SurveysJul 16, 2025
Signet Jewelers Falls Lower on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListThe middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.
OtherJun 11, 2014
4 new, potentially good releases
100 of the Worst Ideas in History and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s tome on her time in office are among National Jeweler’s chosen new releases for the month of June.
New York--Goodreads, an online book discussion site, just issued its list of new releases for the month of June.
As it did in April and May, National Jeweler sifted through the virtual stacks to find four books business owners might find useful and added one staff selection. Picks this month include 100 of the Worst Ideas in History, a book that includes a bad marketing decision by one very famous candy company, and Hillary Clinton’s latest, Hard Choices.
The following list includes a brief summary of each and links to their information on Goodreads, as well as one additional book that comes highly recommended by one National Jeweler editor.
1. 100 of the Worst Ideas in History
Michael Smith, Eric Kasum
This collection of top 10 lists compiles some of humanity’s biggest blunders in the areas of business, pop culture, fashion, sports and more. Did anyone know, for example, that Mars Inc. turned down the chance for M&M’s to be in E.T. because they thought seeing the famous extraterrestrial eat their candy might scare kids? The spot, arguably one of the greatest product placements in movie history, was gobbled up by Reese’s Pieces. This book is 288 pages.
2. The Explorers: A Story of Fearless Outcasts, Blundering Geniuses, and Impossible Success
Martin Dugard
In The Explorers, the author recounts the epic journey Richard Francis Burton and John Hanning Speke undertook in 1856 to find the source of the Nile River, a journey that ended with the two men as enemies for life. While the book tells the tale of the two men’s trek, it also explores the seven traits vital to seeing any long journey through to the end: curiosity, hope, passion, courage, independence, self-discipline and perseverance. This book is 304 pages.
3. Hard Choices
Hillary Rodham Clinton
After she lost the Democratic Party’s nomination for president to Barack Obama in 2008, former First Lady and U.S. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton received a surprising offer: her one-time bitter rival asked her to serve as Secretary of State. This book, the second memoir by one of the most powerful politicians in the world, recounts the four years Clinton spent in the role. It is 688 pages.
4. Rock Breaks Scissors
William Poundstone
Described as a “hands-on guide to turning life’s odds in your favor,” Rock Breaks Scissors gives readers methods of improving the accuracy of their own
guessing, which then can be applied to a number of everyday situations, such as buying a home, the stock market or playing the lottery. This book is 320 pages.
5. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Betty Smith
Picked by: Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff
I have a close friend who reads A Tree Grows in Brooklyn every summer, but I didn’t discover it until 2011, after buying it for 50 cents at a moving sale in the Brooklyn neighborhood I lived in at that time, Bay Ridge.
Laid up with ankle injury that summer, I spent a lot of time reading and I devoured A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. For me, the book represented the perfect blend of past and present. It reminded me of the books by Beverly Cleary I loved so much as a child--particularly her first memoir, A Girl from Yamhill, which remains one of my best-loved books of all time--but was set in Brooklyn, where I lived then (and still live now, though no longer in Bay Ridge). I thought it was fascinating to read about the struggles of Francine Nolan as she grew up poor, the daughter of German and Irish immigrants, in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, an area now populated by hipsters, trendy boutiques and craft breweries.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn might remind me of a book I read and loved as a young girl but I think it stands the test of time and is an excellent read for any age.
Need more books to take to the beach this summer? Check out National Jeweler’s picks for April and May.
More on Other
The Latest
FinancialsJul 16, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Up 7% in Q1It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.
WatchesJul 16, 2025
The Top-Selling Rolex Models of the Last 15 Years, According to Bob’s Watches The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
AuctionsJul 16, 2025
Christie’s To Honor Dinh Van With ExhibitionThe auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.
Weekly QuizJul 10, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsJul 16, 2025
Clyde Duneier Ushers In Fourth GenerationJake Duneier and Danielle Duneier-Goldberg have stepped into the roles of CEO and president, respectively.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Calls Attention to Nature’s ImpermanenceThe “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
MajorsJul 15, 2025
James Avery Expands to 2 More StatesThe Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2025
Neiman Marcus Vet Joins Couture as Brand Director Eric Ford will step into the role, bringing with him decades of experience.
IndependentsJul 15, 2025
Ben Bridge Jeweler Acquires Olympic ManufacturingIn addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Guzema Debuts First Colored Gemstone JewelryThe “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.
MajorsJul 14, 2025
Nanis Opens First StoreThe seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.
IndependentsJul 14, 2025
It’s the Summer of Love at Long’s JewelersThe New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.
SourcingJul 14, 2025
Ethical Gem Fair Heads to SeattleThe trade-only event will host its debut fair in the Emerald City later this month.
Events & AwardsJul 11, 2025
The Edge’s Annual Conference Returns in SeptemberIts sessions will focus on inventory strategies, staff performance, retention and acquisition, emerging market trends, and more.
CollectionsJul 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: Miseno’s ‘Arco’ EarringsFor its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.
Policies & IssuesJul 11, 2025
James Avery to Donate $1M to Texas Hill Country Relief EffortsThe jewelry company is one of several contributing to relief efforts in the region after the recent floods.
TrendsJul 11, 2025
Kelly Osbourne’s Engagement Ring Is Sweet as HoneyInspired by fiancé Sid Wilson’s nickname for her, the white and yellow diamond ring features a unique honeycomb design.
CollectionsJul 10, 2025
Penny Preville Celebrates 5 Decades of Jewelry DesignThe brand is marking its 50th anniversary with a limited-edition bangle, high jewelry suites, new collections, and more.
IndependentsJul 10, 2025
Steven Goldfarb to Retire, Close Alvin Goldfarb JewelerGoldfarb said changes in the industry, coupled with his age and the updates needed to modernize his business, drove his decision.
MajorsJul 10, 2025
LVMH Names New Chairman, CEO of the AmericasLongtime LVMH executive Michael Burke has stepped into the role.
Events & AwardsJul 10, 2025
IAC Gold and Diamond Conference Returns to NYC Central topics of next week’s event include climate action, labor rights, artisan preservation, and value retention in producing countries.
MajorsJul 10, 2025
Hearts On Fire Appoints New Sales DirectorVickie Rokkos has joined the jewelry company as its new national sales director of North America.
SurveysJul 09, 2025
Jewelry Stays Strong as Luxury Market Slows, Bain & Co. Says Turbulence will be the new baseline for luxury as it faces its biggest potential setbacks in 15 years, a recent report said.
Supplier BulletinJul 09, 2025
JCK Unwrapped: Trends, Insights & Post-Show TipsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
CollectionsJul 09, 2025
Cece Jewellery’s New Fruit Jewels Celebrate Life’s SweetnessThe “For the Love of Fruits” collection features five fruit pendants, each holding a different meaning.
