Jeff Gennette will step down in February 2024, passing the torch to the CEO of another notable retailer.
Watch: An Interview With 2 Co-Founders of the Black in Jewelry Coalition
Annie Doresca and Elyssa Jenkins discuss how the organization got started and where it’s headed in the latest episode of “My Next Question.”
In the fine jewelry industry, Black professionals connected in a way they hadn’t in the past, and nine of them decided to start the first organization focused on the inclusion and advancement of Black professionals within the gem, jewelry and watch industries—the Black in Jewelry Coalition, an international nonprofit.
On the latest episode of “My Next Question,” two of the nine co-founders, Annie Doresca and Elyssa Jenkins, the organization’s president and vice president, respectively, joined Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff to talk more about the BIJC’s genesis and where it’s heading.
Watch it right here.
Join us again this coming Tuesday, Dec. 8, for another episode of “My Next Question.”
Senior Editor, Gemstones Brecken Branstrator is interviewing three U.S.-based lapidaries—Derek Katzenbach, Jeff Hapeman and Nolan Sponsler—about their one-of-a-kind creations.
The three gemstone cutters will talk trends, the increasing interest in unique cuts and the state of the colored stone market amid 2020’s supply chain struggles.
Learn more about this session, as well as other upcoming webinars, on NationalJeweler.com/webinars.
The Latest

Artisan Martin Roberts fashioned lunar meteorites into 48 beads to create this out-of-this-world necklace.

As for new members, the organization welcomed Jewelers of America’s Annie Doresca and Parag Jain of Parag Diamonds.

Distinguishing natural diamonds from laboratory-grown stones – now more available than ever – has been difficult for jewelers. Until now.

Jacob & Co.’s new “Billionaire” timepiece features more than 200 carats of yellow diamonds.


Heidi Horten, wife of department store magnate Helmut Horten, collected jewelry from Bulgari, Cartier, Harry Winston and Van Cleef & Arpels.

The jewelry industry insurer and solutions provider is celebrating 110 years in business this month.

De Beers Institute of Diamonds provides the very best in diamond verification, education and diamond services.

The statement came as the National Retail Federation released its retail sales forecast for 2023.

Sotheby’s will auction the diamond, which it says is “arguably the most significant pink diamond to ever appear at auction,” in June.

The retailer, recently acquired by Signet Jewelers, will lay off 119 employees in July.

The Swiss watchmaker introduced 17 new models at Watches & Wonders Geneva.

As part of the promotion, Smith will share his sales expertise during a 90-minute training session.

At Watches & Wonders, the Swiss brand unveiled a follow-up to last year’s Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante.

The “rêve” collection’s engagement rings and wedding bands are geared toward “sustainability minded customers.”

A new word appears on the dial each day of the week.

Bensons Jewelers closed for good Feb. 24, impacted in part by the decline in foot traffic downtown since the onset of the pandemic.

Kolja Kiofsky has been with the crystal and jewelry company since 2010.

The Kruse GWS Auctions sale will include the replica “Taj Mahal” necklace Elizabeth Taylor made with Avon as well as a costume piece Marilyn Monroe wore.

Massimo Basei is moving up, while Chief Commercial Officer Martino Pessina is stepping down.

AGTA GemFair and the Denver Gem & Mineral Show also will have a presence on the show floor.

Sold by Christie’s Hong Kong, this masterwork of complications now holds the record for most expensive watch ever auctioned online.

The watch company expects first-quarter sales to fall as much as 15 percent due to inflation and tough comps.

Adam O’Grady, general manager of the Lightbox Lab, has taken on the new role and will report directly to Lightbox CEO Antoine Borde.

The watch marketplace gathered data from 1.3 million collectors, highlighting the most popular timepieces and exploring value appreciation.

Burgundy has opted not to exercise its option to buy the mining claims Gibb River Diamonds currently owns.

Patented and specialty cuts now can receive an 8X Proprietary Certificate, which can be customized to include a company’s brand and logo.