This year’s honorees include a Midwest retailer and two multi-store independents, one in New York and the other in New England.
Blue Nile now displaying its rings in a store
Nordstrom is showcasing Blue Nile engagement rings and wedding bands at its flagship location in downtown Seattle, marking the first time the e-tailer’s pieces have been shown in a brick-and-mortar store.
Seattle--Nordstrom is showcasing Blue Nile engagement rings and wedding bands at its flagship location in downtown Seattle, marking the first time the e-tailer’s pieces have been shown in a brick-and-mortar store.
While Blue Nile did not respond to request for comment as of press time and Nordstrom could not be reached, Nordstrom stated on its blog that the jewelry is not available for purchase at the department store but its sales people are prepared to answer questions and place orders online.
Nordstrom’s curated selection of Blue Nile bridal jewelry consists of 115 pieces and the display, which opened last month, is located in the store’s Wedding Suite.
Julie Yoakum, chief merchandising officer at Blue Nile, told The Seattle Times that the company is looking at the arrangement “well beyond the holiday period” and that “the hope would be to expand to other wedding suites.” Though the experiment started at the Wedding Suite in Seattle, where both Blue Nile and the department store chain are based, there are 18 Nordstrom Wedding Suites in total across the nation.
Still, Yoakum said Blue Nile is committed to e-commerce, and will use the Nordstrom displays as a channel for consumers to try on and see jewelry in person before purchasing.
The in-store viewing, online-buying model Blue Nile is experimenting with closely resembles the recent opening of Gemvara’s showroom in Boston on Newbury Street, in the city’s popular Back Bay neighborhood. Experts say that more online-only retailers may open physical locations in the future in order to give them that in-person connection with their customers.
The Latest

As an homage to iconic crochet blankets, the necklace features the nostalgic motif through a kaleidoscope of cabochon-cut stones.

Discover the dozen up-and-coming brands exhibiting in the Design Atelier for the first time.

When investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.

The “Royal Ruby” Collection is a quintet of untreated rubies curated by collector Jack Abraham.


The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

Two existing executives have been given new roles.

More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.

Meredith Tiderington, an electrical engineering student, was selected for the award.

It will quit assigning the stones specific color and clarity grades in favor of applying “new descriptive terminology.”

From design trends to sustainability, here’s a roundup of can’t-miss education sessions at JCK Las Vegas.

The Jewelers’ Security Alliance offers advice for those attending the annual trade shows.

Her new role is director of strategic initiatives.

The designer is embracing bold pieces with weight to them in “AU79,” a collection she celebrated with a creative launch party.

On an earnings call, CEO J.K. Symancyk discussed what’s working for the company and how it’s preparing for the potential impact of tariffs.

The index partially rebounded after months of decline, due in part to the U.S.-China deal to temporarily reduce import tariffs.

The actress stars in the latest campaign set in Venice, Italy, and is set to participate in other creative initiatives for the jeweler.

The company has joined other labs, including GIA and Lotus Gemology, in adopting the Chinese term for "jadeite jade."

The large stone will be offered at its June sale along with a selection of secondary-type rubies from a new area of the Montepuez mine.

Located in Bangkok, the laboratory is Gemological Science International’s 14th location worldwide.

Those born in June have a myriad of options for their birthstone jewelry.

The diamond industry veteran has been named its senior sales executive.

The company plans to raise the prices of select watches to offset the impact of tariffs.

Between tariffs and the sky-high cost of gold, designers enter this year’s Las Vegas shows with a lot of questions and few answers.

Designed by founder Renato and his daughter Serena Cipullo, it showcases a flame motif representing unity and the power of gathering.

However, the tariffs remain in effect in the short term, as an appeals court has stayed the U.S. Court of International Trade’s decision.

The pop icon is one step closer to launching her “B Tiny” jewelry collection, a collection she first began posting about last fall.