Financials

10 Jewelry News Stories You Might Have Missed

FinancialsJul 17, 2020

10 Jewelry News Stories You Might Have Missed

More Q2 results roll in, a pair of hearts wins big at auction and BIPOC designers send a message.

20200714_Gurhan-necklace.jpg
A 24-karat gold necklace from designer Gurhan. National Jeweler examined recent sales of jewelry from a number of angles last week; see Nos. 5, 6 and 8 below.

New York—Last week, National Jeweler published a link to an open letter from a group of 29 BIPOC—Black, indigenous and people of color—designers.

The letter calls for more support of and equity for BIPOC members of the jewelry industry, and lays out ways the industry can help. It can be read in its entirety here.

Also making the news were the Q2 results of a number of big players, including Swatch Group and De Beers, and a mask-wearing plea from another major retail organization.

Read on for more top stories. 

1) BIPOC Designers Have Something to Say to the Industry
An open letter from a group of black, indigenous, and people of color jewelry designers calls for more support, education and equity.

2) Swatch Cuts Jobs, Closes Stores as Sales Slump
The Swiss watchmaker is eliminating 2,400 jobs and closing 260 locations in an effort to downsize its retail footprint.

3) Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Sink 41% in Q1
The luxury titan posted double-digit declines across all regions, categories and distribution channels as COVID-19 took its toll.

4) Alrosa, De Beers Report Q2 Results
Production fell by 30-50 percent while sales plummeted as COVID-19 took its toll.

5) Independent Jewelers See Sales Grow in June
Monthly diamond revenue climbed 12 percent year-over-year.

6) June Retail Sales Up 8%, But COVID-19 Threat Looms Large
A rise in COVID-19 cases combined with rising unemployment numbers is a threat to economic recovery, said the National Retail Federation.

7) All Retailers Should Adopt Mask Policy, Says NRF
The call follows mega-retailer Walmart implementing a mask mandate in its stores.

8) COVID-19: Consumer Trends and Where They’ll Go from Here
A recent survey by Provoke Insights looks at online shopping vs. off, the in-store experience and consumers’ top concerns about the future.

9) These 2 Fancy Color Diamonds Captured Buyers’ Hearts in HK
The 5.04-carat fancy vivid blue diamond led Sotheby’s jewelry auction, selling for $10.6 million Friday.

10) Jewelers Relief Fund Raises $27K for Stores in Need
Industry support provided financial assistance to 10 independent jewelry stores that sustained damage during the recent lootings.

The Latest

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The California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.

Chelsea Gabrielle Momentum Infinite Ring
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Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring

A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.

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JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 Applications

The deadline to apply is Nov. 13.

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Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk About

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

Remi Guillemin
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Christie's Names New Global Head of Watches

The auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.

Weekly QuizSep 03, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Simon G CEO Zaven Ghanimian
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Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry Design

Zaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.

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Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship

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Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying Events

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

Robert Pattinson Jaeger-LeCoultre
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Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand Ambassador

The British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.

Sydney Evan Little Love Open Coin Fixed Necklace
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Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New Collections

The “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.

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CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi Scheme

Nelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.

Sandy Lerner’s 18-karat gold and diamond cat brooch
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If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for You

Cat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.

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Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of Americas

Arnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.

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Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’

The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.

Stainless steel Patek Philippe Calatrava watch
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UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry Box

The stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.

Smart Age Solutions founder and CEO Emmanuel Raheb
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Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal Problem

Engagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Charlotte Fournet and Krizia Cucurachi
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Kering Names New Pomellato, DoDo CEOs

Former Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.

Anne Marie Shulman
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Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA Global

The veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.

Photo of one of the suspects in theft of Queen Nazli’s necklace from MAK museum
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$4M Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace Snatched From Vienna Museum

Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).

Ethiopian paraiba tourmaline
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GIA, Gübelin Gem Lab Confirm New Paraíba Tourmaline Deposit in Ethiopia

The labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.

Levinger & Bissenger silver floral pendant
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Wisconsin Museum to Host Jewelry Exhibition

“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.

Catbird First Men’s Collection Worn Well
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Catbird Launches First Men’s Jewelry Collection

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Buddha Mama Butterfly Necklace
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Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace

This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.

Gareth Penny
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Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary Congress

The former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.

Day’s Jewelers store in Salem New Hampshire
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Day’s Jewelers Honored With 3 Workplace Awards

The employee-owned jeweler was named a “Best Place to Work” in Maine, New Hampshire, and for women.

Alex Consani in Pandora Talisman campaign
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Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues

The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.

Stock image of loose polished diamonds
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OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds

General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.

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