CollectionsMar 13, 2026
A Trio of Jewels from the 3 Gem Award Nominees for Jewelry DesignOur Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.
EditorsJul 23, 2015
The benefits of taking a break
I just returned to New York City, and the National Jeweler office, after a sunny week off spent on the New England coast.
I’m an avid fan of vacations, likely instilled in me by my family. From ski trips in Maine to beach houses on Rhode Island’s Block Island, we’ve always escaped for a few weeks out of the year to relax, unplug and spend time together. As I got older, I’ve incorporated trips with friends into my plans each year, and since the start of my career I’ve always used each and every vacation and personal day I was allotted.
For me, there’s often a mix of emotion upon returning from time off: first, the melancholy feeling that accompanies knowing the vacation has ended, that it’s time to leave that work-free, responsibility-free oasis and return to the grind.
But it’s always followed by a second feeling: eagerness. Eager to get back to routine, to work, to the gym. Eager to settle back into the swing of things, to feel productive again.
There’s been talk in the news for some time now about how Americans don’t take advantage of their paid time off, often because they dread the slew of emails, projects and other tasks that accumulate and lie in wait for when the employee returns, or because of their visible absence. Sometimes, it’s just company culture; other times, employees see it as a way to protect themselves from layoffs in the post-recession era.
But does skipping out on time off pay off in the end?
Maybe not, it seems.
There’s a bevy of research that points to the fact that not taking vacation actually harms productivity, much of it citing that it hurts brain function and can even affect us outside of work, encroaching on personal relationships.
An article published by CBS Seattle earlier this month profiled an Oregon tech startup that says its implementation of a 32-hour work week has helped to boost employee productivity. The CEO, Ryan Carson, told the publication that reducing work hours and putting an emphasis on work-life balance allowed more time for workers to have “light bulb” moments of innovation, which keeps the company competitive.
“No matter how much money I made or how powerful I get, I can’t buy time,” Carson told the news station.
While I can’t speak to why taking time off makes the greater population productive, I know that for myself, it helps to jumpstart that eagerness to feel constructive again.
I believe taking breaks in smaller increments
of time each day--in other words, not eating lunch at your desk--also is beneficial to productivity, as does our Editor-in-Chief, Michelle Graff.
“I read this list of the habits of productive and successful people and one of the habits is taking a half-hour or an hour off at lunch,” she says. “I’ve taken to doing this a couple of days a week--I get lamb over rice and a Coke from one of the food trucks outside (the National Jeweler office) and sit in Zuccotti Park--and I think it works. I come back feeling refreshed and actually get more done.”
Aside from the evidence that taking time off helps employees do their job better, I also think stepping away from work is good for the soul.
Traveling, relaxing, spending time with family and friends (or alone if you prefer)--that, in my opinion, is what brings true quality to life.
“I read this list of the habits of productive and successful people and one of the habits is taking a half-hour or an hour off at lunch,” she says. “I’ve taken to doing this a couple of days a week--I get lamb over rice and a Coke from one of the food trucks outside (the National Jeweler office) and sit in Zuccotti Park--and I think it works. I come back feeling refreshed and actually get more done.”
Aside from the evidence that taking time off helps employees do their job better, I also think stepping away from work is good for the soul.
Traveling, relaxing, spending time with family and friends (or alone if you prefer)--that, in my opinion, is what brings true quality to life.
More on Editors
The Latest
WatchesMar 13, 2026
Citizen, Vera Wang to Launch Watch CollectionThe 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.
SourcingMar 13, 2026
Andrea Pooler Joins Third-Generation Diamond Company as COO Pooler, who has more than 25 years’ experience in jewelry, is now chief operating officer of Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and SNJ Creations.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
MajorsMar 13, 2026
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf AstoriaThe reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.
Weekly QuizMar 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsMar 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Sends Gold, Gemstones Into ‘Orbit’McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
TechnologyMar 12, 2026
Caratwise Launches, Names Former Signet Exec CEO The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.
SourcingMar 12, 2026
Grandview Klein Opens New Factory in South Africa The 10,000-square-foot diamond manufacturing facility officially opened in late February and employs 50 people.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
MJSA ‘Future of Jewelry Making’ Scholarship Applications OpenThe MJSA Education Foundation’s scholarships support students pursuing jewelry careers.
AuctionsMar 11, 2026
‘Spectacular’ 26-Carat Diamond Going Up for Auction in London The largest white diamond to come to market in the U.K. in more than a decade, the VVS1, I-color stone is expected to top $1 million.
TechnologyMar 11, 2026
Cast Jewelry’s Rachel Skelly on Coming Back Online Only Skelly shares her plans for reimagining the fine jewelry retailer she re-acquired after it faltered last year.
CollectionsMar 11, 2026
Pyrrha Highlights ‘The Space Between’ In New CollectionThe collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
From the Jazz Age to the Information Age: London Jewelers Turns 100In 2026, the jewelry retailer is celebrating a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $30K for Children’s HospitalThe group of jewelers held a jewelry raffle in support of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More StoresThe retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.
TrendsMar 10, 2026
Messika Names Julianne Moore as AmbassadorThe award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New CollectionThe “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation AuctionThe unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.
TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest AmbassadorBulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnersAwards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.
AuctionsMar 09, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Lead White-Glove SaleThe top jewelry lot of the late model’s estate sale, hosted by John Moran Auctioneers, was an Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier necklace.
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 YearsMoses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price PressuresIncreased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial BeautyThe earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.
