Sally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
Pandora Joins Site That Lets Customers Virtually Unwrap Gifts
The company has more than 1,000 items for sale on SmartGift as it focuses on online sales during the pandemic.

New York—In the midst of COVID-19 store closures, Pandora, like so many companies, has been leaning on its online sales.
“The online business is firing on all cylinders and this is a resilient channel that we can continue to push very hard,” CEO Alexander Lacik said in the company’s first-quarter earnings call earlier this month.
Building on that momentum, the Danish jeweler partnered with an e-commerce gift-giving platform called SmartGift in late April.
SmartGift is a digital gifting service that allows shoppers to select an item and send it to a recipient who virtually unwraps it via text, email or other digital platforms.
Shoppers can sort through gifts based on the recipient and receive recommendations for a friend versus a sister, as well as filter by price range.
After virtually opening the gift, the recipient then can decide to keep it or swap it out for a different item that’s the same price. Recipients can also choose to change the size, color or style.
Once the recipient chooses what they want, the shopper confirms the purchase and is charged.
“Being able to support and connect with our customers through digital activations is crucial during these uncertain times,” said David Walmsley, global chief digital officer at Pandora, in a press release.
The company was on the platform in time for Mother’s Day and now, graduation season, selling charms like the Wise Owl or Graduation Books.
“We are delighted to partner with Pandora Jewelry, a highly gift-centric brand, to mark such a momentous occasion in the lives of graduates,” said SmartGift CEO Monika Kochhar.
The platform is designed to help brands lower the cost of customer acquisition and increase purchase frequency, said SmartGift.
Pandora currently has more than 1,000 items available via SmartGift, including many of its top-selling charms.
The Latest

Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

The luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Kalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.


“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.

The campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Plus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.

Presented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.

The group has announced its lineup of speakers and a new “Rising Stars” pavilion.

The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.

The program provides essential funding to organizations for projects that enhance the jewelry industry.

The jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.

JSA is seeking information about the gunpoint robbery of a Kay Jewelers location in Oregon’s Washington Square Mall.

The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.

The “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.

Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.

“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”

Organizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.

The Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.

The Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.

The “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.

The big diamond’s sale added to the company’s revenue though the market remains “challenging” overall, particularly for smaller goods.

Rob Bates of The Jewelry Wire will also moderate a panel on the state of the jewelry industry during the virtual event.

The Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.

With their durability, brilliance, and beauty, diamonds are the perfect stone for everyday birthstone jewelry.





















