SourcingOct 05, 2026
De Beers to Take Full Ownership of Gahcho KuéIt is the last fully operational diamond mine in Canada following the recent closures of Ekati and Diavik.
TechnologyDec 15, 2016
What Was Googled Most in 2016
People in the United States were interested in politics, iPhones, potentially winning large sums of money and Pokémon in 2016, not necessarily in that order.
In the category of most Googled red carpet dresses from the Oscars, Charlize Theron, who complemented her plunging red gown with a long platinum Harry Winston necklace set with 48.08 carats of diamonds, came in third.
New York--People in the United States were interested in politics, iPhones, potentially winning large sums of money and Pokémon in 2016, not necessarily in that order.
On Thursday, Google released its annual list of the top trending searches of the year in the U.S. and around the world in a number of categories, including fashion, consumer tech and dresses worn on the Oscars red carpet.
Overall, Google said the most-searched-for term in the United States this year was Powerball, followed by Prince, who died in April at the age of 57, Hurricane Matthew, Pokémon Go and Slither.io, which is a video game. (If you want to know more about Slither.io, Google it.)
Fashion-wise, Rachel Roy topped the list of people Google classified as “fashion designers,” possibly due to the rampant speculation that she was “Becky with the good hair.”
Following Roy were sisters Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, who do have a line of jewelry; Angela Simmons, Zendaya, and Kendall and Kylie Jenner.
The top consumer technology searches were iPhone SE, iOS10, Google Pixel, iPhone 7 Plus and Nintendo Switch.
On the red carpet, the most Googled Oscars dress was worn by Jennifer Garner, followed by Jennifer Lawrence, Charlize Theron, Rachel McAdams and Brie Larson.
RELATED CONTENT: What the Stars Wore Before, During and After the Oscars
Globally, the No. 1 overall search was a game: Pokémon Go, followed by the iPhone7, Donald Trump, Prince and Powerball.
News-wise, people searched for information about the U.S. election over the Olympics, Brexit, the shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando and the Zika virus.
The most-searched-for piece of consumer technology was the iPhone 7, while Donald Trump was the most Googled person in the world, followed by Hillary Clinton, Olympian Michael Phelps, Trump’s wife Melania and Olympian Simone Biles.
Google also has a category called “Losses” in its year-end global search results, with musicians Prince and David Bowie topping the list, followed by singer Christina Grimmie, English actor Alan Rickman and “The Greatest,” Muhammad Ali.
While the results Google provided on its website did not break out jewelry, watches or jewelry retailers, research released earlier this year by Karus Chains stated that the most Googled jewelry item in the world is the Cartier Love bracelet.
Karus also did a report of the most-searched-for watch brands in the world, with Casio and Rolex topping the list.
See Google’s complete list of top searches for 2016 here on Google.com.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Technology
The Latest
AuctionsOct 05, 2026
The Star Cats of the Sandy Lerner AuctionThese jewels stood out at Bonhams’ sale of the cat-loving tech entrepreneur’s collection of objects depicting the feline form.
CollectionsOct 05, 2026
Sorellina Writes Another Love Letter for ‘Postscript’ CollectionThe fine jewelry brand has expanded the collection that debuted at Couture with four new designs based on its most popular styles.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
SourcingOct 05, 2026
Bruce Bridges Joins CIBJO BoardThe AGTA president was elected for a two-year term on the board of directors.
Weekly QuizOct 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingOct 02, 2026
De Beers, National Geographic Society Renew Okavango Eternal Partnership The partnership, a pledge to protect Africa’s Okavango River Basin, has been extended for an additional five years.
MajorsOct 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New $150M Manufacturing Facility in VietnamThe new facility, its first outside of Thailand, will boost its manufacturing capacity by 50 percent.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
TrendsOct 02, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30th Anniversary With Heart PendantThe special-edition “Dream” pendant, our Piece of the Week, was created to mark Hearts On Fire’s 30-year milestone with 30 diamonds.
CrimeOct 01, 2026
Police Looking for 4 Suspects in $600K Smash-and-Grab RobberyDubai Jewelers in Springfield, Virginia, was once again the target of an armed robbery.
SurveysOct 01, 2026
Rolex Ranks Among Most Recommended Brands in US, Survey Says YouGov’s 2026 U.S. Most Recommended Brands report’s out, and a fast-fashion giant is sitting at No. 1 while Rolex is just shy of the top 5.
SourcingOct 01, 2026
Columbia Gem House Opens ‘Cutting Toward Change’ FundraiserProceeds from its jewelry raffle will benefit an organization working in India to combat silicosis, a lung disease affecting stone cutters.
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Carolina Hurricanes’ Championship Ring Reveals Hidden Hockey Puck PendantThe rings, crafted by Jason of Beverly Hills, celebrate the hockey team’s Stanley Cup win with design elements that honor its traditions.
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Color Range This roundup of birthstone jewelry for October features vibrant tourmalines and opals with personality.
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Botswana’s President, De Beers CEO Say Diamond Demand Is RecoveringPresident Duma Boko spoke at back-to-back events in the city last week, touting Botswana’s stability and the diamond “bounceback.”
CollectionsSep 30, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Holiday Book Is ‘A Living Archive’ The catalog showcases 112 new, one-of-a-kind pieces amid highlights from the jeweler’s historic archive.
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Gemfields Posts $98.5M Loss, Writes Down Value of Ruby MineIts Montepuez Ruby Mining operation in Mozambique, which is not yielding enough high-quality rubies, has taken a $125 million hit.
SurveysSep 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls to 12-Year Low in SeptemberThose surveyed were worried about the present and the future, with write-in responses mentioning high oil and gas prices.
Events & AwardsSep 30, 2026
Jewelers of America, JA New York to Host Networking EventThe event will take place on the evening of Oct. 26 in New York City.
IndependentsSep 29, 2026
Christy Bromberg, Longtime Gift Buyer for Underwood Jewelers, Dies at 68She is remembered for her joie de vivre, upbeat personality, genuine interest in other people, and love of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
Dionne Warwick’s Jewelry Goes Up for AuctionOnline bidding is open now for Julien’s sale of items owned by the “Walk On By” singer, whose final album comes out this fall.
Events & AwardsSep 29, 2026
Matt Stuller to Receive 2027 Gem Award for Lifetime AchievementThe founder and executive chairman of Stuller Inc. is being honored for his impact on the jewelry industry at the 25th annual Gem Awards.
ColumnistsSep 29, 2026
Your Holiday Marketing Has a Bridal Blind SpotDecember is the most popular month to propose, and jewelers need to keep that in mind when planning their holiday marketing.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction Wednesday.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
De Beers London Drops Water-Inspired High Jewelry Collection“Vibrations” features several firsts for De Beers’ high jewelry, including the use of chalcedony and diamonds sourced from artisanal miners.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
Jessica McCormack Turns to Classic Motif for New CollectionThe “Bows” collection features three interpretations of the bow motif designed with Georgian and Victorian influences.
Events & AwardsSep 28, 2026
Guy Borenstein, Troy Underwood Among the Professionals Honored at AGS Conclave 2026The American Gem Society recognized industry members, one Guild, and a law enforcement official for their contributions to jewelry.
