EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
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,
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.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports HistoryThe museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure ProgramThe new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
Weekly QuizApr 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
CrimeMay 04, 2026
Pawn Shop Manager Shot, Killed in FloridaLazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
IndependentsMay 04, 2026
Zadok Jewelers, Austin Parks Foundation Support Wildflower PreservationA portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
AuctionsApr 30, 2026
Vintage Cartier Watch Crashes Through Records, Selling for $2MBelieved to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
CrimeApr 30, 2026
Masked Group Uses Hammers, Pepper Spray in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyOfficials are looking for a group that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers at an outlet mall in Round Rock, Texas, in broad daylight on April 21.
Supplier BulletinApr 30, 2026
OROAREZZO 2026: The B2B Event for Italian Excellence in Goldsmith, Jewelry and Silver ManufacturingSponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition
TechnologyApr 29, 2026
The Thought Process Behind the Mother's Day Email Opt-OutSome retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.
IndependentsApr 29, 2026
Dick Abbott to Retire From The EdgeThe Edge has announced its new CEO, as well as a new partnership with an investment firm focused on founder-led software businesses.
AuctionsApr 29, 2026
This'll Be the Day You Own John Wayne's RingA signet ring belonging to the Western film star of Hollywood’s Golden Age will be up for auction at Elmwood’s next month.
Policies & IssuesApr 28, 2026
Tariff Refunds: How to File, What to Expect Importers can submit claims now to receive money back for the IEEPA tariffs they’ve paid, with refunds expected to take up to 90 days.
IndependentsApr 28, 2026
This North Carolina Jeweler Is Passing the TorchThe owners of Gregory Jewelers in Morganton, North Carolina, are heading into retirement.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
Doug Hucker Retires From ICAThe colored gemstone industry leader is heading into retirement after four years as the association’s CEO.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
NDC Hires Tapestry Exec to Head Global Marketing Susie Dewey joins the Natural Diamond Council as its new chief marketing officer.
AuctionsApr 27, 2026
12 Years Later, the ‘Ocean Dream’ Diamond Resurfaces at Christie’sThe largest known fancy vivid blue-green diamond could fetch more than $12 million at its second auction appearance.
ColumnistsApr 27, 2026
Stop Treating Mother’s Day Like an AfterthoughtEmmanuel Raheb says jewelers need to start marketing early and make it easy for customers to pick a gift for mom.
IndependentsApr 27, 2026
Longnecker Jewelry Celebrates 30 YearsIn honor of the milestone, the Nebraska jeweler has debuted Leslie & Co., its new in-house jewelry brand.
