MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SourcingMay 29, 2020
10 Jewelry News Stories You Might Have Missed
News from Alrosa and AGS, all about the nurse who won the Omi pendant, a pandemic doctor’s Patek Philippe pocket watch, and more.
On June 9, Heritage Auctions in Dallas will auction off an 18-karat Patek Philippe pocket watch gifted to a doctor who helped the city of San Francisco fight the bubonic plague in the early 1900s (see No. 6 below).
New York—Alrosa announced a steep cut in diamond production for 2020 while the American Gem Society was forced to cancel its annual awards dinner in New York but did reopen its lab.
In other news, Royal Chain released a collection for Italy and Peter Smith assembled a playlist, while Omi Privé revealed the winner of the sapphire pendant giveaway it organized to honor the healthcare workers on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic.
Throughout this crisis, we are doubling our “stories you might have missed” feature from five to 10 to bring readers the best of our coverage on how the pandemic is impacting the jewelry industry.
To catch up on all the jewelry industry news related to COVID-19, visit NationalJeweler.com/Coronavirus.
1. Alrosa to Cut Production Up to 18% This Year
The company said it will mine 28 -31 million carats of diamonds in 2020, down from its initial projection of 34 million carats.
2. AGS Reopens Labs, Cancels Circle of Distinction Dinner
In light of safety concerns amid the coronavirus pandemic, the annual awards presentation will not be held this July.
3. Stuller Hosts Month-Long Virtual Event
The jewelry supplier’s online event will showcase new products, host live Q&A sessions, and more throughout the month of June.
4. This Mississippi Nurse Won Omi’s Pendant Giveaway
Jesica M. is a nurse practitioner who has continued to go into work throughout the crisis while also coordinating testing statewide.
5. Rembrandt Charms’ Latest Contest Benefits COVID-19 ‘Heroes’
Entrants must describe a nominee using Rembrandt charm styles.
6. Patek Philippe Given to 1918 Pandemic Doctor Heads to Auction
Physician Rupert Blue led the U.S. through several disease outbreaks in the early 1900s and eventually was named surgeon general.
7. Designers Say E-Commerce, Instagram Sales Provide a COVID-19 Bright Spot
The pandemic has changed fine jewelry sales but not stopped them.
8. Royal Chain’s Latest Offerings Are All About Italy
The Piazza Di Spagna collection is made in Italy, where factory restrictions were lifted earlier this month.
9. Here’s How AGTA Will Do Its Spectrum Awards This Year
The competition will move back to October, and there are two new categories in the mix.
10. Squirrel Spotting: 20 Songs for Sanity’s Sake
Seventy-plus days into isolation, Peter Smith takes a break from sharing reopening tips to give us his ultimate lockdown playlist.
In other news, Royal Chain released a collection for Italy and Peter Smith assembled a playlist, while Omi Privé revealed the winner of the sapphire pendant giveaway it organized to honor the healthcare workers on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic.
Throughout this crisis, we are doubling our “stories you might have missed” feature from five to 10 to bring readers the best of our coverage on how the pandemic is impacting the jewelry industry.
To catch up on all the jewelry industry news related to COVID-19, visit NationalJeweler.com/Coronavirus.
1. Alrosa to Cut Production Up to 18% This Year
The company said it will mine 28 -31 million carats of diamonds in 2020, down from its initial projection of 34 million carats.
2. AGS Reopens Labs, Cancels Circle of Distinction Dinner
In light of safety concerns amid the coronavirus pandemic, the annual awards presentation will not be held this July.
3. Stuller Hosts Month-Long Virtual Event
The jewelry supplier’s online event will showcase new products, host live Q&A sessions, and more throughout the month of June.
4. This Mississippi Nurse Won Omi’s Pendant Giveaway
Jesica M. is a nurse practitioner who has continued to go into work throughout the crisis while also coordinating testing statewide.
5. Rembrandt Charms’ Latest Contest Benefits COVID-19 ‘Heroes’
Entrants must describe a nominee using Rembrandt charm styles.
6. Patek Philippe Given to 1918 Pandemic Doctor Heads to Auction
Physician Rupert Blue led the U.S. through several disease outbreaks in the early 1900s and eventually was named surgeon general.
7. Designers Say E-Commerce, Instagram Sales Provide a COVID-19 Bright Spot
The pandemic has changed fine jewelry sales but not stopped them.
8. Royal Chain’s Latest Offerings Are All About Italy
The Piazza Di Spagna collection is made in Italy, where factory restrictions were lifted earlier this month.
9. Here’s How AGTA Will Do Its Spectrum Awards This Year
The competition will move back to October, and there are two new categories in the mix.
10. Squirrel Spotting: 20 Songs for Sanity’s Sake
Seventy-plus days into isolation, Peter Smith takes a break from sharing reopening tips to give us his ultimate lockdown playlist.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
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.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
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.
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
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.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
