The gemstone supplier and manufacturer acquired the remarkable 104-gram Zambian emerald at Gemfields’ auction in May.
10 Jewelry News Stories You Might Have Missed
Store closures, the RapNet row, auction house updates and more.

Throughout this crisis, we will be doubling our “stories you might have missed” feature from five to 10 to bring readers the best of our coverage on how the pandemic is impacting the jewelry industry.
To catch up on news related to COVID-19 at any time, visit this specially created page of NationalJeweler.com.
1. Signet Temporarily Closes All North American Stores
The retailer’s employees will be paid through April 4, but may soon face reduced hours and pay as the coronavirus weighs on the company’s balance sheet.
2. Companies Pull Goods off RapNet in Droves After Price Cut
Mobilized via Instagram, hundreds of companies have removed their diamonds from the trading platform in protest.
3. The Rap Price List Is Suspended Until May 1
While it remains in limbo, others are stepping in to offer free membership or even launch new platforms.
4. Jewelry Designers’ Production Grinds to a Halt in NYC, Los Angeles
Meanwhile, international production is turning into a saving grace.
5. MK Diamonds’ Julio Ramirez Dies at 43
He succumbed to an undiagnosed illness with symptoms similar to the coronavirus.
6. How the Big Jewelers Are Weathering the Coronavirus
From store closures to employee benefits, here’s how U.S. specialty jewelers are handling business in the midst of COVID-19.
7. CBG, JIS Push Jewelry Trade Shows Back to Fall
The American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute also has postponed its Time-Con event.
8. Here’s How the Auction Houses Are Responding to Coronavirus
A rundown on which jewelry and watch auctions have been postponed, which are taking place online, and how the houses are operating.
9. Coach’s Corner: A Call for Togetherness
Columnist Pat Henneberry shares her thoughts on how members of the jewelry industry can support each other during these difficult times.
10. Northeastern Fine Jewelry Lends a Hand to Local Restaurants
The family-owned jeweler is donating a portion of its gift card proceeds to local restaurants in the Capital Region in New York as both weather the coronavirus pandemic.
The Latest

Two suspects offered to trade the woman a “winning” lottery ticket for her jewelry.

Finsch has been in business rescue since May, and owner Petra Diamonds said it sees no viable path forward for the mine.

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

Michel Patrick DeSalles was sentenced after pleading guilty to the 2017 murder of Omid Gholian, who owned a jewelry store in Manhattan.


The brooch was owned by Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, who served as a lady of the bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth II for nearly 50 years.

Moore, Polly’s husband, is remembered as a family man with an easygoing spirit and a love for sports and the outdoors.

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams share the best ways to display, present, and explain colored gemstones to younger customers.

The mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers will take place Sept. 5-6 on Zoom.

Honest Hands Ring Co. Founder Benjamin Bosworth shared his thoughts on jewelry technology and why AI can never replace the human element.

QVC Group President and CEO David Rawlinson is temporarily being replaced by a familiar face, former QVC CEO Mike George.

The brand also added two one-of-a-kind brown diamond pieces to the “Sanssouci” series of its “Gardens” collection.

Ostbye took home top vendor honors at the Independent Jewelers Organization’s show, held last month in Kentucky.

Sponsored by Stratus Estate Buyers

Cloud, who will officially join Blue Nile on Monday, spent 26 years at Tiffany & Co. and founded jewelry brand Roseate.

Garcia will take over from the company’s current CFO, Anders Boyer, who is retiring at the end of November.

Etsy CEO Kruti Patel Goyal explained why the company is letting go more than 200 employees as its performance improves.

The “Star Gazer” pendant, our Piece of the Week, is Syna’s tribute to curiosity and the discovery of something new.

Museum officials are looking to the public to help cover the “exceptional” costs involved in recovering from the July 5 smash-and-grab.

The overhaul includes enhanced employee safety training and trendy earring styles, including lab-grown diamond studs.

The retailer said it had its biggest Mother’s Day ever, with strong demand for higher-priced jewelry.

“Handwork: Handcrafted Objects that Made America” features historic and contemporary works, including a Diné squash blossom necklace.

The Armenian Jewelers Association’s East Coast chapter has also elected its 2026–2027 board of directors.

Onyx Partners has submitted a second offer to buy the department stores after its first offer fell through last year.

Solomon Brothers Jewelers has partnered with local cocktail bar Roaring Social on a new martini garnished with a tennis necklace.

Benjamin Siegel, son of President and CEO Hank Siegel, started working for the family business this week.




















