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.
Nordstrom closes full-line store, continues Rack push
Nordstrom Inc. announced Thursday that it will close its underperforming full-line store in Orlando when the lease runs out next month, as the company’s focus remains on its Rack off-price division.
Orlando--Nordstrom Inc. announced Thursday that it will close its underperforming full-line store in Orlando when the lease runs out next month, as the company’s focus remains on its Rack off-price division.
Initially opened in 2002, the store will continue to operate through Aug. 16. Its closure will impact about 190 non-seasonal employees, according to Nordstrom.
“Our lease for the store is up. To make a long-term commitment to this community and renew our lease, we would need to make a significant investment in this store so that we’re not offering our customers a substandard experience,” said President Jamie Nordstrom. “Despite our team’s best efforts, the store’s performance doesn’t support making that kind of investment. We take responsibility for not meeting our own expectations to continue on here.”
The company will continue to serve the customers in Orlando through its Nordstrom Rack at Millenia Crossing, one of 10 in the state, as well as the company’s other eight full-line stores across Florida.
RELATED CONTENT: Nordstrom remains focused on Rack with 2 new stores
The company, like other high-end and mid-tier retailers right now, will continue to place emphasis on its off-price division. Nordstrom plans to open a total of 27 new Rack stores in 2014, as compared with only three full-line stores.
In recent months, Nordstrom announced the opening of a number of new Rack stores across the country, including expanding into Anchorage, Alaska for the first time, as well as launching new stores in Orem, Utah; Bakersfield, Redlands, and Emeryville, Calif.; Buffalo, N.Y., and Albuquerque.
It also will open a new full-line store at St. Johns Town Center in Jacksonville, Fla. and two new Rack stores in West Palm Beach and Lake Brandon, Fla. in October.
The Latest

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

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine

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

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.

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

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

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

A Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.

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.

It is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.

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.























