The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.
8 New Year’s resolutions from retailers
At a time when many people are focusing on their health and happiness for the next year, jewelers across the country share with National Jeweler what goals they’ve set for 2015.
New York--With the New Year comes the opportunity to set and, hopefully, achieve new goals, both personally and professionally.
National Jeweler asked retailers across the country what resolutions they had set for either themselves or their stores in 2015.
Here’s what they had to say.
Jake Spigelman
Jay Roberts Jewelers, Marlton, N.J.
Spigelman has both a resolution and a goal for 2015.
The resolution: Engage in e-commerce by selling the brands he can online. “That’s certainly a direction our business is headed in. (But) right now, I don’t do it at all.”
The goal is to have a better year, aided by Mother Nature. “This year, we were hampered by the weather the first four months of the year,” said Spigelman, whose shop is located outside of Philadelphia. “We seemed to have a snowstorm every single week.”
Daniel Niebauer, vice president of operations
Ralph Miller Jewelers & Gallery, Erie, Pa.
Keep cranking on custom. The store has five jewelers on staff and has had much success manufacturing a line of jewelry under its own brand.
Niebauer said they plan to continue to do so in 2015, pushing into more galleries and other local shops to increases sales.
The store stands by its values of quality, craftsmanship and integrity. “That’s who we are, and we have great staff. That’s the key to success, great staff.”
Bill Longnecker
Longnecker Jewelry, McCook, Neb.
When asked about his New Year’s resolution, the Nebraska retailer offered a personal goal.
“I think my resolution is to finish my apartment remodeling project,” he said, noting that it’s been eight years in the making. “That’s my resolution, to finish my apartment.”
Jim Alperin
James Alperin Jewelers, Pepper Pike, Ohio
This suburban Cleveland retailer has a very honest take on this tradition of making promises that usually center on gym memberships or new savings accounts but fizzle by February.
“I didn’t make one,” he said. “I hate breaking them.”
Debbie Fox
Fox Fine Jewelers, Ventura, Calif.
When asked what her New Year’s resolution was, Fox noted that hers was probably different from most.
“My resolution is not to work so hard, but that is because I just came off of a year of gutting and restoration of a building, expanding our staff and moving our store.”
Stephanie Weber
Weber Jewelers, Kettering, Ohio
Weber said that the store has been focused on honoring who they
Weber Jewelers is focusing on its past and what has set the store apart from the competition so far, and will go from there to help for the future. For example, they’ve always been strong in opals, which Weber thinks not many jewelers offer.
For the store, this also means working on education for store employees to explore this area and keep them competitive.
“It’s hard to imitate other people if that’s not who you are,” Weber said. “You can get ideas. But for the last few years, we’ve been going with what we’re strong in, and that’s what we’ll focus on this year, too.”
Susan Eisen
Susan Eisen Fine Jewelry & Watches, El Paso, Texas
For Eisen, 2015 will be all about change. Her New Year’s resolution for the store is to look closely at how things can be improved at the store.
This means not only the physical environment of the store, but the job descriptions and how they can incorporate more technology to improve efficiency. In consolidating the roles of the staff, Eisen is hoping that they will be able to give more quality time to the tasks that will build the business.
Kelly Newton
Newton’s Jewelers, Fort Smith, Ark.
Newton’s resolution for the store in 2015 is similar to Eisen’s--to find a way to be more efficient.
“As a store with a 100-year history, this is one area that we’ve really got to work on,” he said.
Newton particularly wants to work on the store’s buying: on being smarter when it comes to what and how much inventory the store buys.
The Latest

The “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.

Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.

You deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.

In her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.


“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”

Organizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.

Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.

The Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.

The Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.

The “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.

The big diamond’s sale added to the company’s revenue though the market remains “challenging” overall, particularly for smaller goods.

Rob Bates of The Jewelry Wire will also moderate a panel on the state of the jewelry industry during the virtual event.

The Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.

With their durability, brilliance, and beauty, diamonds are the perfect stone for everyday birthstone jewelry.

The retailer failed to file its annual report on time and said it may issue a going concern warning.

Smith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.

John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.

Founder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.

“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.

“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.

Signet confirmed that Caffie, president of Zales and Banter, and Bentzen, who headed Blue Nile, have left the company.

The antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.

Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.

Iconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.

The luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.

The NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.



























