AuctionsNov 20, 2025
Vanderbilt Jewels Shine at Phillips Sale, Pink Diamond WithdrawnA 43-carat sapphire brooch from the Vanderbilt collection was the top lot of the Geneva sale.
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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TechnologyNov 19, 2025
Google Has a New Form for Reporting ‘Review Bombing’ Attacks Plus, the tech giant shares the steps retailers should take if they believe they’re a victim of a review extortion scam.
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Houston Jeweler Keith Shaftel Retires, Next Generation Steps In Danny and Gaby Shaftel are now Shaftel Diamonds’ CEO and chief operating officer, respectively.
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Midas Chain Releases 2025 Holiday Style GuideThe jewelry manufacturer’s seasonal offering features its new “Melodie” bangles, as well as mini stud earrings and layering pieces.
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2025
NYC Jewelry Week 2025: 12 Must-See EventsWith more than 140 activations taking place in New York City now through Nov. 23, these 12 events are can’t-miss moments.
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A Giant, Bejeweled Moldy Berry Is on Display in LAThe artwork is part of an exhibition featuring works by Kathleen Ryan, an artist known for her gemstone-studded rotting fruit sculptures.
SourcingNov 18, 2025
Another Diamond Company CEO Steps DownMark Wall, president and CEO of Canadian mining company Mountain Province Diamonds, will vacate his position next month.
CrimeNov 17, 2025
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IGI Announces New President of North AmericaTiffany & Co. veteran Jeffrey Bennett has stepped into the role.
Policies & IssuesNov 14, 2025
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AuctionsNov 14, 2025
Napoleon’s Diamond Brooch Blows Away Auction Estimates A buyer paid $4.4 million for the piece, which Napoleon wore on his hat for special occasions and left behind when he fled Waterloo.
FinancialsNov 14, 2025
Richemont’s Q2 Jewelry Sales Up 12%Plus, how tariffs and the rising price of gold are affecting its watch and jewelry brands.
CollectionsNov 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Silvia Furmanovich’s ‘Butterflies in Flight’ Jewelry BoxFurmanovich designed the box to hold Mellerio’s “Color Queen,” a high jewelry collection consisting of 10 rings.
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JCK Names New Event DirectorJennifer Hopf, who has been with JCK since 2022, will lead the execution of the long-running jewelry trade show.
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127-Year-Old New Orleans Jeweler to CloseAdler’s Jewelry is set to close its two stores as 82-year-old owner Coleman E. Adler II retires.
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CrimeNov 12, 2025
Father, Son Jewelers in Chicago Victims in Double Homicide JSA and Cook County Crime Stoppers are both offering rewards for information leading to the arrest of the suspect or suspects involved.
AuctionsNov 12, 2025
‘Mellon Blue’ Diamond Sells for $7M Less Than It Did a Decade AgoA buyer paid $25.6 million for the diamond at Christie’s on Tuesday. In 2014, Sotheby’s sold the same stone for $32.6 million.
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Historic Rolex Oyster Fetches $1.7M at Sotheby’sMercedes Gleitze famously wore the watch in her 1927 swim across the English Channel, a pivotal credibility moment for the watchmaker.
