The 23-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, set to headline Christie’s May jewelry auction, was expected to sell for as much as $50 million.
10 Jewelry News Stories You Might Have Missed
Baselworld loses major brands, thoughts on the future of retail, an update on the Paycheck Protection Program, and more.

New York—Last week, Rolex, Patek Philippe, and other major watch and jewelry brands severed ties with Baselworld, the Paycheck Protection Program ran out of money, and more.
Throughout this crisis, we are 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 all the jewelry industry news related to COVID-19, visit NationalJeweler.com/Coronavirus.
1. Squirrel Spotting: What Will Retail Look Like After COVID-19?
Consumers will return to physical stores, writes Peter Smith, and jewelers need to be ready for them.
2. Rolex, Patek, Chanel Exit Baselworld for New Watch Show
It will be held in conjunction with Watches & Wonders Geneva in April 2021.
3. LVMH’s First-Quarter Sales Fall 17%
The watches & jewelry division was among the hardest hit, with sales dropping 26 percent.
4. Diamond Dealer Manny Gordon Dies of COVID-19
The Brooklyn native and founder of Manny Gordon Trading was 79.
5. Bob’s Watches Launches Affiliate Program for Independents
“Partners in Time” was created to provide retailers with incremental revenue during the COVID-19 pandemic.
6. De Beers, Tiffany Among Those Donating Millions to COVID-19 Relief
A few of the major players in the jewelry industry have given large sums of money. Here’s where the money is going.
7. Royal Chain Has a New Rainbow Collection
It’s inspired by children’s rainbow artwork posted in their windows during quarantine.
8. MCH Group to Decide Baselworld’s Fate in the Next Few Weeks
The announcement that five major brands are leaving the show has organizers reconsidering its future.
9. March Retail Sales Plunge, Marking Biggest Decline on Record
With businesses closed and consumers staying at home, U.S. retail sales posted a steep decline last month.
10. The Paycheck Protection Program Is Out of Money, For Now
An additional $250 billion is on the table, but lawmakers have yet to come to an agreement.
The Latest

G.B. Heron Jewelers in Salisbury, Maryland, is set to close as its owner, Jeff Cassels, retires.

Emmanuel Raheb outlines the differences between the two platforms and posits that the most successful jewelers use both.

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

The miner said its April sale featured a mix of commercial-quality primary rubies and secondary rubies of varying quality.


U.S. customs agents in El Paso, Texas, intercepted the package, which would have been worth $9 million if the jewelry was genuine.

Health monitors become statement pieces when paired with the brand’s new collection of stackable diamond-studded bands.

Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.

Ten organizations were selected this year.

Kim Carpenter and Sam Gevisenheit have joined the brand.

“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.

Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.

Designer Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.

The company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

Simon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.

A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.

The company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.

The organization also announced its board of directors.

Charms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.

Paola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.

A platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.

The Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.

The 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.

Lilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.

GCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.

The Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.