The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.
Ostbye Celebrates 100th Anniversary with 100 Acts of Kindness
The jewelry manufacturer will spread goodwill in a new area each month, from elderly appreciation to the environment.

Minneapolis—Jewelry manufacturer Ostbye will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2020 with 100 acts of kindness.
Founded in 1920 by Walter Ostbye and E. Gust Anderson, the company got its start in a sub-basement in downtown Minneapolis, later relocating to a 20,000-square-foot factory in a nearby suburb.
To celebrate its centennial, the company aims to complete 100 good deeds beginning in January and continuing throughout the year.
“We have selected 88 acts of kindness and are asking our retailors to help us finalize the remaining 12,” said President Craig MacBean in an email to National Jeweler.
The list of kind acts includes donating to charities, planting a tree, leaving a large tip for a server, and volunteering at a local animal shelter.
The company will choose a different area to focus on each month.
January: Elderly Appreciation
February: First Responder Appreciation
March: Simple Acts of Kindness
April: Community
May: Environment
June: Neighborhood
July: Children
August: Support Our Troops
September: Encouragement
October: Animals
November: Food Drive
December: Month of Giving
“We are humbled by the number of people, employees and customers past and present who have supported Ostbye over the years,” MacBean said in a press release about the company’s celebration.
The kindness initiative is a token of thanks.
“We have been so fortunate these past 100 years to be a small part of such a special industry.”
Ostbye will be sharing its progress via its social media accounts and encouraging retailers to join in on spreading kindness throughout the year.
For more information about 100 Acts of Kindness, visit the Ostbye website or call 866-553-1515.
The Latest

The “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.

Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.

You deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.

“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”


Organizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.

The Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.

Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.

The Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.

The “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.

The big diamond’s sale added to the company’s revenue though the market remains “challenging” overall, particularly for smaller goods.

Rob Bates of The Jewelry Wire will also moderate a panel on the state of the jewelry industry during the virtual event.

The Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.

With their durability, brilliance, and beauty, diamonds are the perfect stone for everyday birthstone jewelry.

Smith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.

John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.

Founder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.

“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.

“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.

Signet confirmed that Caffie, president of Zales and Banter, and Bentzen, who headed Blue Nile, have left the company.

The antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.

Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.

Iconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.

The luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.

The NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.

The one-of-a-kind locket, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal three hidden images to keep close to your heart.

The new facility was also designed to better serve its growing customer base in Canada.



























