A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
Amazon Partnering With Brick-and-Mortar Stores for ‘Counter’
Counter is an in-store package pick-up service that Amazon just brought to the U.S.

Seattle—Amazon recently announced the launch of Counter in the United States, a service that allows customers to pick up Amazon packages in-store at partner locations.
The service went live Thursday in more than 100 Rite Aid stores across the U.S. and is expected to reach 1,500 Rite Aid locations by the end of the year.
The retail giant said it is “actively looking” to bring additional partners onboard, including small to mid-size businesses and other large chains.
“Creating a seamless, convenient customer experience is a key element of our strategy and digital transformation,” Jocelyn Konrad, a Rite Aid executive vice president said in the news release announcing Counter.
“Being the first store partner for Counter in the U.S. is a differentiator for Rite Aid and we believe our partnership with Amazon, that includes Locker, creates a stronger in-store experience for existing customers and new customers who come in to pick up their packages.”
Amazon Lockers are self-service kiosks where customers can pick up packages, also located in brick-and-mortar locations like Whole Foods Markets and convenience stores.
Customers can have millions of items sold on Amazon.com delivered via same-day, one-day, two-day, or standard shipping to a Counter location at no extra cost. Shoppers choose the Counter option at checkout and find the closest pickup point based on ZIP code.
When the package arrives at the Counter location, customers receive an email notification with a unique barcode as well as information about the pickup point, including its address and business hours.
Customers then show the barcode to a Rite Aid employee, who scans it and locates the customer’s package.
Amazon shoppers using Counter have 14 days to retrieve their package.
The service first launched in the UK at department store Next and in Italy at bookstore Giunti Al Punto, Fermopoint, a network of locations that receive and hold packages, and SisalPay stores, which offer prepaid credit cards and other payment services.
Amazon said the service has been “positively received” overseas and has driven customer engagement and boosted foot traffic for its partners.
Counter is part of the Amazon Hub segment, which includes customer pickup and return points Locker, Locker+ and Apartment Locker.
The Latest

The rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.

The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

The Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.


Dallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.

Senior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

Its new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.

The week-long event in Geneva is slated for April 2027.

The three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.

Jewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

The fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.

This year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards will feature two new categories.

The collection features traceable alexandrite from Brazil in calibrated sizes that is sorted by grade.

Dhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.

The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.

SSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.

As Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.

Cole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.

Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.

Scheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.

Submissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.

The beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.

The recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”

She wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.

Couture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.





















