The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
What you might have missed
More reactions to RapNet’s decision to stop listing diamonds with EGL reports, the sale of a Mellon’s jewelry, and another bank leaving the industry were a few of the top stories on National Jeweler last week.
New York--Here are the five most popular stories from NationalJeweler.com and the top three from the website’s blog, 10X, for the week of Sept. 14 to 20, according to Google Analytics.
NationalJeweler.com
1. RapNet’s EGL decision ignites flurry of reactions. RapNet’s decision to stop listing all EGL-graded diamonds has resulted in a number of different reactions from grading labs with the “EGL” initials and diamond trading platforms. EGL International was the latest to issue a statement about the decision.
2. In NY, Sotheby’s to sell jewels of a Mellon. On Nov. 20 and 21, Sotheby’s New York will auction a number of jewelry pieces that used to belong to horticulturalist and art collector Rachel Lambert Mellon. The sale’s expected top lot is a 9.75-carat pear-shaped fancy vivid blue diamond that is expected to sell for up to $15 million.
3. Antwerp Diamond Bank to shut down. Yet another bank is poised to exit the diamond and jewelry industry. KBC announced Friday that the sale of the Antwerp Diamond Bank to Yinren Group has fallen through, which forces it to close the bank per its agreement with the European Commission.
4. Lesotho mine yields 23-carat pink diamond. Storm Mountain Diamonds unearthed a 23.82-carat pink diamond from its Kao mine in the Kingdom of Lesotho. Dubbed the “Lesotho Storm,” the stone will be up for sale in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Antwerp between Sept. 21 and Oct. 7 by Fusion/Hennig Tenders, alongside two large yellow diamonds weighing 51 and 35 carats and more than 30,000 carats of run-of-mine production.
5. JCP aims to snag the well-heeled modern bride. J.C. Penney is elevating its Modern Bride-branded line of engagement rings by offering the “Signature Collection,” featuring rings priced between $2,500 and $10,000. The retailer also will begin selling loose diamonds on its website so that brides-to-be can create custom pieces.
10X Blog
1. A watch from Apple could lift the bunch. Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff discusses whether or not the Apple Watch could not only boost the smartwatch category in general, but reinvigorate the Millennial generation’s interest in timepieces as a whole.
2. Brazilian gemstones on the rise. This nearly 2-year-old blog seems to have come back around in popularity for readers. In this December 2012 post, National Jeweler columnist and Graduate Gemologist Edward Boehm, owner of gemstone supply and consultancy RareSource, outlines a trip he took to the
3. These are your grandmother’s pearls. Senior Editor Hannah Connorton details how she has come to appreciate her great-aunt’s jewelry and how she wears it in a modern way.
The Latest

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.


Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.

The “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.

The event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.

The Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.

Agents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.

The designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.

The trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.

The organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.

Lori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.

The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.

The “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.

Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.

Signatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.

The winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

The singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.

The bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.