Gretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
The new National Jeweler
As you might have already noticed, National Jeweler has a new look.
Today you, our readers, are consuming news differently, including on your iPhones and iPads, and thus it must be presented in a more visually appealing manner.
The slideshow, or rotator, at the top of the page can now hold up to seven stories -- up from five on the old site -- there is a designated Galleries area for trend stories, our monthly Spotlight pieces and celebrity coverage, and The Week in Photos now has its own space. In addition, we’ve added an in-article gallery option for stories that are better told through photos; this article on Leibish & Co. is one example.
We have replaced the National Jeweler app with what is called a responsive site. This means that our new website will automatically adjust to fit whatever device you are using to read it, whether it’s an iPhone, iPad or desktop computer.
Our newsletters also have been updated, with the goal of making them cleaner and tying their appearance to the look of the new site.
While a visual update was needed, a news site is nothing without great journalists to contribute to it, which is why we are so pleased to add a new member to our editorial team.
Brecken Branstrator joins National Jeweler from a company called M. Shanken Communications, where she worked on a trade publication covering the beer, wine and spirits industry.
She takes on the role of associate editor while Hannah Connorton, who has been covering fashion for us since February 2011, moves up to become our senior editor.
With an expanded staff and a redesigned site, National Jeweler aims to bring you the same great news and information, presented in a manner that is worthy of 2013, 2014 and beyond.
We hope you like it.
Sincerely,
Michelle Graff
Editor-in-Chief
The Latest

Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.

With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

Laughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.


The California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.

A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

The deadline to apply is Nov. 13.

The auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.

Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.

The British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.

The “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.

Nelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.

Cat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.

Arnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.

The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.

The stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.

Engagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Former Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.

The veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.

Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).

The labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.

“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.

The “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.

This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.

The former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.
























