From a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
What You Might Have Missed
Here are the top five stories published on NationalJeweler.com for the week of May 1 to 7, according to Google Analytics.

New York-- Here are the top five stories published on NationalJeweler.com for the week of May 1 to 7, according to Google Analytics.
1. Jewelry Business Closures Climb 34% in Q1
The latest statistics from the Jewelers Board of Trade showed that 335 jewelry manufacturers, wholesalers and retail jewelers/repairers called it quits in Q1 2016.
2. Rio Tinto Unveils ‘Impossibly Rare’ Violet Diamond
It is 2.83 carats, oval cut, GIA color-graded as a fancy deep grayish blue violet and will lead Rio Tinto’s Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender this year.
3. Engagement Ring Sales Down Again for Blue Nile
The online retailer reported that it sold a total of $56.7 million in diamond engagement rings in the United States in Q1 2016, down from $61 million in Q1 2015.
4. 11 Jewels that Captured the Met Gala Theme
Senior Editor Brecken Branstrator reviewed the pieces of jewelry that she felt best spoke to the theme of Man vs. Machine.
5. 1,109-Carat Diamond Expected to Sell for More Than $70M
The tennis ball-sized rough stone, which will be auctioned at Sotheby’s in June, could yield the largest top quality polished diamond in the world.
The Latest

Groundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.

Jost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine


From shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.

The designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.

“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.

The lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.

A Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.

New collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.

The citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.

Lanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.

A replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.

Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.

To enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.

The grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.

The winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.

The rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.

It is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.

Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.

The jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.

Spectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.

Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.

Alexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.





















