ColumnistsMay 18, 2026
Edahn Golan: What a K-Shaped Economy Means for Fine JewelryIn a column for the 2026 State of the Majors issue, Golan spells out how the growing economic divide in the U.S. is reshaping the market.
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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Sourcing
The Latest
CollectionsMay 18, 2026
Foundrae’s New Collection Taps Into JoyThe “Limitless Expansion of Joy and Hope” collection evokes summer through colored gemstones and motifs of butterflies and florals.
CollectionsMay 18, 2026
Hancocks London Acquires Historic ‘Inchiquin’ EmeraldThe jewel, circa 1890, is from the late Victorian era and was owned by descendants of the last high king of Ireland.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
Events & AwardsMay 18, 2026
Here Are the 2026 JCK Industry Fund Grant Recipients This is what the nine recipients plan to do with the funds.
Weekly QuizMay 14, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsMay 15, 2026
American Collector Ponies Up Almost $17K for John Wayne’s RingThe Western star’s 14-karat gold signet ring sold for six times its low estimate following a bidding war at U.K. auction house Elmwood’s.
Events & AwardsMay 15, 2026
JA, MJSA To Sponsor Roundtable at TJSThe discussion, "Rebuilding the Jewelry Workforce," will take place on Saturday, May 16, in Troy, Michigan.
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.
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
White Diamonds Lead Sotheby’s Auction, Blue Diamond Does Not SellA matching pair of 18.38-carat, D-color diamonds from Botswana’s Jwaneng mine sold for $3.3 million, the top lot of the jewelry auction.
Supplier BulletinMay 14, 2026
A Diamond Is Forever Continues Desert Diamonds – Bridal ReinvigoratedSponsored by A Diamond Is Forever
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
‘Ocean Dream’ Makes Waves at Christie’s, Fetching $17MIt was the second auction appearance for the fancy vivid blue-green diamond, which sold for $7.8 million at Christie’s Geneva 12 years ago.
CrimeMay 14, 2026
Second Man Arrested in Florida Pawn Shop Shooting Members of the U.S. Marshals Task Force took a 22-year-old man into custody. He was charged with tampering with evidence.
CrimeMay 13, 2026
JSA’s 2025 Crime Report Shows ‘Concerning’ Rise in ViolenceWhile the overall number of crimes was down, there were more incidences in which robbers pulled out guns, mace, or rammed cars into stores.
IndependentsMay 13, 2026
New Orleans Jeweler Closing Canal Place StoreJack Sutton Fine Jewelry is closing its store inside the downtown shopping center after 40 years in business.
SourcingMay 13, 2026
Smithsonian Acquires ‘Winston Red’ Diamond PaintingReena Ahluwalia’s painting of the rare red diamond is the first contemporary painting to join the National Gem Collection.
TrendsMay 13, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
ColumnistsMay 12, 2026
It’s Official: We’re Getting ‘Brain Rot’ From Watching Short-Form Videos Peter Smith gives tips on leading meetings, developing marketing, and making trade show appointments in the age of short attention spans.
CollectionsMay 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Debuts Antique Coin-Inspired Medallions for SummerThe 11-piece “Medallions” capsule collection features five motifs: a crying eye, a heart on fire, a spiral, a flower, and a swallow.
IndependentsMay 12, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2026
The Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award Is BackThe partners have announced the second cycle of the program, which has expanded to include a $25,000 student scholarship.
IndependentsMay 11, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 YearsThe owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Former Macy’s CEO Joins Signet Jewelers BoardJeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Lucky May May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.
TechnologyMay 11, 2026
Clientbook’s New Tool Helps Jewelers Plan In-Store EventsThe new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond ClaimsNDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
