CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
Policies & IssuesOct 09, 2020
Retailers Need a COVID-19 Stimulus Package Now, Says NRF
The National Retail Federation is urging the White House and Congress to reach a deal on a stimulus package as retailers and families struggle to make ends meet.
The White House and Congress shouldn’t wait to pass a COVID-19 stimulus relief package, the National Retail Federation said in a recent statement.
Washington, D.C.—President Donald Trump said Thursday that talks of another COVID-19 stimulus package are underway, backtracking on a statement he made Tuesday that talks would cease until after the November election.
“I shut down talks two days ago because they weren’t working out,” the president said during an interview on the Fox Business channel. “Now they are starting to work out. We’re starting to have some very productive talks.”
With millions out of work and businesses of all sizes struggling, the initial statement that talks would be put on hold sent the market into a panic.
Though the talks may be back on track, it’s unclear when or if an agreement will be reached.
In a statement Tuesday, the National Retail Federation said the White House and Congress should not wait to pass pandemic recovery legislation.
“The pandemic isn’t over and neither is the economic crisis it has created,” said NRF CEO Matthew Shay.
“There are many families still struggling to make ends meet and businesses facing obstacles to putting workers back on the payroll.”
To get the economy back on track, the country needs a vaccine and another stimulus package, he said.
The retail trade organization has been a vocal proponent of expanding the Paycheck Protection Program, giving tax credits for the cost of personal protective equipment, and protecting businesses that follow the safety guidelines set by public health agencies against lawsuits.
The NRF is among the more than 200 trade associations that form the COVID Relief Now coalition, which sent a letter to Congress Sept. 30 stressing the need for economic support.
The letter stated: “Congress needs to rise to the occasion and cast partisanship aside to provide a lifeline to get through this pandemic. Congress’ failure to act now will result in negative economic ramifications that will reverberate for decades.”
Relief negotiations have been ongoing, with the Democrat-led House of Representatives passing a $2.2 trillion relief bill, a revision of the $3 trillion bill it passed in May.
Republicans were unanimous in their opposition to the bill, though House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin did continue talks.
Mnuchin presented a $1.6 trillion counter offer just before Trump shut down the talks Tuesday.
“When the president did his strange tweet that said we’re walking away from the negotiations, it was like, what?,” Pelosi said at a news conference Thursday.
“We’ve all been working very hard to find our common ground, to agree on language
so that we have an understanding of what the legislation will do,” she said.
As of Thursday, Pelosi said she was ready to continue the conversation.
As of Thursday, Pelosi said she was ready to continue the conversation.
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
Weekly QuizDec 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker LineupThe association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
SurveysDec 03, 2025
A Record 202.9M Shoppers Turned Out Thanksgiving WeekendBlack Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.
AuctionsDec 03, 2025
Fabergé’s 'The Winter Egg' Achieves Record $30MThe historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.
FinancialsDec 02, 2025
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Up Amid Continued Focus on Lower Price PointsThe retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.
CollectionsDec 02, 2025
Briony Raymond Introduces First FragranceThe eau de parfum is held in a fluted glass bottle that mirrors the decor of the brand’s atelier, and its cap is a nod to its “Sloan” ring.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Petra Diamonds Elevates Interim CEOs to Permanent StatusVivek Gadodia and Juan Kemp, who’ve been serving as interim co-CEOs since February, will continue to lead the diamond mining company.
MajorsDec 02, 2025
Lee Krombholz Takes Over as Chair of MJSA Education FoundationIn addition, a slate of new officers and trustees were appointed to the board.
IndependentsDec 02, 2025
RJO Welcomes Its 1,200th Retail MemberWitt’s Jewelry in Wayne, Nebraska, is the organization’s new milestone member.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Brendan Laurs Honored With 2025 Bonanno AwardLaurs is the editor-in-chief of Gem-A’s The Journal of Gemmology and an expert on the formation of colored gemstone deposits.
CrimeDec 01, 2025
Fourth Man Charged in Louvre Jewelry HeistThe man, who has a criminal history, is suspected of being the fourth member of the four-man crew that carried out the heist.
AuctionsDec 01, 2025
Christie’s Presents ‘Splendor & Style’ CollectionThe single-owner collection includes one of the largest offerings of Verdura jewels ever to appear at auction, said Christie’s.
IndependentsDec 01, 2025
Lustig Jewelers’ New Owner Is a Fellow Chicago JewelerMichael Helfer has taken the reins, bringing together two historic Chicago jewelry names.
MajorsDec 01, 2025
PGI Debuts Platinum-Filled Holiday Gift GuideThe guide features all-new platinum designs for the holiday season by brands like Harwell Godfrey, Ritani, and Suna.
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin RingRosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday CampaignThe “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the AmericasLuxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.
Events & AwardsNov 26, 2025
Grandview Klein Presents 4 Scholarships in NamibiaThe company gave awards to four students at the Namibia University of Science & Technology, including one who is a Grandview Klein employee.
IndependentsNov 25, 2025
Pearl Stringer Margaret Hoisik DiesShe is remembered as an artist who loved her craft and was devoted to her faith, her friends, and her family.
