AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
EditorsJan 15, 2015
Phone at home
I have been doing something scary lately: I’ve been leaving the house without my phone. Not for long periods of time--say, an entire 8-hour span--but rather just a stretch of a few hours, on a weekend afternoon or on those rare workdays when I escape my office for a bit at lunch.
No one in any life-threatening situations was unable to reach me and I didn’t miss out on any vital social functions or information, insofar as I can tell. Instead, I was forced to focus on the people I was with (downside: they didn’t leave their phones at home so I spent a lot of time staring at them staring at their phones) and the other human beings who were out and about (also staring at their phones, mostly.)
Being smartphone-less for a few afternoons also forced me to realize how dependent on this device I’ve become, for what exactly is unclear. But I am addicted. Many times throughout the several-hour span, I found myself instinctively reaching for my handbag to grab my phone and look at … what, I don’t know. I just know the desire was there, like a reflex.
I also know that I am not alone and apparently so does WNYC, New York’s public radio station.
The station’s New Tech City podcast, which examines how technology is changing our lives, launched a project this week called “Bored and Brilliant: The Lost Art of Spacing Out,” and I am among the foolhardy phone-leavers who have signed up so far.
The aim of Bored and Brilliant is for listeners to begin tracking their daily smartphone usage through an app called Moment (Android users must use BreakFree). Then, during the week of Feb. 2, New Tech City will issue a series of challenges to participants. The goal: to get people to put down their smartphones and let their minds wander to see where they go.
I won’t frighten you by sharing the statistics on how many times a day we look at our phones or what percentage of people sleep with a smartphone by their side, though if you’re in the mood for a scare, you can see them by listening to or reading “The Case for Boredom,” the first podcast/story of Bored and Brilliant.
But the gist of the story, and the New Tech City challenge, is that smartphones allow us to fill every idle moment of the day with games, web surfing and social media scrolling.
This isn’t good, researchers say, because it’s when we don’t have anything to focus on, when we are “bored,” that the creative ideas begin to flow.
That's why so many good ideas come about in the shower. Our mind can wander in that 10-, 15- or 20-minute stretch because it doesn’t have anything else to do; it’s free.
I don’t know exactly what the challenges will be but I am eager to find out, and to see where my mind goes when I start living a life that’s a little more phone-free.
I encourage anyone who feels that they are in need of a creative spark to join me. You can sign up right here.
I don’t know exactly what the challenges will be but I am eager to find out, and to see where my mind goes when I start living a life that’s a little more phone-free.
I encourage anyone who feels that they are in need of a creative spark to join me. You can sign up right here.
More on Editors
The Latest
Supplier BulletinDec 18, 2025
Cell Jammers Are Targeting Your Business. Here's How to Beat ThemSponsored by Digital Monitoring Products
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK AirportThe boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé PendantThe special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday CampaignThe “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
GradingDec 17, 2025
SSEF Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersTwo awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.
MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up EarlyBerta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.
AuctionsDec 16, 2025
Suzanne Belperron, JAR Shine in Sotheby’s First Auctions at New HQSotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
TJS Now Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2026Winners will receive free registration and lodging for its fourth annual event in Detroit.
ColumnistsDec 16, 2025
Beyond Unboxing: Creative Reveals to Drive Reach and EngagementHere are six ideas for making more engaging content for Instagram Reels and TikTok, courtesy of Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Names 2026 Award RecipientsThe honorees include a notable jewelry brand, an industry veteran, and an independent retailer.
CrimeDec 15, 2025
Men Receive Life Sentences in Home Invasion Murder of Jeweler Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.
Policies & IssuesDec 15, 2025
Sara Yood Named Co-Chair of RJC Standards CommitteeYood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.
IndependentsDec 15, 2025
M.S. Rau to Open Store in AspenThe New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
