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.”
AuctionsJul 10, 2020
10 Jewelry News Stories You Might Have Missed
A big blue diamond sells for $16 million, another big retailer goes bankrupt, beautiful rubies for July, and more.
The “Chrona” ring in 18-karat yellow gold with sterling silver, black rhodium and rubies ($12,200) from Vram was one of the ruby pieces featured in Amanda’s Style File last week (see No. 10 below).
New York—Brooks Brothers and Movado were among the companies that made headlines with their troubles last week, while a tragic story emerged from Myanmar—nearly 200 people lost their lives in a jade mine accident.
But it wasn’t all bad news.
On Thursday, a 12-carat blue diamond soared past pre-auction estimates at Christie’s Hong Kong, Muse Showroom announced a partnership with an amazing actress, and we presented some beautiful ruby jewelry for July.
Read on for more top stories from last week.
1) 12-Carat Marquise Blue Diamond Sells for $16M at Christie’s
The July 9 Magnificent Jewels auction in Hong Kong totaled $39.8 million.
2) Brooks Brothers Latest Retailer To File Chapter 11
The 202-year-old company, known for its classic suits, owns the Alexis Bittar and Carolee jewelry brands.
3) Movado To Lay off Employees Amid Restructuring
The layoffs are part of the watch company’s plan to cut costs amid economic hardships brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
4) Landslide at Jade Mine Kills 170+ in Myanmar
Heavy rains prompted the landslide in the Hpakant area last week.
5) Stafford Jewelers, Creative Gold to Close Stores
The owners of both independent jewelry stores have decided to retire after decades in the industry.
6) Muse Showroom’s Newest ‘Have a Heart’ Ambassador Is Cynthia Erivo
The award-winning actress became the talk of Hollywood last year. Now, she’s partnered with Muse on their philanthropic initiative.
7) Major Retailers Call for Mask Mandate
In a letter to U.S. governors, the Retail Industry Leaders Association called for a uniform approach to safety measures amid the coronavirus pandemic.
8) Diamond Foundry Among Those Boycotting Facebook
Hundreds of companies have halted advertising on the social media site to protest its lack of policing hate speech and misinformation.
9) Paycheck Protection Program Deadline Extended
The Treasury Department and the Small Business Administration also released more information about where the PPP money went.
10) Amanda’s Style File: Rubies Bring the Heat
Summer’s warming up, and so are these 20 birthstone jewels celebrating July.
More on Auctions
The Latest
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.
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.
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.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
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.
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.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2026
Watches & Wonders Announces 2027 DatesThe week-long event in Geneva is slated for April 2027.
