Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
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

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Its residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.

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The retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.

The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.

The new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.

Consumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.

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The new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.

The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.

The LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.

The luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.

The company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.

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Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.

The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.

Laura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.

The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.


















