While the overall number of crimes was down, there were more incidences in which robbers pulled out guns, mace, or rammed cars into stores.
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.

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 Latest

Jack Sutton Fine Jewelry is closing its store inside the downtown shopping center after 40 years in business.

Reena Ahluwalia’s painting of the rare red diamond is the first contemporary painting to join the National Gem Collection.

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

The price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.


Peter Smith gives tips on leading meetings, developing marketing, and making trade show appointments in the age of short attention spans.

The 11-piece “Medallions” capsule collection features five motifs: a crying eye, a heart on fire, a spiral, a flower, and a swallow.

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

From Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.

The partners have announced the second cycle of the program, which has expanded to include a $25,000 student scholarship.

The owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.

Jeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.

May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.

The new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.

NDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.

The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.

She wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.

Two pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.

The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.

Led by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.

José Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.

It has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.

The owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.

The company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.

Of the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.

Megan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.

Following decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.






















