The owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.
What you might have missed
The opening of a class action lawsuit against EGL International and major retailers in early 2015 and the closing of another lawsuit against a retailer for using the lab’s grading reports were among the top stories on National Jeweler last week.
New York--Here are the five most popular stories from NationalJeweler.com for the week of Dec. 14 to 20, according to Google Analytics.
1. Attorney: Grading report class action is coming. In early 2015, a class-action lawsuit will be filed against EGL International and “major retailers,” charging that the lab systematically over-graded diamonds that the retailers then knowingly sold to consumers. There are expected to be between 10 and 20 plaintiffs to start.
2. Remaining lawsuits filed over EGL reports are settled. The three remaining lawsuits filed against Tennessee retailer Genesis Diamonds over its use of EGL International grading reports were settled.
3. Retailer does a diamond take on Apple Watch. Without knowing many specifics about where Apple would sell its smartwatch or final product specifications, Mervis Diamond Importers bolstered its holiday gift guide with a prototype of its own version of the smartwatch bedecked with over 15 carats of diamonds.
4. 5 modern forces that shaped the jewelry industry. In part one of a two-part series, columnist Jan Brassem examines the first two of the five factors that he says have transformed the jewelry industry over the past 35 years.
5. JVC: Be careful about the grading reports you use. The Jewelers Vigilance Committee recently sent out an alert reminding the industry that not only must the diamonds they sell be accurately graded but the grading system disclosed as well.
The Latest

Jeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.

May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

The new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.


NDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.

The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

She wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.

Two pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.

The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.

Led by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.

In his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.

José Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.

It has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.

The owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.

The company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.

The retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.

Of the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.

Megan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.

Following decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.

The museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.

The new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.

The “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.

Buying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.

Lazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.

A portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.





















