PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
EditorsMar 03, 2014
Three takeaways from my digital panel
When it comes to educational sessions at jewelry trade shows, I am usually in the audience, scribbling notes furiously for a future story.
I had a total of four panelists who so generously and enthusiastically donated a few hours of their Sunday to participate: diamond wholesaler Marc Knobloch, Jewelers of America’s Matt Tratner, Keith Adwar of Adwar Casting and Diane Warga-Arias, an occasional columnist for this publication who also does brand development and appears on HSN.
From behind the podium, I was not able to take notes in the same copious manner I would have had I been sitting in the audience. Perhaps, though, it wasn’t such a bad thing to do less furious scribbling and more listening and absorbing.
In any case, here are three great takeaways from the discussion for those of you unable to join us in New York on Sunday.
1) Even if retailers hire an outside agency or extra staff member to handle social media, they still need to understand it. Diane said retailers need to put the same love into building their online brand, website and social media presence, as they did when they first opened their store. Even if retailers use a marketing company or hire someone specifically to do social media, it doesn’t excuse them from understanding it or keeping tabs on posts, tweets and pins.
It’s perfectly fine if you don’t know anything about social media and have to learn as you go along. Diane had a great quote on this point, something to the effect of, “You learn to drive a car while driving.”
2) Anthropologie, Greenwich Jewelers in New York, Kravit Jewelers in Oceanside, N.Y. and Starbucks. What do all of these names have in common? They were all mentioned by panelists (to be clear, Anthropologie was actually the moderator’s mention) as being examples of retailers who are providing a good experience for customers in store and/or online. Anthropologie is a retailer of clothing and fashion jewelry, some of which borders on being fine. Greenwich Jewelers is a store located here in New York City while Kravit Jewelers is on Long Island. I think everybody knows what Starbucks is.
Visit these retailers’ websites, go into their stores, sign up for their emails and check them out on
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. They are doing good things, and there’s no reason not to learn from them even if they are not all sellers of fine jewelry. In fact, if you ask me, I think jewelers could learn a lot by taking a page from the digital innovation of retailers outside the industry.
3) Make it easy for people to buy from you by selling online. People today think more carefully about purchases before plunking down their hard-earned and, for many, dwindling dollars. I know I do.
On a Friday a few weeks ago, I (shockingly) got away from desk at lunchtime for an hour and wandered into the nearby Nine West shoe store. (Add Nine West to the list of stores whose websites you should study. They do a really good job online.)
In there, I saw the wine-colored suede version of a pair of high-heeled black booties that I already have and love. They were on sale, but I still wasn’t entirely sold. Do I really need them? Do I have outfits I can wear them with? Do I already own something similar? So I left the store without them. I have this rule about shopping that I’ve instituted in the wake of the recession that also correlates with the rise of e-commerce: I don’t buy something unless I absolutely love it. More often than not, this means I leave the story empty-handed and go through the physical closet check I mentioned above when I get home. If I feel like the shoe, bag or dress fills a gap in my wardrobe and I can’t stop thinking about it, then I buy. If the desire fades or I decide that it’s too similar to something I already own, then I don’t. Sometimes purchasing involves going back to the store but, more often than not, it happens online. I’ve done this a lot with Nine West and also with Anthropologie, which I brought up during the panel as being an example of a retailer that has a great in store and online experience.
This is all a somewhat-long-winded way of saying: You have to give people today the chance to shop when and where they want to, a statement backed up by Matt during Sunday’s panel. Matt brought up the example of a couple browsing a jewelry store one afternoon that is really interested in a ring. They leave without it, which is understandable. It’s a big purchase. But then they go home and the wife still really wants the ring so the husband decides to go ahead and get it for her (always the right choice, in my opinion.) Make it easy on him. Put it online and let him buy from home, right then and there.
3) Make it easy for people to buy from you by selling online. People today think more carefully about purchases before plunking down their hard-earned and, for many, dwindling dollars. I know I do.
On a Friday a few weeks ago, I (shockingly) got away from desk at lunchtime for an hour and wandered into the nearby Nine West shoe store. (Add Nine West to the list of stores whose websites you should study. They do a really good job online.)
In there, I saw the wine-colored suede version of a pair of high-heeled black booties that I already have and love. They were on sale, but I still wasn’t entirely sold. Do I really need them? Do I have outfits I can wear them with? Do I already own something similar? So I left the store without them. I have this rule about shopping that I’ve instituted in the wake of the recession that also correlates with the rise of e-commerce: I don’t buy something unless I absolutely love it. More often than not, this means I leave the story empty-handed and go through the physical closet check I mentioned above when I get home. If I feel like the shoe, bag or dress fills a gap in my wardrobe and I can’t stop thinking about it, then I buy. If the desire fades or I decide that it’s too similar to something I already own, then I don’t. Sometimes purchasing involves going back to the store but, more often than not, it happens online. I’ve done this a lot with Nine West and also with Anthropologie, which I brought up during the panel as being an example of a retailer that has a great in store and online experience.
This is all a somewhat-long-winded way of saying: You have to give people today the chance to shop when and where they want to, a statement backed up by Matt during Sunday’s panel. Matt brought up the example of a couple browsing a jewelry store one afternoon that is really interested in a ring. They leave without it, which is understandable. It’s a big purchase. But then they go home and the wife still really wants the ring so the husband decides to go ahead and get it for her (always the right choice, in my opinion.) Make it easy on him. Put it online and let him buy from home, right then and there.
More on Editors
The Latest
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
