AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
EditorsAug 24, 2012
Sterling’s seeing blue, and brown
Sterling Jewelers made a number of big announcements during its conference call on Thursday, not the least of which is that it is now a “Select Diamantaire” of mining giant Rio Tinto, and that it's making a bigger push into...
Sterling Jewelers made a number of big announcements during its conference call on Thursday, not the least of which is that it is now a “Select Diamantaire” of mining giant Rio Tinto, and that it's making a bigger push into the world of colored diamonds.
The company is introducing “Shades of Wonder,” the new name for a line of brown and white diamond jewelry previously called “Shades of Australia.” The Shades campaign is part of Rio Tinto’s new “Diamonds with a Story” initiative, which they introduced in Las Vegas.
Diamonds with a Story is designed to highlight Rio Tinto’s social and environmental efforts in the areas around the world where it mines diamonds while giving retailers a story to tell about the product when they are trying to sell it. It’s also a way of providing marketing support for diamonds, filling the void left by the absence of De Beers.
Separately, Sterling announced that it is also is testing a line of blue diamond jewelry, which a Sterling spokesman said would be created with irradiated blue diamonds. (Natural blue diamonds are comparatively more expensive, with one industry source estimating that a 1-carat natural fancy blue would wholesale for about $200,000.) “Blue is just another color trend that is happening right now,” Mike Barnes, CEO of Sterling parent company Signet, said during the company’s earnings call on Thursday.
Sterling acknowledged that while the goods for Shades of Wonder are from a Rio Tinto mine--primarily the Argyle Diamond Mine--they are not similar to those being supplied to Sterling for its rough-to-polish initiative as a Select Diamantaire (similar to a De Beers sightholder). However, the program “strengthens and leverages” the relationship between the two companies, the spokesman said.
On the technology side, Sterling said it is implementing “digital sales technology” in both Kay Jewelers and Jared the Galleria of Jewelry stores. Translation: Each store will be equipped with a number of electronic tablets, brand not specified, that allows for browsing and shopping on Kay.com and Jared.com while in-store.
The stores already are equipped with wireless, though access is limited to Kay.com and Jared.com.
I don’t know if Sterling is considering expanding this access in the future--and I understand not wanting to give the public free rein over the entire Internet--but allowing people to visit sites such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to share their shopping experience would be a good idea.
It’s also not a bad idea to give customers access to competitors’ sites, such as Blue Nile or Zales.com. They are going to check out the competitions’ price and selection anyway--who doesn’t these days --so why not just let them do it while they are still in your store?
More on Editors
The Latest
Supplier BulletinDec 18, 2025
Cell Jammers Are Targeting Your Business. Here's How to Beat ThemSponsored by Digital Monitoring Products
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK AirportThe boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
Weekly QuizDec 18, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé PendantThe special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday CampaignThe “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
GradingDec 17, 2025
SSEF Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersTwo awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.
MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up EarlyBerta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.
AuctionsDec 16, 2025
Suzanne Belperron, JAR Shine in Sotheby’s First Auctions at New HQSotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
TJS Now Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2026Winners will receive free registration and lodging for its fourth annual event in Detroit.
ColumnistsDec 16, 2025
Beyond Unboxing: Creative Reveals to Drive Reach and EngagementHere are six ideas for making more engaging content for Instagram Reels and TikTok, courtesy of Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Names 2026 Award RecipientsThe honorees include a notable jewelry brand, an industry veteran, and an independent retailer.
CrimeDec 15, 2025
Men Receive Life Sentences in Home Invasion Murder of Jeweler Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.
Policies & IssuesDec 15, 2025
Sara Yood Named Co-Chair of RJC Standards CommitteeYood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.
IndependentsDec 15, 2025
M.S. Rau to Open Store in AspenThe New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
