MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
EditorsDec 06, 2013
My love affair with iPad
I was just looking at my credit card accounts online--a dangerous venture at this time of the year--trying to add up just how much I’ve spent shopping on my iPad over the past five months. The answer is quite a bit.
Richelle and Cecilia’s running joke about my relationship with my iPad is both an observation on the rather sad state of my love life and a commentary on the modern-day shopper.
Today, millions of people shop from their mobile devices. This “Cyber Monday,” mobile purchases were up 55 percent year-over-year and totaled nearly 20 percent of all online traffic that day, according to data from IBM Digital Analytics Benchmark.
While smartphones drove more traffic than tablets--about 20 percent of all online traffic vs. 12 percent--tablets accounted for 12 percent of all online sales, double that of smartphones at 6 percent.
For me, the No. 1 advantage of the iPad is its size. It’s not as bulky as a laptop, but bigger than a smartphone. You can curl up in bed with it on a rainy Saturday morning, Earl Grey tea in hand (if you’re so inclined) and order away.
The images on the iPad are stunning, provided the retailer takes the time to ensure their site a) has good images and b) will work on a mobile device. While there was a time when retailers were busy building mobile versions of their full-sized websites, the trend now is to have a responsive site, meaning a site that automatically adjusts to whatever device it is being viewed on, whether it’s a desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone. The new National Jeweler was built this way.
For anybody interested in doing some mobile-shopping reconnaissance, I think Nine West and Anthropologie both provide an excellent mobile experience.
Now, I know there is an ongoing debate in the jewelry industry about selling online: should retailers, or shouldn’t they? In the end, don’t people want to come in to see/touch/feel jewelry?
Personally, I don’t have a strong opinion either way on this debate. There are too many stores and they are too different to tell Jeweler A in Alabama that they should run their business the same as Jeweler B in New York or Jeweler C in South Dakota.
However, you do have to have a presentable online presence. Your website should
have images that display properly on a smartphone or tablet computer. This is easy enough to check yourself. If it doesn’t, fix it or get someone to fix it for you.
Even if you don’t sell online, being present in the mobile space will attract cross-shoppers: People who looked online, liked what they saw and are coming in to buy it. I do enjoy ordering bedside while I sip my tea, but that doesn’t mean I’ve completely abandoned in-store shopping. I go into stores to physically check out merchandise I like, see what else they have and how they have things paired.
Now, if you’ll excuse me I need to finish the rest of my work so I can clock out for the day and head home. My iPad misses me.
Even if you don’t sell online, being present in the mobile space will attract cross-shoppers: People who looked online, liked what they saw and are coming in to buy it. I do enjoy ordering bedside while I sip my tea, but that doesn’t mean I’ve completely abandoned in-store shopping. I go into stores to physically check out merchandise I like, see what else they have and how they have things paired.
Now, if you’ll excuse me I need to finish the rest of my work so I can clock out for the day and head home. My iPad misses me.
The Latest
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
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.
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned PlatformThe Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.
TrendsJun 03, 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.
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
SourcingJun 02, 2026
Leader Appointed for Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’sSotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.
AuctionsJun 02, 2026
Sotheby’s to Auction 10-Carat Blue Diamond, 1960s Harry Winston Necklace A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.
