Independents

10 Jewelry News Stories You Might Have Missed

IndependentsSep 04, 2020

10 Jewelry News Stories You Might Have Missed

Rolex reveals its new watches, four are sentenced in a case involving counterfeit Native American jewelry, and more.

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Boucheron’s “Meisa the Chickadee Ring” set with a tanzanite, diamonds, multi-color sapphires, tsavorites, onyx and lapis lazuli in 18-karat white gold. The latest Style File showcases stunning sapphire jewelry to celebrate September babies (No. 8 below).
New York—Last week, two men and two businesses were sentenced as part of “Operation Al Zuni,” a case involving fake Native American jewelry, and a multi-state thief struck again.

Rolex showed off its new watches for 2020 and jewelry brand W.Rosado’s new collection took personalization to the next level.

Catch up on last week’s jewelry news with these 10 stories.

1. 4 Sentenced, 1 Sought in Case Involving Fake Native American Jewelry
Two men and two businesses were sentenced in federal court in Albuquerque last week as part of “Operation Al Zuni.”

2. Rolex Unveils Its 2020 Watches
There are four updates to the Oyster Perpetual collection.

3. Multi-State Sneak Thief Strikes Again, JSA Says
The man wanted for snatching jewelry and watches from showcases in seven states allegedly pulled off another theft in the South.

4. A New Diamond Ad Campaign Is Coming This Fall
The new consumer-facing campaign from the Natural Diamond Council is set to debut in mid-September.

5. This Is the Most Fun Take on Personalization We’ve Seen All Year
It’s from designer Wilfredo Rosado’s new contemporary fine jewelry brand, W.Rosado.

6. Former Polygon Exec Tapped to Head Get Diamonds
Kim E. Pelletier, who spent three years as vice president of sales and marketing at Polygon, will helm the new diamond trading platform.

7. Signet’s Q2 Sales Slide 35% As It Leans on E-Commerce
The retailer has created a full-time virtual selling team to serve customers “wherever they want to shop” for the upcoming holiday season.

8. Amanda’s Style File: September’s Sapphires
See 16 jewels celebrating one of the most versatile and crowd-pleasing gemstones.

9. NoLo Studios Begins Residency Program for BIPOC Jewelers
The Brooklyn artist collective is asking for donations and supplies to support one year of rent and a full basic bench setup for one jewelry designer.

10. Coach’s Corner: How to Keep Your Customers Engaged
Whether it’s live chat or a good old-fashioned phone call, The Jewelry Coach Pat Henneberry explains why keeping in touch is so important right now.

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State of Design: Only the Innovative Will Survive

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

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The Retail Smiths founder and National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
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It’s Official: We’re Getting ‘Brain Rot’ From Watching Short-Form Videos

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

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This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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Jessica McCormack Debuts Antique Coin-Inspired Medallions for Summer

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The Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award Is Back

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Former Macy’s CEO Joins Signet Jewelers Board

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

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Amanda’s Style File: Lucky May

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Clientbook’s New Tool Helps Jewelers Plan In-Store Events

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NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond Claims

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

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Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President

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

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Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met Gala

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

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JA Announces 2026 CASE Award Winners

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

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Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1

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

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‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry Sale

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

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Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account Executive

In his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.

José Gaztelu
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Chrono24 Names New CEO

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

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JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship Program

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

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Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain Future

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

Pandora lab grown diamond rings
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Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown Diamonds

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

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Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to Approval

The retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.

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Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby's

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This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met Gala

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

Doug Hucker
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Doug Hucker Returns to His Roots

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

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