From a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
Key Investment Firm Slashes Pandora Holdings
BlackRock Inc. reduced its shareholdings to less than 5 percent as the Danish jewelry company continues to struggle.

Copenhagen, Denmark—BlackRock Inc. has reduced its total shareholdings in Pandora to less than 5 percent, the jewelry company announced in a regulatory filing Monday.
The New York-based investment firm, which the world’s largest asset manager, held more than 5.3 million shares, or more than 5 percent, of Pandora as of April 18.
Pandora is based in Copenhagen, and The Danish Capital Markets Act requires companies there to disclose major events, similar to an 8-K filing in the United States. The Danish Financial Supervisory Authority also requires companies to disclose a short position if it owns more than 0.5 percent of a company’s outstanding shares.
BlackRock disclosed its first short position in Pandora in January 2018 after the jewelry company cautioned investors that profit growth would slow as the business grew.
BlackRock did not respond to National Jeweler’s request for comment on its decision.
Pandora has had a rough start to its fiscal year, reporting weak first quarter results as sales fell and demand waned for its charms.
Quarterly revenue slipped 6 percent to 4.80 billion Danish kroner ($719 million), with in-store traffic falling 10 percent.
The Copenhagen-based company is undergoing a two-year transformation plan titled Programme Now, looking to cut costs and revamp the brand.
The plan includes reducing the size of its sell-in packages, buying back inventory and closing under-performing stores.
Pandora announced in May that it would shutter 50 “low-margin” concept stores, including those that are underperforming or diluting margins.
The Latest

Groundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.

Jost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine


From shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.

The designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.

The lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.

A Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.

The citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.

Lanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.

A replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.

Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.

To enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.

The grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.

The winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.

The rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.

It is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.

Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.

The jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.

Spectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.

Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.

Alexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.

The Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.

Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.






















