MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.
EditorsMar 27, 2014
Is your website living in the 90s?
Business Insider posted a slideshow online earlier this month that showed the websites of major companies in 1990s as compared with their domains today.
The differences were staggering, to say the least.
The 90s versions of the websites--which include McDonald’s, Home Depot and Coca Cola--are primitive, usually single-page sites with one image, blocks of text and little information.
But the simplicity of these websites was appropriate at that time, which was more or less the dawn of the World Wide Web. Like Business Insider noted, the sites were built before developers and the general public knew what a website was supposed to look like, and before developers even had the technology to create the sites we have come to expect today.
The up-to-date page for each company is significantly better, primarily in terms of content and imagery. They have sharp, interesting pictures, attention-grabbing text and an overall pleasing layout. Check out the slideshow to see the differences.
While many of these companies and other brands have updated their websites with the changing times, others have not. And that’s bad.
Websites that aren’t modern--meaning they don’t offer interaction, don’t feature photos and have no new content--will likely keep many Internet users away.
Say you visit a news outlet’s website. If you return day after day to the same old stories and no new updates, you’ll eventually stop visiting, simply because it has nothing fresh or exciting to offer.
The same goes for a jeweler’s website. If you fail to upload new product or mention sweepstakes and promotions, you’re giving visitors the message that nothing new or fun is happening with your business so there’s no reason to visit either your website or your store.
Reiterating what I mentioned in my blog on deactivating my Facebook account, business owners need to have an online presence because that’s where today’s consumers are shopping. This blog goes a step further by speaking not just to your store’s presence on social media but on the web as a whole. If your presence is fun, interactive and fresh, it can translates to even better business results.
What can jewelers do to keep their websites fun and fresh? For a few starter ideas, post images of your new inventory and promote it on the homepage.
Running a contest for consumers? They’ll never know unless you advertise it. Are you giving a discount on Mother’s Day jewelry or graduation gifts? Put it front and center.
If you know another jeweler who is particularly savvy online, visit their website.
Observe what they are doing and how they are engaging their audience.
Jennifer Gandia, who co-owns Greenwich Jewelers in downtown Manhattan, said one of the goals for the store’s website is to consistently feature what’s new and fresh.
“From seasons of the year to important shopping holidays, we always like to relate what’s going on in the world outside to the jewelry we have on our site,” she said. “This not only serves as a form of marketing, but it also keeps our clients interested and ensures they return to our site regularly. We also keep our blog updated with fashion, jewelry and designer news as well as behind-the-scenes store features. We like to think of our blog as a news source for our target clientele, and we aim to create content that will keep them coming back.”
Don’t leave your website behind in the 90s. Your customers and the Internet have moved past that time, and your business needs to as well.
Jennifer Gandia, who co-owns Greenwich Jewelers in downtown Manhattan, said one of the goals for the store’s website is to consistently feature what’s new and fresh.
“From seasons of the year to important shopping holidays, we always like to relate what’s going on in the world outside to the jewelry we have on our site,” she said. “This not only serves as a form of marketing, but it also keeps our clients interested and ensures they return to our site regularly. We also keep our blog updated with fashion, jewelry and designer news as well as behind-the-scenes store features. We like to think of our blog as a news source for our target clientele, and we aim to create content that will keep them coming back.”
Don’t leave your website behind in the 90s. Your customers and the Internet have moved past that time, and your business needs to as well.
More on Editors
The Latest
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
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.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 ExecsArien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
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.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
