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.
Borsheims announces trio of promotions
Marketer Amanda Green, buyer Julie McAlpine and manager Mandi Dragon all are moving up in the company.

Omaha, Neb.--Borsheims, a company ultimately controlled by a man known for his penchant for promoting women to top positions, announced Monday that three female team members are moving up within the company.
Mandi Dragon is Borsheims new gift sales manager, a position that retailer has had before but hasn’t filled in a while.
She has been with Borsheims for two years, previously working as the manager at the Borsheims Boutique, the outlet store the retailer opened in fall 2013 in Gretna, Neb. but ultimately ended up closing. A native of Ralston, Neb., Dragon has a bachelor’s in organizational sociology and sociology of minorities from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Amanda Green now is in the new role of marketing manager for the retailer after serving as a marketing specialist and senior marketing specialist, while Julie McAlpine has been promoted to director of merchandise. McAlpine replaces Karen Goracke, who vacated the director of merchandise position when she took over as CEO from Susan Jacques.
Green has been with Borsheims since 2008, graduating from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a bachelor’s in communication. She is a member of the American Marketing Association.
McAlpine has been with Borsheims for 18 years, working as a buyer nearly the entire time. She holds a bachelor’s from the University of Nebraska Lincoln and an MBA from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She also holds a graduate diamonds diploma from the Gemological Institute of America and is working toward becoming a graduate gemologist (GG).
Borsheims is part of Berkshire Hathaway, the holding company chaired by billionaire investor Warren Buffett. Buffett is known for being outspoken on his views about women’s potential and their being integral to success in business.
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.






















