CrimeDec 15, 2025
Men Receive Life Sentences in Home Invasion Murder of Jeweler Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.
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
Policies & IssuesDec 15, 2025
Sara Yood Named Co-Chair of RJC Standards CommitteeYood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.
IndependentsDec 15, 2025
M.S. Rau to Open Store in AspenThe New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
