Policies & IssuesNov 04, 2025
Supreme Court to Hear Tariffs Case WednesdayAhead of the hearing, two industry organizations co-signed an amicus brief urging the court to declare Trump’s tariffs unlawful.
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.
More on Technology
The Latest
MajorsNov 04, 2025
Danny Clark to Become Stuller CEO, Succeeding Matt StullerStuller COO Belit Myers will take on the additional role of president, with all changes effective at the start of 2026.
ColumnistsNov 04, 2025
Peter Smith: What Do Birds Have to Do With the Price of Gold? Smith cautions retailers against expending too much energy on things they can’t control, like the rising price of gold.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America Aligns New Mission to Create Meaningful Impact for MembersFrom educational programs, advocacy, and recent MJSA affiliation, Jewelers of America drives progress that elevates businesses of all sizes.
TrendsNov 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Fall Colors for November BirthdaysCitrine and topaz are birthstones fit for fall as the leaves change color and the holiday season approaches.
Weekly QuizOct 30, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsNov 04, 2025
Weston Jewelers Heads to Fort LauderdaleThe family-owned jeweler will open its fourth store in Florida in late 2027.
CrimeNov 03, 2025
Men Dressed as Construction Workers Burglarize Jeweler’s Home The NYPD is looking for three men who stole a safe and jewelry valued at $3.2 million from the home of a jeweler in Jamaica Hills, Queens.
MajorsNov 03, 2025
Matthew Rosenheim Takes Over as JA Board ChairThe trade organization also announced its executive committee and five new directors.
CollectionsNov 03, 2025
Muse’s ‘Have a Heart’ Collab Returns, Now With DDGThe “Have a Heart x Diamonds Do Good” collection is championed by model and humanitarian Flaviana Matata and will benefit her foundation.
AuctionsNov 03, 2025
Kashmir Sapphire Ring Tops Christie's Online AuctionThe ring, set with a nearly 17-carat Kashmir cabochon sapphire, sold for $1 million.
TrendsOct 31, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Spinner Fit for ‘Frankenstein’This “Mother Father” spinner necklace from Heavenly Vices Fine Jewelry draws inspiration from Victorian Era jewelry.
CrimeOct 31, 2025
5 More Arrested in Louvre Heist, Jewelry Still Missing The suspects were rounded up in Paris and its suburbs on Wednesday night, but none of the stolen jewels were recovered with them.
Recorded WebinarsOct 31, 2025
Watch: How to Master Google Reviews for Your BusinessExperts share top tips on how to encourage positive reviews and handle negative feedback.
Supplier BulletinOct 30, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
CrimeOct 30, 2025
29-Year-Old Man Charged in Multiple Seattle-Area Smash and Grabs The suspect faces charges in the August robbery of Menashe & Sons Jewelers and is accused of committing smash and grabs at two pawn shops.
Lab-GrownOct 30, 2025
Alison Lou’s New Collection Uses Lab-Grown Diamonds and ResinThe “Lumière Fine” collection was born from designer Alison Chemla’s interest in the transformative power of light.
TrendsOct 30, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Haunted HalloweenShow off your spooky side with these 12 festive jewels.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2025
Jewelers Mutual to Host Jewelry Panel at Frazier History MuseumThe “Brilliant & Beyond” panel coincides with the “Love & Marriage” exhibition curated by Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Kentucky.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
October Brings Little Change to Consumer Confidence Consumers are feeling more optimistic about their present situation while the short-term future remains a little scary.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
Couture Partners With Time to WatchesThe company, which organizes a watch show in Geneva every spring, will bring a selection of watch brands to the 2026 Couture show in Vegas.
TrendsOct 29, 2025
Beth Bernstein Releases Vintage Jewelry Guide“The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery” follows the evolution of jewelry design from the ‘30s to the ‘80s with buying and styling advice.
EditorsOct 29, 2025
Why Creepy, Crawly Bugs Inspire Beautiful JewelryFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow explores the symbolism behind spiders, beetles, and other eerie insects.
Events & AwardsOct 28, 2025
Meet the 2026 Gem Award NomineesNotable jewelry designers, members of the press, and retailers are up for an award at next year’s gala.
Recorded WebinarsOct 28, 2025
Watch: The State of the Jewelry Industry Leaders from Jewelers of America and National Jeweler discuss the gold price, tariffs, and more in this one-hour webinar.
CollectionsOct 28, 2025
Eriness Reflects on Life in ‘One of One’ CollectionAfter experiencing motherhood, growth, and loss, founder and designer Erin Sachse has created 10 irreplaceable jewels.
AuctionsOct 27, 2025
Napoleon Left This Brooch Behind, And Now It’s Up For AuctionIt is part of Sotheby’s “Royal & Noble Jewels” sale along with an ornate hair ornament and an old mine-cut light pink diamond ring.
