The “Essence of Nature, Chapter One” collection echoes trees and roots, literally and figuratively, through three sets of high jewelry.
Jacob & Co. Inks Ambassador Deal with Lionel Messi
The company is collaborating with the man considered to be the greatest soccer player of all time on a timepiece.
![Among Jacob & Co.’s new ambassador Lionel Messi’s accomplishments are being crowned nine-time champion of the Spanish soccer league, four-time winner of the European Champions’ League, five-time winner of the Ballon d’Or as the best player in the world, five-time winner of the Golden Boot as the top goal scorer in Europe, and winner of Olympic gold. 20190114_Messi-header.jpg](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/124c1fc927068a390230a9ffa2c72ccc.jpg)
New York—Lionel Messi recently sported watchmaker and diamond jewelry house Jacob & Co. on his wrist as the soccer player accepted his record fifth Golden Boot award.
Now, the two have announced an official partnership.
Revealed Friday, the two collaborated on a limited-edition timepiece, the Epic x Chrono “Messi” watch.
“The Epic x Chrono ‘Messi’ is recognizable anywhere,” Jacob & Co. founder Jacob Arabo said, “and for us, it was the perfect way to begin a partnership with Messi and a true association of champions.
“The beauty of this finished product and our overall experience with the Messi brand thus far have also significantly raised our expectations for future releases. Admirers of the Epic x Chrono will surely be pleased with what’s to come.”
The Epic x Chrono “Messi” style features a polished grade 5 titanium case, anti-reflection sapphire glass, white ceramic chronograph bezel and buttons, titanium and blue-rubber horns, and red-rubber crowns.
The style’s light blue and white colors are a tribute to Messi’s Argentinean heritage.
As further homage to the player, the timepiece features his famous No. 10 in red on the flange ring, his logo on the dial at six o’clock and his signature on the glass sapphire back, which shows the automatic bi-compax skeleton chronograph movement.
One hundred and eighty models of the wristwatch are being produced, with retail price beginning at $28,000.
“I am delighted to be in partnership with Jacob & Co, who I regard as the most innovate watch maker,” Messi said.
The Epic x Chrono “Messi” watch is the first timepiece commemorating Jacob & Co. and Messi’s partnership. Their exclusive three-year deal promises to release more limited-edition watches in the future.
The Latest
![Peter Smith is an industry consultant, speaker, sales trainer, and author. He can be reached via email at TheRetailSmiths@gmail.com. Peter Smith](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/994d61f1a9c90b30584b8175fa91d2ca.jpg)
Smith details the types of store managers he’s encountered, with the goal of helping retailers find a person who’s a fit for their store.
![The myGemma showroom in New York City. The luxury resale company now offers a consignment service. myGemma showroom](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/3a76b80ded68364d60843789d9c96a71.jpg)
The secondhand reseller stocks pre-owned designer jewelry and watches, along with other luxury goods.
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Colored stones are stepping into a jewelry spotlight typically reserved for diamonds—are you ready to sell color?
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The limited-edition “Chocolocket” fits a mini square of Ghirardelli chocolate inside.
![](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/99a46b30cc354962ac2e29ecd113587a.jpg)
![Jewelers of America will have two “20 Under 40” lists this year, one for retailers and one for suppliers. Interested parties have from now through Feb. 19 to nominate themselves or someone else for inclusion on either list. Jewelers of America 20 Under 40 graphic](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/9c4f8cef6f42f5b6411b5f4f9c1d53c6.jpg)
The program has been expanded to include a “20 Under 40” list for jewelry suppliers and is accepting nominations through Feb. 19.
![Two men, identified as Dimitriy Nezhinskiy and Juan Villar, who operated a business in New York City’s Diamond District, were charged with running a fencing operation for South American theft groups. Police cars with lights on](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/887e1c6de663e37d58e93cf9340ed4ae.jpg)
One of the men is said to be connected to the South American crew charged with burglarizing Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow’s home.
![Resolutions - 2025.jpg](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/7b2ba343f8d947757b0ff597db4ca873.jpg)
The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
![For their second collaboration, Bulgari and independent Swiss watch brand MB&F have partnered to create the first contemporary, genderless offering featuring the jeweler’s “Serpenti” motif. Bulgari x MB&F Serpenti watch](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/7485414da0f51bb54430e4b450d5f98a.jpg)
The brands immersed one of Bulgari’s most famous historical icons in MB&F’s ultra-mechanical universe of haute horlogerie.
![A campaign image from Boucheron’s “Histoire de Style” high jewelry collection, “Power of Couture,” which debuted last year. The Kering-owned brand performed well in its recent full-year results. Boucheron Power of Couture campaign](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/df26760df8463544c07a6c2dcb34b6bd.jpg)
The luxury titan’s full-year performance was weighed down by struggling sales at its star brand Gucci.
![Midas Chain’s new natural diamond styles include “Flexi” tennis bracelets, pavé diamond bangles, eternity rings, diamond studs, and more. Midas Chain Diamond and Gemstone Jewelry](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/4b3ab40b4d7bcaac2cb0d11d069f93a5.jpg)
The jewelry manufacturer has launched more than 100 pieces made with natural diamonds.
![An 18-karat yellow gold “Stilla” ring set with marquise and round diamonds by Tacori ($2,990). Bain & Company’s new “Luxury Goods Worldwide Market Study” examines how the market performed in 2024 and what’s ahead in 2025. Tacori Stilla ring](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/6e34695c827d856045bcf86793fe3352.jpg)
Bain & Co.’s latest report on the luxury market examines why the market’s customer base is shrinking and how to appeal to consumers in 2025.
![CBP agents in Louisville, Kentucky, were busy seizing shipments of counterfeit jewelry last month, the agency said. Officers nabbed 28 shipments of jewelry and watches designed to pass as pieces from brands including Rolex, Cartier, and Van Cleef & Arpels. Pictured is a counterfeit Cartier “Juste Un Clou” bracelet. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Customs & Border Protection) Counterfeit Cartier “Juste Un Clou” bracelet](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/e7c0b70c799bfe84030a1dbda3475213.jpg)
Officers in Louisville seized 28 shipments of fake jewelry and watches that would have been worth more than $27 million if genuine.
![“Inside Out” takes inspiration from tailoring, specifically tuxedos and the lapel where the inside of the fabric becomes visible. The “Flip” bangles seen here feature 18-karat yellow gold that has been folded over and set with pavé diamonds ($12,700 for right, $21,500 for left). Hearts On Fire Inside Out Collection Bracelets](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/fc2828c6d3c97b4000252f19f0728262.jpg)
The collection centers on the art of tailoring, inspired by designs that feature folded fabrics, such as a tuxedo lapel.
![Select Jewelry Shows has added a new show in Nashville, scheduled to be held Oct. 26-27 at the JW Marriott Hotel. JW Marriott Hotel in Nashville Tennessee](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/ac6eb0f0b6e08bcbd55ac4cf645c71cf.jpg)
The trade show has added a new location to its fall line-up.
![Jade Trau Ladybird Charm](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/c06d874eacb2e378649c91741365aac2.jpg)
From the brand’s latest collection of lucky charms, the ladybird is seen as a bearer of good fortune and a ward against negative energy.
![Rough diamonds from Canada’s Gahcho Kué mine. Production at Gahcho Kué fell 43 percent in the fourth quarter and 16 percent on the year, part of a broader decline across all mines De Beers operates. (©De Beers Group/Photo credit: Ben Perry @ Armoury Films) Rough diamonds from De Beers’ Gahcho Kue diamond mine in Canada](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/1808183cd6c3220034d3e219c769a544.jpg)
The moves come amid a prolonged period of lower demand for diamonds, particularly in China.
![Stuller’s Bench Jeweler Workshop will run March 28- 29 at the company’s global headquarters in Lafayette, Louisiana. Stuller Bench Jeweler Workshop](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/31754b1a2e71d296592b1d47f0966e23.jpg)
The workshop returns in March, along with the “Battle of the Benches” mini challenge series.
![Indianapolis independent Windsor Jewelry will continue its 100-plus years in business after finding buyers, local attorneys Fernanda Beraldi and Ed Broecker. (Photo courtesy of Windsor Jewelry’s Facebook page) Windsor Jewelry in Indianapolis, Indiana](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/849170760c7b8e3b1b2773ae07a65e9d.jpg)
Two attorneys purchased Windsor Jewelry, which was set to close, and will retain all existing staff at the downtown Indianapolis store.
![In his 60 years with Oscar Heyman, Adam Heyman has made many trips overseas to buy gemstones and some of his favorite memories are of visiting dealers, stone cutters, and mines throughout Asia. At left, Heyman is pictured examining gemstones in Sri Lanka circa 2010. The picture at right, taken around 1970, shows Heyman (red tie) watching a gem cutter at work in Sri Lanka with his parents, George and Bess Heyman. (Photos courtesy of Oscar Heyman) Two images of Adam Heyman in Sri Lanka](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/9943b3f3c57bc37a7ddf819ea4e6e8b9.jpg)
Adam Heyman joined the family business in 1965, just weeks after graduating from Columbia Business School.
![Hamilton Jewelers has renovated its Palm Beach, Florida, boutique, located on Worth Avenue. Hamilton Jewelers Worth Avenue interior](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/cd9f9acaf348dc889caf375bd65c6af6.jpg)
The fourth-generation, family-owned jeweler has given its Worth Avenue store a new look.
![Anthony Farrer, 36, the luxury watch dealer who made a name for himself as “The Timepiece Gentleman,” pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud in late 2024. Last week, a federal judge sentenced him to 70 months in prison. Stock image of a gavel](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/3b9f812a1bfb5532acc6a43b0dcf750c.jpg)
Luxury watch dealer Anthony Farrer pleaded guilty late last year to defrauding clients in a scheme with Ponzi-type elements.
![A 14-karat gold-plated “Sparkling Bow” necklace set with cubic zirconia by Pandora ($225). The jewelry retailer posted strong results in 2024. Pandora sparkling bow necklace](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/e5b8520c22df8f43d3ff99522d695b2e.jpg)
In its full-year results, the retailer shared its 2025 outlook and an update on the global rollout of its lab-grown diamond collection.
![Diamond Council of America has promoted Kristen Scheetz, formerly the education supervisor, to director of education and membership. Diamond Council of America logo](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/46619a9571d51a09cd96a7d9cd88c505.jpg)
Scheetz has been with the nonprofit since 2007.
![Trucks at work at Orapa, one of Botswana’s diamond mines. De Beers Group and the Government of the Republic of Botswana have come to an agreement on how they will divvy up the country’s diamond production for the next decade and are close to signing a new deal, De Beers said Monday. (©De Beers Group/Photo credit: Ben Perry @ Armoury Films) Trucks at the Orapa diamond mine in Botswana](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/ba5da4724696b7918f4161d1e6b49fad.jpg)
The agreement will allocate an increasing proportion of the country’s rough diamonds to the government of Botswana over the next decade.
![The “Diane” clip from Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Bal du Siècle, Bals de Lègende” high jewelry collection, one of the pieces soon to be on display at the American Museum of Natural History. The piece depicts Diana, the Roman goddess of the moon, in white gold floating above a purple star sapphire in a cloud of blue and mauve sapphires with a diamond crescent moon in one hand and a diamond star in the other. (Image courtesy of Van Cleef & Arpels) Van Clef & Arpels Diane (Diana) Clip](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/4a89aa976c01f42668ef3093a172d6fb.jpg)
“Cosmic Splendor: Jewelry From the Collections of Van Cleef & Arpels,” opens April 11 at the American Museum of Natural History.
![The “Sweet Life” ring by Mined + Found is made of 14-karat yellow gold with enamel and diamonds ($6,450). Consumers are expected to spend a record $27.5 billion on Valentine’s Day this year, according to the annual survey by the NRF and Prosper Insights & Analytics. Chocolate box ring by Mined + Found](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/3e435626bba1270b46bdf27f7be2bb1d.jpg)
Those celebrating Valentine’s Day this year are expected to spend a record $27.5 billion on jewels, flowers, candy, and more.