Jim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
What You Might Have Missed
Here are the top five stories published on NationalJeweler.com last week, according to Google Analytics.

New York--Here are the top five stories on NationalJeweler.com from Feb. 21 to 27, according to Google Analytics.
1. 5-Carat Lab-Grown Blue Diamond Graded by GIA
It’s the largest faceted lab-grown blue the Gemological Institute of America’s ever studied, and it received a color grade of fancy deep.
2. No. of US Jewelers Closing Climbs 24%
The latest statistics from the Jewelers Board of Trade showed that in the United States, 760 retail jewelers/repairers ceased operations in 2015, up from 612 in 2014.
3. A State-By-State Breakdown on Diamond Shapes and Sizes
Which states are home to the country’s biggest diamonds? What are the most popular diamond shapes where your store is located? Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff examined it all via White Pine’s new report.
4. Rocks On: Kunzite
Though it can come in a vivid violet color and is readily available in large pieces, kunzite remains in relatively low demand. The gemstone was the focus of this month’s Rocks On feature.
5. The Top 10 Trends Expected to Drive Retail in 2016
In its latest market brief, Synchrony Financial predicted that technology will shape eight of the top 10 trends expected to have the greatest impact on retail sales this year.
The Latest

When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.

The “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.

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

The jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.


Up for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.

The Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

The organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.

Saks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.

Smith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.

The retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.

The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.

The price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.

The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.

Sotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.

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.

From Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.

The show started by honoring Mildred Marcano, ended with a tearful Beth Anne Bonanno, and recognized a dozen-plus designers in between.

The revamped online diamond marketplace will feature pricing intelligence and data-driven tools for more efficient buying and selling.

The miner said demand for higher-quality emeralds is stable, but there is notable caution in the market.

The “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.

This year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.

The author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.

Three-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.

Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.























