The Dayton-based jeweler, which has been in business since 1985, was formerly known as Stafford Jewelers.
My Black Friday retail tour
On Black Friday, we arrived at Target just as smiley-faced employees were passing out Target Shopping Survival Kits, cute environmentally correct red bags filled with a breakfast bar, flavored coffee and animal crackers. The tag on the bag promised the...
On Black Friday, we arrived at Target just as smiley-faced employees were passing out Target Shopping Survival Kits, cute environmentally correct red bags filled with a breakfast bar, flavored coffee and animal crackers. The tag on the bag promised the contents would give us the stamina we needed for the shopping marathon ahead.
The doors opened at 6:00 a.m. sharp and the line of customers speed-walked through the sliding doors, grabbed idle carts and commenced shopping. The majority of the crowd made a beeline to the electronics department. I headed for the nearby toy section, which became swelled with customers too. The clothing department and jewelry counter looked like no-man's-land.
Despite retail reports of reduced staff for the holiday season, customer service was commendable. I was even able to get a decent response to a question I annoyingly asked one staff person as he was quickly re-stocking a shelf with hi-def DVDs.
Wal-Mart, TJ Maxx, and Best Buy were the remaining stops on our retail tour. We made no attempts to go to the shopping mall, and I don't know anyone else who braved those crowds either.
Compared with last year, the stores we visited had fewer items with reduced prices, and the discounts were signficantly less. And the crowds seemed a little smaller. The take-a-ticket dispenser at TJ Maxx's jewelry counter still seemed full, indicating customers were probably sparse and the wait to be served was non-existent. But recent news reports on the declining economic climate predicted retailers' actions and consumers' response to them.
Nonetheless, I had a ball and picked up a few gifts for myself and others too. I'll be going again next year and may even muster up the courage to hit one of the malls. If that's where you went this Black Friday, share your experience.
The Latest

Reeds Jewelers CEO Alan Zimmer will be presented with the honor at JVC’s annual luncheon.

The piece, celebrating birthdays from March 21 to April 19, debuted with Sorellina’s new line of astrological pendants.

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

The Indian jewelry brand recently opened stores in Atlanta and Seattle.


CEO Beth Gerstein shared its most popular price points, what’s trending in non-bridal fine jewelry, and its holiday performance.

The 15 pieces were crafted from the “Insofu” emerald, discovered in Zambia in 2010.

Natural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.

Chris Anderson is joining the insurance provider as the new chief financial officer and treasurer.

Jewelers of America is distributing a brochure for retailers to use when discussing the differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds.

The industry is changing as it grapples with new realities around distribution, supply, and the need for consistent, effective marketing.

Bhansali discusses the potential impact of U.S. tariffs, demand for diamonds by market, and the “cautious confidence” in India right now.

As lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.

Govind Dholakia and Tanishq will be recognized for their contributions to the industry at the Diamonds Do Good Awards in Las Vegas.

The New York City-based brand has opened its first U.K. location with a permanent shop-in-shop at Liberty in London.

A metal detectorist discovered the ring that is believed to have belonged to a bishop in the late 12th to early 13th century.

Organizers looked to new partnerships and interactive experiences to enhance the spring show, set for March 16 to 18.

Kenewendo, Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, will discuss the future of diamonds.

The suspect allegedly stole almost $800,000 worth of diamond jewelry from a store in Orlando and then swallowed it during a traffic stop.

Ahead of the Gem Awards on Friday, Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share pro tips for taking the best photos.

Founded in 2000, Marco Bicego is commemorating its milestone anniversary with a “25 Best” collection and campaigns honoring its heritage.

Those attending the company’s upcoming Zoom workshop will receive early access to “The List,” its new resource for finding buyers.

The organization will present an award to Amy-Elise Signeavsky, law enforcement and diamond recovery manager at GIA.

Chandler started his jewelry career at Michelson Jewelers, joining the Diamond Council of America as president and CEO in 2001.

Scottish American designer Maeve Gillies collaborated with Platinum Guild International on jewelry created by direct metal 3D printing.

Ahead of its trade show in May, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to five up-and-coming jewelry industry professionals.

The 2025 Gem Awards are set to take place Friday at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.