CollectionsJul 17, 2025
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.
OtherDec 30, 2014
The 10 most popular stories of 2014
Remembering Scott Kay, a jeweler pleading guilty to selling fakes, and the biggest mistakes jewelers make in displaying merchandise were among National Jeweler’s most-clicked-on articles of the year.
New York--This year was another one full of activity for the industry, with the most-clicked-upon stories including those detailing acquisitions, lawsuits, investigations and trends in jewelry design.
Here are the 10 most popular stories on National Jeweler in 2014 by number of pageviews.
Happy New Year to all.
1. After designer’s death, Scott Kay Inc. to carry on
Scott Kay, one of the industry’s most well-known designers, died of a heart attack in New York on Dec. 4 at the age of 57. His eponymous jewelry company closed the following day in memoriam as the news was released. Though the business opened again just days later, with the Kay family saying that the company will “forge on,” as he would have wanted, the industry continued to remember and honor the industry pioneer.
2. Jeweler admits to selling fakes for last 16 years
After an investigation into Williamsville, N.Y. jeweler Paul Blarr earlier this year found that he was selling diamond simulants as real stones and plated gold as karat gold, Blarr, 47, pleaded guilty in May to the charges brought against him. In total, the charges encompassed 89 victims who lost $630,000. He now faces up to 50 years in state prison, and is expected to be sentenced in January.
3. The top 10 mistakes made in displaying merchandise
This story was reported live from American Gem Society Conclave held in San Diego in April. Larry Johnson of Larry Johnson Consulting held a seminar on opening day about the most common mistakes that jewelers make with their showcases and how they can fix the problems with correct display techniques, signage and by generating new ideas.
4. The ongoing debate over old cuts
This story details the continuing conversation between antique diamond dealers and the GIA regarding the application of modern grading standards to diamonds that were cut decades ago.
5. Brand co. buys Judith Ripka in $22M deal
In April, jewelry company Judith Ripka was sold to Xcel Brands Inc., a New York-based brand management company that also owns Isaac Mizrahi New York and Liz Claiborne New York. Xcel acquired the jewelry brand and its intellectual property for approximately $22.5 million, and it was announced at the time of the deal that Ripka would remain with the company as the brand’s chief designer.
6. Trends from Tucson: Cool colors dominate
This story highlights the top
trends seen at the trade shows in Tucson in February. A number of industry experts helped National Jeweler identify the gemstones and colors that were trending across the city, finding that many colors on the cool end of the spectrum were prevalent.
7. Pantone announces the shades of spring
In September, color institute Pantone released the second of its Fashion Color Reports for 2014, announcing the 10 hues that will be prominent in design in spring 2015. The top colors, as defined by Pantone, include Aquamarine, Scuba Blue, Lucite Green, Classic Blue and Toasted Almond.
8. Alor battles Charriol in court, reverts to ‘Alor’
In February, Alor made an announcement that it was “returning to its roots” and no longer would be selling Charriol jewelry in the United States. It would, instead, go back to selling Alor-branded jewelry. Underlying the announcement, National Jeweler found, was a legal battle between the two companies that had begun in the spring of 2013.
9. Signet-Zale: The culmination of consolidation
In February, Signet Jewelers Ltd. and Zale Corp. announced that Signet, parent company of Sterling Jewelers, would acquire Zale in a deal valued at $1.4 billion. After the news was released, National Jeweler analyzed the price tag on the deal, what it would mean for the jewelry industry as a whole and what the real “pickup” of the acquisition was for Signet.
10. Cartier sues former exec for trade secret theft
Cartier filed a lawsuit in July against its former director of off-line advertising. In the suit, Cartier parent company Richemont claimed that Melissa Pordy asked a co-worker to download confidential information about advertising plans, then tried to entice that same employee to follow her to competitor Tiffany & Co. The company sought unspecified damages in the case, the return of the $28,889 in allegedly unearned wages, and the return and/or destruction of any confidential information in her possession.
7. Pantone announces the shades of spring
In September, color institute Pantone released the second of its Fashion Color Reports for 2014, announcing the 10 hues that will be prominent in design in spring 2015. The top colors, as defined by Pantone, include Aquamarine, Scuba Blue, Lucite Green, Classic Blue and Toasted Almond.
8. Alor battles Charriol in court, reverts to ‘Alor’
In February, Alor made an announcement that it was “returning to its roots” and no longer would be selling Charriol jewelry in the United States. It would, instead, go back to selling Alor-branded jewelry. Underlying the announcement, National Jeweler found, was a legal battle between the two companies that had begun in the spring of 2013.
9. Signet-Zale: The culmination of consolidation
In February, Signet Jewelers Ltd. and Zale Corp. announced that Signet, parent company of Sterling Jewelers, would acquire Zale in a deal valued at $1.4 billion. After the news was released, National Jeweler analyzed the price tag on the deal, what it would mean for the jewelry industry as a whole and what the real “pickup” of the acquisition was for Signet.
10. Cartier sues former exec for trade secret theft
Cartier filed a lawsuit in July against its former director of off-line advertising. In the suit, Cartier parent company Richemont claimed that Melissa Pordy asked a co-worker to download confidential information about advertising plans, then tried to entice that same employee to follow her to competitor Tiffany & Co. The company sought unspecified damages in the case, the return of the $28,889 in allegedly unearned wages, and the return and/or destruction of any confidential information in her possession.
More on Other
The Latest
Supplier BulletinJul 17, 2025
The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025: Your Holiday Preparations, All Wrapped Up! Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025
SurveysJul 17, 2025
The Most Recommended Brands in the World, According to YouGovGlobally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.
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.
IndependentsJul 17, 2025
Gina Ferranti of GiGi Ferranti Jewelry Dies at 59The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.
Weekly QuizJul 17, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJul 17, 2025
Rio Tinto Names New CEO, Production Rises at DiavikProduction at the mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories topped 1 million carats in Q2, the third consecutive quarter of growth.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2025
JA to Hold Learning Workshops This FallA new slate of Learning Workshops will take place in Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Georgia.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
MajorsJul 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.
