Sotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.

A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.

From Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.

The show started by honoring Mildred Marcano, ended with a tearful Beth Anne Bonanno, and recognized a dozen-plus designers in between.

The revamped online diamond marketplace will feature pricing intelligence and data-driven tools for more efficient buying and selling.

The miner said demand for higher-quality emeralds is stable, but there is notable caution in the market.

The “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.

This year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.

The author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.

Three-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.

Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.

These up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.

The lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.

This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.

High-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

The designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.

Buying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.

The trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.

























