From a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
What you might have missed
A roundup of the major chain stores that’ll be open on Thanksgiving Day and one independent retailer’s plan to compete with big-box Black Friday deals were the top stories on National Jeweler last week.
New York--Here are the five most popular stories from NationalJeweler.com and the three most popular posts from the 10X Blog for the week of Nov. 16 to 22, according to Google Analytics.
NationalJeweler.com
1. Which retailers will be open on Thanksgiving Day?
With the increasing backlash against stores that opt to open for shopping on this family-driven holiday, National Jeweler looks at which stores will and won’t open their physical stores on turkey day this year.
2. A plan for pulling in customers on Black Friday.
One New York jeweler is aiming to compete with big-box retailers on Black Friday with a new deal for its customers that involves a camera and a television.
3. Jewelry auction website Bidz to liquidate.
This story from July details the dissolution of online auction website Bidz.com.
4. 5 jewels that once belonged to Lauren Bacall.
This spring, Bonhams New York will auction a 700-piece collection from the estate of film star Lauren Bacall, including 30 of her best jewels from top brands like Cartier and Chanel as well as a few from her personal favorite, well-known designer Jean Schlumberger.
5. Index tracking fancy color diamond prices launched.
The new Fancy Color Research Foundation has launched, focusing on tracking prices and supporting sales of fancy color diamonds, particularly yellow, pink and blue stones.
10X
1. Retail words of the year.
After Oxford Dictionaries named vape, normcore and slacktivism as its top words of the year, Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff takes a look at the words she thinks have shaped the retail industry in 2014 in part one of this three-part blog.
2. To a minimum.
Celebrities have been stepping onto the red carpet this fall in minimal jewelry, swapping their statement-making baubles for stud earrings and simple ring designs that create a sleek, understated look. See the best looks in this blog from Associate Editor Brecken Branstrator.
3. Jewelry for every woman’s ‘hero aspect.’
After an office visit from designer Lisa Kim, Branstrator rounds up a few of the best pieces from Kim’s new “Windlords” collection for 2015, a feminine-yet-edgy line that draws from her love of mythology, fantasy literature and ancient history.
The Latest

Groundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.

Jost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine


From shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.

The designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.

“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.

The lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.

A Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.

New collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.

The citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.

Lanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.

A replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.

Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.

To enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.

The grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.

The winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.

The rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.

It is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.

Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.

The jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.

Spectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.

Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.

Alexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.




















