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.
EditorsDec 30, 2015
The 3 Biggest Stories of 2015
Our Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the three stories she thinks had the greatest impact on the jewelry industry in 2015.
When putting together this list last year, I had it easy. The story choices were obvious: the Signet-Zale merger, the Hearts On Fire purchase, and all the controversy surrounding EGL International coming to a head.
They are not in any particularly order, as their importance to readers will vary depending on which segment of the industry they represent.
Did I miss anything major? Let me know in the comments section below.
The diamond industry bubble
In 2014, it was the discord surrounding over-graded diamonds and the subsequent dismantling of EGL International that made headlines all year long.
The topic certainly didn’t disappear in 2015, but on the main international stage the issue took a backseat to the profitability problems experienced by those in the middle of the diamond supply chain.
Rough prices were too high and cutters and polishers weren’t making any money while, at the same time, sitting on a pipeline overstuffed with goods that weren’t selling due in part to the lack of a unified marketing campaign for the stones.
Articles about the crisis popped up all over the trade throughout the year, including on this blog.
In India, former GJEPC Chairman Sanjay Kothari said the cutters should shoulder at least some of the blame for their unscrupulous business practices, while the always outspoken Martin Rapaport rallied for the resignation of De Beers CEO Phillippe Mellier. He even encouraged the trade to email Mark Cutifani, CEO of De Beers parent company Anglo American, and urge him to give Mellier the ax.
Cutifani hasn’t heeded Rapaport’s call, at least not so far.
Mellier was among the Anglo American executives who gave a presentation at a December news conference announcing a radical paring down in just three business units, one of which is diamonds.
Stung by the drop in commodities prices, Anglo American will be laying off a staggering 85,000 workers over the next few years, including 1,500 at De Beers.
It’s a complicated story that will continue in 2016 and has very sad, very human implications that often get overlooked in the rush to point fingers. When I wrote the story about Anglo’s restructuring all I could think was: Where
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
will all these poor people find jobs?
Retail competition intensifies
Gap, Macy’s, Sears and J.C. Penney are on the long list of chains that are closing stores as retail continues to evolve. Fewer physical locations are needed and retailers have to sink more money into creating a seamless connection between their online and off-line operations.
In the jewelry industry, figures from the Jewelers Board of Trade show that through the third quarter, a total of 612 retailers have closed their stores, up 30 percent from last year.
The problems plaguing jewelers are the same confronting retailers in a wide range of industries: the rapid changes in technology; online competition eating into margins and taking away sales; and fewer discretionary dollars to go around, particularly among the shrinking middle class.
There’s also the issue of demographics.
The baby boomers, a generation second only to Millennials in size, are reaching retirement age. They’re either not able, or not willing to, overhaul their entire retail model to adjust to the changing times and many don’t have children that want to take over the family business.
Like the profitability problems in the diamond sector, this is a story that’s going to continue in 2016 and even beyond.
The smartwatch avalanche
I know one person who’s sick of all the smartwatch news--our Senior Editor Hannah, who had the distinct honor of combing through a full year of “The Week in Photos” to pull together “The Year in Photos” and ended up with eight smartwatch slides. See all privileges the title of senior brings you here at National Jeweler?
This year marked the introduction of the long-awaited Apple Watch as well as TAG Heuer’s “Connected,” which reportedly is in high demand so far, along with smartwatches of varying sorts from Movado, IWC, Richline Group and Montblanc, to name just a few.
When we return to real life on Monday, I’ll be working on a preview of the upcoming Baselworld show.
Smartwatches were the talk of the town in white asparagus country last year, and I bet they will be again in 2016.
Thanks for your support this year. I wish all our readers a very healthy and prosperous 2016.
Happy New Year!
Retail competition intensifies
Gap, Macy’s, Sears and J.C. Penney are on the long list of chains that are closing stores as retail continues to evolve. Fewer physical locations are needed and retailers have to sink more money into creating a seamless connection between their online and off-line operations.
In the jewelry industry, figures from the Jewelers Board of Trade show that through the third quarter, a total of 612 retailers have closed their stores, up 30 percent from last year.
The problems plaguing jewelers are the same confronting retailers in a wide range of industries: the rapid changes in technology; online competition eating into margins and taking away sales; and fewer discretionary dollars to go around, particularly among the shrinking middle class.
There’s also the issue of demographics.
The baby boomers, a generation second only to Millennials in size, are reaching retirement age. They’re either not able, or not willing to, overhaul their entire retail model to adjust to the changing times and many don’t have children that want to take over the family business.
Like the profitability problems in the diamond sector, this is a story that’s going to continue in 2016 and even beyond.
The smartwatch avalanche
I know one person who’s sick of all the smartwatch news--our Senior Editor Hannah, who had the distinct honor of combing through a full year of “The Week in Photos” to pull together “The Year in Photos” and ended up with eight smartwatch slides. See all privileges the title of senior brings you here at National Jeweler?
This year marked the introduction of the long-awaited Apple Watch as well as TAG Heuer’s “Connected,” which reportedly is in high demand so far, along with smartwatches of varying sorts from Movado, IWC, Richline Group and Montblanc, to name just a few.
When we return to real life on Monday, I’ll be working on a preview of the upcoming Baselworld show.
Smartwatches were the talk of the town in white asparagus country last year, and I bet they will be again in 2016.
Thanks for your support this year. I wish all our readers a very healthy and prosperous 2016.
Happy New Year!
More on Editors
The Latest
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.
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
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
Weekly QuizJun 11, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
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.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
