From a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
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.
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