IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
MajorsMay 22, 2020
10 Jewelry News Stories You Might Have Missed
Retail news from J.C. Penney and James Avery, saying goodbye to a beloved mentor, pre-layered looks, and more.
This 18-karat yellow gold necklace from AG Gems features 26 tear-drop emeralds accented by rose- and round brilliant-cut diamonds. It was one of the pre-layered pieces featured in Amanda’s Style File last week (see No. 9 below).
New York—Two Texas-based retailers were in the headlines, with James Avery confirming the closure of its workshop in Fredericksburg, Texas and J.C. Penney Co. Inc. filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
In other news, GIA reopened a handful of labs, JA New York confirmed its summer show isn’t happening, and we said goodbye to a beloved member of both the watch and jewelry industries—Bob Siragusa passed away at the age of 72.
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. JC Penney Goes Chapter 11, Could Close 200 Stores
The department store chain filed for bankruptcy late Friday amid mounting debt and pandemic-related losses.
2. James Avery to Close Fredericksburg Workshop
The Texas-based jeweler will lay off 82 employees.
3. Bob Sears Siragusa, Beloved Mentor to Many, Dies at 72
He brought Maurice Lacroix to the United States and spent more than a decade as president of the U.S. market for the Swiss watch brand.
4. GIA Resumes Operations at 5 Labs After COVID-19 Shutdowns
The labs in Antwerp, Carlsbad, Gaborone, Johannesburg and Tokyo are open with modified schedules and limited capacities.
5. JA New York Cancels August Show
The fall edition of JA New York will go on as scheduled, Oct. 25 to 27.
6. Baselworld’s Future, If Any, Remains Unclear
MCH Group shot down rumors it was moving to Lausanne but did confirm one thing—the show, wherever it is, won’t be called Baselworld.
7. Report: Amazon May Postpone Prime Day Until Fall
The annual two-day sale may be on hold as the retailer’s warehouses struggle to keep up with rising demand.
8. This Survey Shows a Mother’s Day Demand for Jewelry
A survey from MVI Marketing indicated jewelry was a top gift among those who typically buy in the category, even during the pandemic.
9. Amanda’s Style File: Pre-Layered Necklaces
These styles take the guesswork out of mixing and matching.
10. Watch: 100 Years of Engagement Rings in 3 Minutes
A Glamour magazine-produced series of fashion shorts streaming on Hulu takes viewers through the trends from the 1920s to today.
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This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
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WatchesSep 03, 2026
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CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.
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UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry BoxThe stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal ProblemEngagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA GlobalThe veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.
CrimeAug 31, 2026
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GradingAug 31, 2026
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Events & AwardsAug 31, 2026
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Catbird Launches First Men’s Jewelry CollectionThe “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.
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SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary CongressThe former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.
IndependentsAug 28, 2026
Day’s Jewelers Honored With 3 Workplace AwardsThe employee-owned jeweler was named a “Best Place to Work” in Maine, New Hampshire, and for women.
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OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.
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Customs Seizes Nearly 900 Pieces of Counterfeit JewelryThe package, intercepted in Indianapolis, contained fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.
IndependentsAug 27, 2026
Jessica McCormack to Open First West Coast StoreThe new location in Costa Mesa, California, marks the brand’s second store in the United States and fourth standalone location worldwide.
