Policies & IssuesJul 07, 2025
Higher Tariffs Set to Take Effect Aug. 1, Officials SayThe announcement comes just as the 90-day freeze on the “reciprocal” tariffs nears its end, giving countries more time to negotiate.
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.
The Latest
CrimeJul 07, 2025
7 Suspects Charged in California Jewelry Store BurglaryPolice officers apprehended the suspects as they were allegedly attempting to gain entry into another jewelry store.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2025
Applications Open for Ella Klein Internship The program, a collaboration between Julius Klein Diamonds and the Women’s Jewelry Association, is in its second year.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
Supplier BulletinJul 03, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
Weekly QuizJul 02, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJul 03, 2025
Muse Sets Up Shop in Nordstrom’s New Jewelry HallThe West Village jewelry boutique’s new shop-in-shop is the cornerstone of Nordstrom’s revamped jewelry hall.
SourcingJul 03, 2025
SRK Announces Its Natural Diamonds Are Now Carbon-NegativeThis past year, the manufacturer said it recorded below-zero emissions per carat of natural diamond.
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Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
CollectionsJul 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Firework of Diamonds From YepremThe brand’s “Golden Strada” statement necklace features round, marquise, and pear diamonds that sparkle like Fourth of July fireworks.
CrimeJul 03, 2025
JSA Shares Holiday Weekend Security Tips Amid Spike in BurglariesJSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.
MajorsJul 02, 2025
Boucheron Looks to LA for First West Coast FlagshipLocated on Rodeo Drive, the store’s design was inspired by Hollywood and Los Angeles culture.
MajorsJul 02, 2025
Marco Bicego Opens Milan FlagshipThe new location continues the brand’s celebration of its 25th anniversary.
WatchesJul 02, 2025
Chrono24 Revamps Brand, Launches New CampaignThe online watch marketplace’s “Time Is Our Thing” campaign highlights the importance of time.
SourcingJul 02, 2025
Bernadette Mack Joins Gem Legacy as Executive DirectorShe will oversee strategic planning, fundraising, industry partnerships, and the launch of the Gem Legacy Campus in Tanzania.
CrimeJul 02, 2025
Pandora, Amazon Partner to Uncover Counterfeit Jewelry NetworkWorking with Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit and law enforcement, Pandora helped to shut down a large-scale counterfeit network in China.
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Cast Closes Business, Plans for RelaunchThe jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.
Events & AwardsJul 01, 2025
William Goldberg Diamonds, FIT Partner for Apprenticeship ProgramThe company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.
IndependentsJul 01, 2025
Elie Hannoush, Founder of Hannoush Jewelers, Dies at 73He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Claire’s Is Looking for a Buyer, Report SaysThe jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.
TrendsJul 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Red Hot RubiesWelcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.
CollectionsJun 30, 2025
State Property’s New Jewelry Tells ‘The Story of Everything’Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.
ColumnistsJun 30, 2025
The Smart Lab: Why Q3 Is the Secret Weapon For Holiday Jewelry SalesThe best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.
Events & AwardsJun 30, 2025
AGA Names Recipient of 2025 Gemological Education ScholarshipThis year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.
IndependentsJun 30, 2025
Melanie Grant’s New Book Explores 200 Years of Jewelry“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech PlatformThe company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, PromotionsFollowing its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
