SurveysAug 21, 2026
These Are 2026’s Hottest Retailers, Says NRFThe retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.
OtherSep 10, 2014
5 new, potentially good reads for September
National Jeweler sifted through Goodreads’ releases again this month to bring jewelers four more books that could be good for business, as well as one editor’s suggestion for a nice read on the side.
This month’s Goodreads selections include a book that guides business leaders on how to close the gap between strategy and sales efforts and one that teaches readers to find the information needed for critical decision-making.
New York--Online book discussion site Goodreads just released its list of recently published books for its users this month.
As it has done for the past few months, National Jeweler again has sifted through the virtual stacks to find a handful of recent releases that may be useful to business owners, including a book about closing the gap between business strategy and sales efforts, looking beyond the obvious to find the information needed to make critical decisions, and how to regain lost minutes and hours from “time bandits.”
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 of our editors.
1. The Power of Noticing: What the Best Leaders See
Max Bazerman
Imagine the advantages one would have in negotiations, decision-making and leadership if a person could be taught to see and evaluate information that others overlook, Bazerman posits. In this book, he uses his extensive research and experience to teach readers exactly how to notice and act on information that might not be immediately obvious. He uses real-life experiences such as the Challenger Space Shuttle disaster and Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi scheme to show what information was ignored and why. Using these examples, he challenges readers to recognize their “cognitive blind spots” and identify details that they would otherwise miss. This book is 240 pages.
2. The Time Bandit Solution: Recovering Stolen Time You Never Knew You Had
Edward Brown
Few people realize how often they’re at the mercy of what Brown refers to as “time bandits,” people who steal their time, not maliciously but nonetheless with negative effects on other pursuits. And since many of these people are also family, friends, colleagues and clients, nobody likes to say no or disappoint. In comes The Time Bandit Solution to help readers get rid of unwanted, unnecessary and unproductive interruptions and regain their time by teaching them methods to gracefully negotiate with “time bandits” to prevent the interruptions that sap productivity and personal satisfaction. This book is 248 pages.
3. Aligning Strategy and Sales: The Choices, Systems, and Behaviors that Drive Effective Selling
Frank Cespedes
The gap between a company’s sales efforts and strategy is often very real, and also a huge vulnerability. This book takes a look at how to address that gap, actionably and with support
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
from recent relevant research. Harvard Business School professor Frank Cespedes equips readers with the ability to link their market initiatives with strategic goals, offering a map to articulate a strategy that other team members can understand and that will encourage behavior for profitable growth. This book is 336 pages.
4. Unlocking Potential: 7 Coaching Skills That Transform Individuals, Teams, and Organizations
Michael Simpson
To be an effective leader, bosses need to be more than just managers; they also need to be coaches. After spending more than 25 years training executives to become effective coaches, Simpson wrote this book to help leaders acquire the skills to coach personnel from the ground up, maximizing potential on a personal level, as members of the team, and as part of the overall organization. A change in strategy like this can transform business relationships and optimize productivity, profitability, loyalty, and customer focus, according to Simpson. This book is 146 pages.
5. Editor’s recommendation: Gone Girl
Gillian Flynn
Associate Editor Brecken Branstrator might be a little behind on getting around to this one, but it’s better late than never with this suspenseful thriller. The book tackles the floundering marriage of Nick and Amy Dunne. It’s the day of their fifth wedding anniversary when Amy goes missing from their home on the Mississippi River in Carthage, Mo. Nick eventually becomes a prime suspect due to a few reasons, chief among them that he used her money to start a business, increased her life insurance, and also appeared unemotional and erratic when in the news. The story continues as the mystery unfolds and the reader aims to find out what happened that day and who’s really guilty. This book is 395 pages.
More on Other
The Latest
WatchesAug 21, 2026
Bremont Names Former Vacheron Constantin Exec CMODaniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.
CollectionsAug 21, 2026
Bijules, Kamyen Serve Up ‘Topspin’ Tennis Bracelet Ahead of US OpenIn our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
PodcastsAug 20, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLindenThe industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.
Weekly QuizAug 20, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TechnologyAug 20, 2026
A New AI-Powered Gemstone Identification App Is HereFounder Vik Westermann said the app is a “starting point” to inspire people to work with appraisers and gem labs, not replace them.
AuctionsAug 20, 2026
Storied Unicorn Brooch Up for Auction Gallops to New Home The Verdura brooch, which belonged to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, was sold to a private collector in Asia.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
Events & AwardsAug 20, 2026
MJSA Education Foundation Names 5 Scholarship WinnersThe five students were awarded a total of $10,000 through the nonprofit’s 2026 “Future of Jewelry Making” scholarship.
MajorsAug 20, 2026
Plumb Club Elects 2026-2027 BoardSteven Lerche is now beginning his term as the youngest member to become president of The Plumb Club’s elected executive committee.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Mike Alexander To Succeed Scott Murphy as Jewelers Mutual CEO Murphy will retire at the end of the year and Alexander, currently the company’s president, will take over at the start of 2027.
Policies & IssuesAug 19, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Embraces Dupes With Trade-In ProgramThe jeweler is encouraging customers who own lookalike rings to come into the store and trade them for credit towards an authentic piece.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Zales Wants You to Wear Fine Jewelry Every DayThe new campaign, “You Are The Occasion,” discourages shoppers from saving their fine jewelry for special occasions only.
SourcingAug 19, 2026
Vasant Mehta, a Dedicated Diamond Industry Leader, Dies at 81Mehta led India’s GJEPC through the 2008 financial crisis and was respected worldwide for his wisdom, integrity, and knowledge.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
2 California Men Arrested in Fatal Vehicle Smash RobberyOne is the driver who allegedly crashed a car into a Sacramento jewelry store in April, striking a 71-year-old employee who later died.
ColumnistsAug 18, 2026
Peter Smith: The IKEA Effect and Bridal Branding In a new column, Peter Smith posits that people actually enjoy putting together IKEA furniture, and the same is true for engagement rings.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
Thieves Snatch $1M in Jewelry From New Jersey Jeweler9lakha Jewelers in Iselin, New Jersey, was the target of a smash-and-grab robbery on Aug. 8.
Lab-GrownAug 18, 2026
Ring Concierge, Kendall Jenner’s Tequila Brand Collab on GiveawayThe jeweler has partnered with 818 Tequila to gift lab-grown diamond studs to a bride-to-be and their bridal party.
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
Exhibition on Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Studios to Open at The MetThe exhibition will feature more than 100 drawings of stained-glass lampshades, windows, and more, many created by women and émigrés.
CollectionsAug 17, 2026
Marquise Diamonds Dance in Spinelli Kilcollin’s ‘Wren’ CollectionMarquise-cut diamonds in drop charms are the center of the new collection, reflecting the movement of a dancer in modular styles.
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
There’s a New Jewelry Show Coming to FloridaThe inaugural Fort Lauderdale Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show will be held from Jan. 28 through Feb. 1, 2027.
IndependentsAug 14, 2026
Smyth Jewelers to Open Fourth LocationThe family-owned jeweler will open a new showroom in Bel Air, Maryland, this fall.
CrimeAug 14, 2026
Wife of Man Convicted in Jeweler’s Murder Sentenced for Conspiracy Amanda Ileana Hernandez is married to Carlos Hernandez, one of two men in prison for the 2024 murder of Michigan jeweler Hussein Murray.
TrendsAug 14, 2026
Paul Morelli’s Latest ‘Wavey Vine’ Earrings Embrace ColorThe reimagined jewel, our Piece of the Week, trades the diamonds in the original 1998 design for blue, pink, yellow, and green sapphires.
Supplier BulletinAug 13, 2026
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSponsored by American Gem Trade Association
FinancialsAug 13, 2026
Pandora’s ‘Talisman’ Collection Shines, Lab-Grown Diamond Sales FallIn the United States, second-quarter sales were flat amid soft consumer sentiment and lower in-store traffic.
AuctionsAug 13, 2026
This Gold Cadbury ‘Conundrum’ Egg Set a World Auction RecordThe 22-karat gold egg, sold at Batemans Auctioneers in the U.K., was part of a 1980s treasure hunt ad campaign for Cadbury Creme Eggs.
