Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.
Go!
Shame on you if you're reading this column. Pick the ball back up, put that shoulder down, and get back in the store! As Black Friday draws to a close, marked by tired feet, aching lower backs and waning powers...
Shame on you if you're reading this column. Pick the ball back up, put that shoulder down, and get back in the store!
As Black Friday draws to a close, marked by tired feet, aching lower backs and waning powers of speech, Saturday and Sunday of the year's most important weekend spread out before us, like ripe fruit waiting to be plucked.
The battle for the consumer's budget has already been raging for several weeks. The big guys, both online and physical, recognized that the growing competition, thanks in large part to the Internet, would lead those seeking an unfair share of holiday spending to ramp up early.
Circulars, other print ads and broadcast ads have been vying for attention. Huge mailed pieces arrived in the Thanksgiving Day newspaper to follow up.
I was out, as the rest of my family and guests slept, at 6 this morning, ready to get the deals. You may have guessed, since I'm writing this at 9:45 p.m. on a holiday Friday, that I picked up some new computer equipment that wouldn't let me sleep until tried out.
So there I was, and here I am, off to a good start for Holiday 2006 Retail Season. I hope the barnstormers arrived at your locales, setting their scopes on diamond-encrusted circles, freshwater pearls and, might I be so bold, Journey pieces.
Anyway, if you are reading this, enough. Back to it. There will be time to sleep in January. Best luck and happy holiday retailing to you all!
To drop me a line on how you're doing: wsielaff@nationaljeweler.com
The Latest

Butterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.

Paul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.

Launched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.

The nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.


Parent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.

It is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

The AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.

The “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.

Sourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.

The clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.

The “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.

The event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.

Registration is now open for The Jewelry Symposium, set to take place in Detroit from May 16-19.

Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations pledged to join the Natural Diamond Council.

Lady Gaga, Cardi B, and Karol G also went with diamond jewelry for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show honoring Puerto Rico.

Jewelry is expected to be the No. 1 gift this year in terms of dollars spent.

As star brand Gucci continues to struggle, the luxury titan plans to announce a new roadmap to return to growth.

The new category asks entrants for “exceptional” interpretations of the supplier’s 2026 color of the year, which is “Signature Red.”

The White House issued an official statement on the deal, which will eliminate tariffs on loose natural diamonds and gemstones from India.

Entries for the jewelry design competition will be accepted through March 20.

The Ohio jeweler’s new layout features a curated collection of brand boutiques to promote storytelling and host in-store events.

From heart motifs to pink pearls, Valentine’s Day is filled with jewelry imbued with love.

Prosecutors say the man attended arts and craft fairs claiming he was a third-generation jeweler who was a member of the Pueblo tribe.

New CEO Berta de Pablos-Barbier shared her priorities for the Danish jewelry company this year as part of its fourth-quarter results.

Our Piece of the Week picks are these bespoke rings the “Wuthering Heights” stars have been spotted wearing during the film’s press tour.





















