CrimeApr 22, 2026
New Mexico Couple Pleads Guilty to Selling Fake Native American JewelryThe pair falsely claimed their jewelry was made by Navajo artists, but it was imported from Vietnam.
MajorsAug 07, 2020
10 Jewelry News Stories You Might Have Missed
Lord & Taylor’s bankruptcy filing, Oscar Heyman’s holiday catalog, a record-setting Rolex auction, and more.
A pair of 14-karat rose gold “Bardot” huggie earrings set with light brown diamonds from the new Brilliant Earth x Diamonds That Care collection ($990). Brilliant Earth and Alrosa collaborated on a new collection that gives back to Feeding America’s COVID-19 Response Fund.
New York—Last week, Lord & Taylor filed for bankruptcy, Oscar Heyman shared a sneak peek of its holiday catalog, Jewelers of America elected a new board director, and a Rolex set an online watch auction record.
The jewelry industry also said goodbye to Roger Gesswein Jr., the third generation of his family to lead tools and equipment supplier Paul H. Gesswein Co.
He was remembered by loved ones for his dedication to the industry and his generous nature.
Read on for more of the top jewelry news from last week.
1) This Rolex Set a Record for a Watch Sold at an Online Auction
The 18-karat gold Daytona JPS Ref. 6264 garnered $1.5 million in a Sotheby’s single-lot sale.
2) 5 Retail Trends on Our Radar
From offering immersive micro-experiences to fostering safe and comfortable spaces, retailers across industries must keep getting creative to remain relevant to consumers.
3) GIA Will Start Using Artificial Intelligence for Diamond Clarity Grading
The system is currently being tested in New York and Carlsbad, with an industry-wide rollout expected next year.
4) Jewelers of America Board Elects New Director
Robert Marks is president of Rogers Jewelry Co. in Modesto, California.
5) Roger Gesswein Jr., a True Gentleman, Dies at 77
He was the third generation to lead tools and equipment supplier Paul H. Gesswein Co.
6) Amanda’s Style File: Peridot and Spinel
August is heating up, courtesy of some fantastic birthstone jewelry designs.
7) Oscar Heyman’s Holiday 2020 Catalog Is Its Biggest Yet
Though the photoshoot was delayed due to the coronavirus, the catalog will still arrive to jewelry stores in early October.
8) See Jewelry from the Brilliant Earth, Alrosa Collaboration
Ten percent of sales from the jewelry collection will go to Feeding America’s COVID-19 Response Fund.
9) On Data: Sales Show Continued Improvement in July
Following a “dismal” April and a “bleak” May, Sherry Smith notes that independent jewelers’ sales have warmed up recently, particularly in this one category.
10) Lord & Taylor Files for Bankruptcy, Seeks New Owner
The department store chain and owner Le Tote join the nearly 40 retailers that have filed for bankruptcy this year.
The jewelry industry also said goodbye to Roger Gesswein Jr., the third generation of his family to lead tools and equipment supplier Paul H. Gesswein Co.
He was remembered by loved ones for his dedication to the industry and his generous nature.
Read on for more of the top jewelry news from last week.
1) This Rolex Set a Record for a Watch Sold at an Online Auction
The 18-karat gold Daytona JPS Ref. 6264 garnered $1.5 million in a Sotheby’s single-lot sale.
2) 5 Retail Trends on Our Radar
From offering immersive micro-experiences to fostering safe and comfortable spaces, retailers across industries must keep getting creative to remain relevant to consumers.
3) GIA Will Start Using Artificial Intelligence for Diamond Clarity Grading
The system is currently being tested in New York and Carlsbad, with an industry-wide rollout expected next year.
4) Jewelers of America Board Elects New Director
Robert Marks is president of Rogers Jewelry Co. in Modesto, California.
5) Roger Gesswein Jr., a True Gentleman, Dies at 77
He was the third generation to lead tools and equipment supplier Paul H. Gesswein Co.
6) Amanda’s Style File: Peridot and Spinel
August is heating up, courtesy of some fantastic birthstone jewelry designs.
7) Oscar Heyman’s Holiday 2020 Catalog Is Its Biggest Yet
Though the photoshoot was delayed due to the coronavirus, the catalog will still arrive to jewelry stores in early October.
8) See Jewelry from the Brilliant Earth, Alrosa Collaboration
Ten percent of sales from the jewelry collection will go to Feeding America’s COVID-19 Response Fund.
9) On Data: Sales Show Continued Improvement in July
Following a “dismal” April and a “bleak” May, Sherry Smith notes that independent jewelers’ sales have warmed up recently, particularly in this one category.
10) Lord & Taylor Files for Bankruptcy, Seeks New Owner
The department store chain and owner Le Tote join the nearly 40 retailers that have filed for bankruptcy this year.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
AuctionsApr 22, 2026
Roberta Flack’s Jewelry Is Going Up for AuctionJulien’s Auctions is selling the musician’s fine and fashion jewelry alongside her clothing, gold records, and other memorabilia.
CollectionsApr 22, 2026
British Museum Curator Pens Book on ‘The Tudor Heart’Rachel King’s book dives into the history of the pendant believed to have belonged to Henry VIII and his first wife, Katherine of Aragon.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Events & AwardsApr 22, 2026
Here’s What Sy Kessler Has on Tap for Las Vegas The company will have deals on precious metals testers as well as the latest in lab-grown diamond detection technology and security.
Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesApr 21, 2026
Coco Chanel Enters the Game with New Watch CollectionGabrielle “Coco” Chanel is a character in the “Coco Game” collection of watches and the queen in its first haute horlogerie chessboard.
IndependentsApr 21, 2026
Meet Jewelers of America’s 2026 ‘20 Under 40’ ClassThe annual list honors rising professionals on the retail and supply sides of the jewelry industry.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeApr 21, 2026
Customs Nabs 1,500 Pieces of Counterfeit Jewelry Bound for NYCSeized in Kentucky, the packages include fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, and Fendi jewelry.
CrimeApr 20, 2026
Queens Man Convicted in Bludgeoning Death of Pawn Shop OwnerRodolfo Lopez-Portillo faces 25 years to life in prison after being found guilty in the March 2022 beating death of Arasb Shoughi.
TrendsApr 20, 2026
Beth Bernstein, Sonia Esther Soltani Pen New Jewelry Book“Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems” highlights the relationships among 22 influential designers, brands, and gem dealers.
Events & AwardsApr 20, 2026
Atlanta Jewelry Show’s Spring Event Is Hitting the RoadThe AJS Spring 2027 show will be held in Savannah, Georgia, with future shows taking place in other Southeast cities.
TrendsApr 17, 2026
New (Groundbreaking) Floral Jewelry for Spring 2026Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.
CollectionsApr 17, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Earrings Are the Devil on Your ShoulderThe “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.
CrimeApr 17, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of GoldThe alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.
WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the RoadsterThe “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership TeamAs demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out NowThe “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond DilemmaSally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72 McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle ContinuesThe luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.
SourcingApr 15, 2026
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2026 BoardKalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.
TechnologyApr 15, 2026
This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into BridalThe campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East ConflictPlus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
International Jade Summit to Return to MontereyPresented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.
