Supplier BulletinAug 13, 2026
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSponsored by American Gem Trade Association
SourcingDec 30, 2019
The 19 Most Popular Stories of 2019
Unbelievable diamonds, auction standouts and jewelry trends topped the list of National Jeweler’s most-read stories this year.
New York—These were the 19 most popular stories published on NationalJeweler.com between Jan. 1 and Dec. 18, 2019, as calculated by Google Analytics.
Enjoy, and Happy New Year!
1. Remember the 813-Carat Diamond Found in Botswana?
Apparently a lot of people did, or wanted to, as this story from October about the 313-carat polished diamond cut from the “Constellation” was the most-viewed story on NationalJeweler.com this year.
2. The Shirley Temple Blue Diamond Is Back
We detailed the re-cutting of the blue diamond that belonged to child star Shirley Temple in an article posted in April.
3. The Average Amount Spent on an Engagement Ring Is …
It is lower than it was a couple years ago, according to data from three separate sources.
4. Double Oh No: ‘Bond’ Rolex Fails to Find a Buyer
The Submariner Ref. 6538 was estimated to sell for as much as $280,000 at an online watch auction in August, but didn’t find any takers.
5. 41-Carat Blue Diamond Found in Botswana
Reportedly the biggest blue diamond ever recovered in the country, the stone was cut into a 20.46-carat oval. It was supposed to be put for sale in November, but no word yet on the results.
6. Here’s the Jewelry Bachelorette Hannah B. Is Wearing
Pieces from Brevani, Meredith Marks, Dilamani and Gabriel & Co. were featured on the latest season of “The Bachelorette,” which aired from May to July.
7. 5 Things to Know About ... Grandidierite
Learn where and when the gemstone was discovered, its current supply outlook and where you can go to see a few in this April feature from Senior Editor Brecken Branstrator.
8. Why Opals Are ‘Bad Luck’ and Other Gemstone Legends
In this story from July, Associate Editor Lenore Fedow delved into the ancient beliefs and superstitions surrounding six popular gemstones.
9. Pandora to Close 50 Stores Following Weak Q1 Results
It was a rough year all around for the Danish jewelry brand, which must find a way to combat waning demand for its signature charms and a decline in mall traffic.
10. Alrosa Unearths 118-Carat Diamond
The mining company announced the discovery, which was made at its International mine, in April.
11. 9 Fine Jewelry Trends That Will Shape 2019
From jewels that reflect sociopolitical issues to emphasis on certain jewelry-making techniques, Senior Editor Ashley Davis spotlighted where design is heading.
12. Snow White Bracelet Sells for a Staggering Six-Figure Sum
Sold at a Christie’s jewelry auction in New York in April,
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the 14-karat gold and enamel charm bracelet featuring the Disney princess and the Seven Dwarfs garnered nearly $120,000.
13. The 3-Carat ‘Bubble Gum Pink’ Diamond Sold for $7.5M
Set in a ring by Moussaieff, it was the top lot of Christie’s May jewelry auction in Hong Kong.
14. How GIA Is Changing Its Reports for Lab-Grown Diamonds
The lab announced in the spring that it dropped the word “synthetic” from the document and added standard scales for reference.
15. Aquamarine Fabergé Tiara Heads to Auction
Our story detailing the crown’s pending sale did better than the actual result. The tiara went for $1 million at Christie’s Geneva in May, where it was overshadowed by a $7 million ruby.
16. Meet the New Member of the Beryl Family, Johnkoivulaite
The new mineral species was been named in honor of renowned microscopist and researcher John Koivula.
17. I Entered ‘The Vault’ at Saks Fifth Avenue
One of her many retail adventures in 2019, Associate Editor Lenore Fedow ventured into Saks’ new space dedicated to high jewelry and timepieces.
18. Marlon Brando’s ‘Godfather’ Rolex Breaks Record at Auction
A buyer made an offer on the Rolex Datejust that Kruse GWS Auctions couldn’t refuse.
19. 13-Carat Pink Rough Sells for Nearly $9 Million
The rough diamond set a price-per-carat record for the Letšeng mine in Lesotho.
13. The 3-Carat ‘Bubble Gum Pink’ Diamond Sold for $7.5M
Set in a ring by Moussaieff, it was the top lot of Christie’s May jewelry auction in Hong Kong.
14. How GIA Is Changing Its Reports for Lab-Grown Diamonds
The lab announced in the spring that it dropped the word “synthetic” from the document and added standard scales for reference.
15. Aquamarine Fabergé Tiara Heads to Auction
Our story detailing the crown’s pending sale did better than the actual result. The tiara went for $1 million at Christie’s Geneva in May, where it was overshadowed by a $7 million ruby.
16. Meet the New Member of the Beryl Family, Johnkoivulaite
The new mineral species was been named in honor of renowned microscopist and researcher John Koivula.
17. I Entered ‘The Vault’ at Saks Fifth Avenue
One of her many retail adventures in 2019, Associate Editor Lenore Fedow ventured into Saks’ new space dedicated to high jewelry and timepieces.
18. Marlon Brando’s ‘Godfather’ Rolex Breaks Record at Auction
A buyer made an offer on the Rolex Datejust that Kruse GWS Auctions couldn’t refuse.
19. 13-Carat Pink Rough Sells for Nearly $9 Million
The rough diamond set a price-per-carat record for the Letšeng mine in Lesotho.
The Latest
FinancialsAug 13, 2026
Pandora’s ‘Talisman’ Collection Shines, Lab-Grown Diamond Sales FallIn the United States, second-quarter sales were flat amid soft consumer sentiment and lower in-store traffic.
AuctionsAug 13, 2026
This Gold Cadbury ‘Conundrum’ Egg Set a World Auction RecordThe 22-karat gold egg, sold at Batemans Auctioneers in the U.K., was part of a 1980s treasure hunt ad campaign for Cadbury Creme Eggs.
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Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
CollectionsAug 13, 2026
John Hardy Infuses ‘Icon,’ ‘Heishi’ Collections with ColorThe expanded collections now feature hand-cut gemstones like topaz, tanzanite, chrysoprase, chalcedony, smoky quartz, and fire opal.
Weekly QuizAug 13, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Lab-GrownAug 13, 2026
Jean Dousset Opens Third StoreThe lab-grown diamond jewelry brand’s newest boutique is in Westfield Valley Fair in Santa Clara, California.
CrimeAug 12, 2026
Elderly NYC Woman Targeted in Jewelry Swap SchemeTwo suspects offered to trade the woman a “winning” lottery ticket for her jewelry.
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Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
SourcingAug 12, 2026
Another Diamond Mine Poised to CloseFinsch has been in business rescue since May, and owner Petra Diamonds said it sees no viable path forward for the mine.
CrimeAug 12, 2026
Jewelry Store Employee Gets 20 Years to Life in Choking Death of BossMichel Patrick DeSalles was sentenced after pleading guilty to the 2017 murder of Omid Gholian, who owned a jewelry store in Manhattan.
MajorsAug 12, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names New SVP of SalesLongtime industry executive Beth Miller has taken on the role.
AuctionsAug 11, 2026
Verdura Unicorn Brooch With Royal Connection Up for Auction The brooch was owned by Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, who served as a lady of the bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth II for nearly 50 years.
MajorsAug 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Selects Mattel Exec to Lead Zales, BanterJamie Cygielman will take on the role on Aug. 24.
IndependentsAug 11, 2026
Polly’s Fine Jewelry Co-Owner Richard Moore Dies at 69Moore, Polly’s husband, is remembered as a family man with an easygoing spirit and a love for sports and the outdoors.
ColumnistsAug 11, 2026
Creative Connecting: How to Sell Colored Gemstones to Gen ZDuvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams share the best ways to display, present, and explain colored gemstones to younger customers.
Events & AwardsAug 11, 2026
NAJA Announces Lineup For 2026 Fall Virtual ConferenceThe mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers will take place Sept. 5-6 on Zoom.
TechnologyAug 10, 2026
Colorado Jeweler Launches Customization Tool He Built HimselfHonest Hands Ring Co. Founder Benjamin Bosworth shared his thoughts on jewelry technology and why AI can never replace the human element.
MajorsAug 10, 2026
QVC Exits Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Names New Interim CEOQVC Group President and CEO David Rawlinson is temporarily being replaced by a familiar face, former QVC CEO Mike George.
CollectionsAug 10, 2026
State Property Puts a Ripple in the ‘The Voyager’ CollectionThe brand also added two one-of-a-kind brown diamond pieces to the “Sanssouci” series of its “Gardens” collection.
MajorsAug 10, 2026
And IJO’s 2026 Vendor of the Year Is … Ostbye took home top vendor honors at the Independent Jewelers Organization’s show, held last month in Kentucky.
Supplier BulletinAug 07, 2026
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsSponsored by Stratus Estate Buyers
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Retail Veteran Pam Cloud Appointed President of Blue NileCloud, who will officially join Blue Nile on Monday, spent 26 years at Tiffany & Co. and founded jewelry brand Roseate.
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Pandora Appoints Paulo Garcia as New CFO Garcia will take over from the company’s current CFO, Anders Boyer, who is retiring at the end of November.
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Etsy to Lay Off 12% of WorkforceEtsy CEO Kruti Patel Goyal explained why the company is letting go more than 200 employees as its performance improves.
TrendsAug 07, 2026
Look Ahead with Syna’s Binoculars PendantThe “Star Gazer” pendant, our Piece of the Week, is Syna’s tribute to curiosity and the discovery of something new.
CrimeAug 06, 2026
Lalique Museum to Remain Closed Following $5M HeistMuseum officials are looking to the public to help cover the “exceptional” costs involved in recovering from the July 5 smash-and-grab.
MajorsAug 06, 2026
Claire’s Revamps Piercing Services for Second Time in Three Years The overhaul includes enhanced employee safety training and trendy earring styles, including lab-grown diamond studs.
