Gretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
2013: The Year in Photos
For the jewelry industry, 2013 was another year of major changes as consumers adjust to what appears to be the new normal for spending, consumption and quality of life, and the Internet continues to transform the way people communicate and do business. Click through this slideshow to see the year that was, in pictures.

New York--Soon, the world will say goodbye to 2013, which is good news for those who suffer from triskaidekaphobia, a fear of the allegedly unlucky number 13.
For the jewelry industry, it was another year of major changes as consumers adjust to what appears to be the new normal for spending, consumption and quality of life and the Internet continues to transform the way people communicate and do business.
2013 was a year in which two online-only players, Blue Nile and Gemvara, began to experiment in the brick-and-mortar world; the Gemological Institute of America changed leadership; and m-commerce--the practice of shopping from phones and tablet computers--really began to take hold.
Fashion-wise, emerald reigned as the color of the year before Pantone announced that a purple hue called “Radiant Orchid” would soon take its place.
Snakes were omni-present in jewelry, a nod to the Chinese zodiac’s “Year of the Snake,” while edgy designs--think skulls and spikes--and pieces inspired by the Roaring 20s, and the return of The Great Gatsby to movie theaters, also were prevalent.
In this slideshow, the staff of National Jeweler recaps the year that was, in images.
The Latest

Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.

With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

Laughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.


The California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.

A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

The deadline to apply is Nov. 13.

The auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.

Zaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.

Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.

The British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.

The “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.

Nelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.

Cat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.

Arnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.

The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.

The stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.

Engagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Former Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.

The veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.

Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).

The labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.

“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.

The “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.

This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.






















