ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
EditorsMay 21, 2013
A social media nightmare
By now, I am sure many of you have seen the episode of Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares featuring Arizona restaurant Amy’s Baking Company Bakery Boutique & Bistro.
I won’t recap the entire hour-long extravaganza (though it truly is something to see) or every he-said, she-said twist and turn in the social-media saga. Basically, though, the owners were criticized publicly, both on the show and later online, for their food and how they run their business. And they, perhaps, did not respond as graciously as they could have.
But in every failing lies a lesson and I think there are some great ones retailers can learn about handling “haters,” as one of the owners of Amy’s Baking Company termed her online critics.
After seeing the Amy’s Baking Company episode on Hulu last Thursday, I ran across a great article by Forbes that outlined six things one should never do on social media.
The column’s tips included waiting to cool down before writing a response (which is fine advice in almost all acrimonious situations), avoiding insults or derogatory language, and knowing, like Kenny Rogers at a card table, when to walk away from an online argument.
The article also mentioned two other tips that I thought might need some more explanation. The writer mentions not to respond to “trolls,” and I didn’t know exactly what a troll was. My first thought, after ruling out short people that live under a bridge, was that the author was referencing spambots.
But social media-savvy jeweler Dan Gordon, of Samuel Gordon Jewelers in Oklahoma City, set me straight. An online troll refers to a person that visits different web site expressly for the purpose of picking fights.
Gordon says trolls usually post using a pseudonym and a random avatar and are recognizable because they generally do not have civil debates and their arguments are without substance, basis or actual purpose. They also may pop up multiple times baiting you on the same subject; Gordon says he had one guy who kept contacting him online arguing that diamonds are not rare. He eventually blocked this person from being able to contact him.
After talking with Dan, I suddenly became aware that I had my very own troll on Twitter, whom I eventually blocked as well. I wasn’t
aware at the time, however, that I was being trolled or even that such a thing as trolling existed.
But, back to the Forbes article … in the story, the writer also mentions a website called Reddit, warning that it is “not for the weak” and that it may not be worth people’s time to respond to threads on the website “unless you have thick skin.”
Reddit is a site comprised entirely of user-generated content that allows very liberal speech and can take on a mob type of mentality. In other words, if one person doesn’t like what you’ve posted, chances are many other people are going to jump on the bandwagon. What happens on Reddit is compared to what happens in large crowds, with people losing an sense of individual responsibility and doing things they would never dream of doing if they were just by themselves.
“If you do something dumb on there,” Gordon advises, “you are definitely going to get called out and it may be by many (people).”
Consider yourself warned.
But, back to the Forbes article … in the story, the writer also mentions a website called Reddit, warning that it is “not for the weak” and that it may not be worth people’s time to respond to threads on the website “unless you have thick skin.”
Reddit is a site comprised entirely of user-generated content that allows very liberal speech and can take on a mob type of mentality. In other words, if one person doesn’t like what you’ve posted, chances are many other people are going to jump on the bandwagon. What happens on Reddit is compared to what happens in large crowds, with people losing an sense of individual responsibility and doing things they would never dream of doing if they were just by themselves.
“If you do something dumb on there,” Gordon advises, “you are definitely going to get called out and it may be by many (people).”
Consider yourself warned.
More on Editors
The Latest
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
