Designers were recognized in 12 categories, from platinum to pearls, before the evening ended with a new, retail-focused award.
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

The rare turquoise and diamond jewel was the top lot at Bonhams’ June jewelry sale.

This year’s honorees include a Midwest retailer and two multi-store independents, one in New York and the other in New England.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

The deadline to submit is June 16.


The diamond wholesaler is working with the insurance provider to seamlessly offer personal jewelry insurance to RDI retailers’ clients.

As an homage to iconic crochet blankets, the necklace features the nostalgic motif through a kaleidoscope of cabochon-cut stones.

When investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.

Discover the dozen up-and-coming brands exhibiting in the Design Atelier for the first time.

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

Two existing executives have been given new roles.

Meredith Tiderington, an electrical engineering student, was selected for the award.

It will quit assigning the stones specific color and clarity grades in favor of applying “new descriptive terminology.”

From design trends to sustainability, here’s a roundup of can’t-miss education sessions at JCK Las Vegas.

The Jewelers’ Security Alliance offers advice for those attending the annual trade shows.

Her new role is director of strategic initiatives.

The designer is embracing bold pieces with weight to them in “AU79,” a collection she celebrated with a creative launch party.

On an earnings call, CEO J.K. Symancyk discussed what’s working for the company and how it’s preparing for the potential impact of tariffs.

The index partially rebounded after months of decline, due in part to the U.S.-China deal to temporarily reduce import tariffs.

The actress stars in the latest campaign set in Venice, Italy, and is set to participate in other creative initiatives for the jeweler.

The company has joined other labs, including GIA and Lotus Gemology, in adopting the Chinese term for "jadeite jade."

Located in Bangkok, the laboratory is Gemological Science International’s 14th location worldwide.

Those born in June have a myriad of options for their birthstone jewelry.

The diamond industry veteran has been named its senior sales executive.

The company plans to raise the prices of select watches to offset the impact of tariffs.

Between tariffs and the sky-high cost of gold, designers enter this year’s Las Vegas shows with a lot of questions and few answers.

Designed by founder Renato and his daughter Serena Cipullo, it showcases a flame motif representing unity and the power of gathering.