MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.
OtherJul 07, 2014
4 new, potentially good releases for July
This month’s new releases include a memoir about what it’s like to grow up in a family-owned business and a true tale about a Virginia furniture-maker who brought his company’s manufacturing back to the United States from Asia.
The books Factory Man and memoir My Family and Other Hazards are two of National Jeweler’s book picks for the month of July.
New York--Online book discussion site Goodreads recently issued its list of new releases for the month of July, just in time for those looking for a beach read for their summer vacation.
National Jeweler sifted through the virtual stacks to pinpoint four new releases that might be helpful to small business owners, and tacked on a pick from one of its editors at the end. This month’s selections include two nonfiction books that focus on family-owned businesses.
The following list includes a brief summary and link to each of the four recommended books as well as our editor’s pick for July.
1. My Family and Other Hazards: A Memoir
June Melby
Midwest native June Melby recounts the ups and downs of life in a family that owns and runs a business; in this case, a miniature golf course in a small Wisconsin town. She also shares the anguish she felt years later when as an adult living in Los Angeles, she learned her family was going to sell the business. This book is 320 pages.
2. Factory Man
Beth Macy
This book chronicles how John Bassett III, descendant of a family that ran a furniture company in Virginia for three generations, used legal maneuvers, factory efficiencies and cunning to bring his family business’ manufacturing back to the United States after it had been offshored to Asia. This book is 464 pages.
3. Neil Armstrong: A Life of Flight
Jay Barbree
Just ahead of the 45th anniversary of the historic moon landing (July 21, 1969), longtime space journalist Barbree releases this biography of Neil Armstrong, who died in 2012 at the age of 82. The book details Armstrong’s three passions--family, friends and flight--and what it felt like to be the first man to walk on the moon. This book is 382 pages.
4. Haatchi & Little B: The Inspiring True Story of One Boy and His Dog
Wendy Holden
In this international best-seller, the author recounts the true story of how wheelchair-bound Owen (known as “Little B” to his family) strikes up a special, and unbreakable, bond with a big Anatolian Shepherd who has had his own struggles in life. This book is 224 pages.
5. A Tale for the Time Being
Ruth Ozeki
Picked by: Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff
This novel by Buddhist priest Ruth Ozeki, shortlisted for The Man Booker Prize in 2013, is nothing short
of astounding. I read it earlier this year and would rank it among by top favorite fiction books of all time.
A Tale for the Time Being weaves together the lives of two women separated by thousands of geographical miles and a significant generation gap. A middle-aged novelist named Ruth finds a mysterious diary washed up on the shore of the remote and isolated island where she lives. The diary was written by a 16-year-old girl in Japan named Nao, who recounts the details of her great-grandmother’s life and her own isolation, brought about as a result of bullying by her classmates. This book is 432 pages.
Need more reading material for the summer? Check out National Jeweler’s picks for the month of June.
More on Other
The Latest
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
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.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 ExecsArien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
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.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
