Gretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
What you might have missed
Articles on bridal jewelry trends for 2015 and three of the five forces that have transformed the jewelry industry over the last 35 years were among 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 website’s blog, 10X, for the week of Dec. 21 to 27, according to Google Analytics.
NationalJeweler.com
1. 6 bridal jewelry trends for 2015
National Jeweler rounds up the trends that will influence bridal designs--including unusual shapes, modified halos and color--next year.
2. 5 modern forces that shaped the industry, part II
In part two of a two-part series, columnist Jan Brassem takes a look at the final three factors that he says have disrupted and transformed the jewelry industry over the past 35 years.
3. For jewelers, just how super was Saturday?
This story, which comes as part of National Jeweler’s holiday sales report, looks at how retailers across the country did on the Saturday before Christmas, a/k/a “Super Saturday.”
4. Need a colored stone? There’s now an app for that
Colored gemstone dealer Mayer & Watt released an app dedicated to loose colored stones, allowing users to browse its inventory and/or use the app for gemstone education.
5. Rocks On: Opal’s essence continues to delight
This month’s Rocks On examines the supply, demand, and pricing dynamics for opals, and shows examples of recent pieces created with this gemstone.
10X Blog
1. The 3 biggest stories of 2014
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff recaps the headlines that had the greatest impact on the industry over the past year.
2. My favorite gemstone pieces of 2014
Associate Editor Brecken Branstrator tackles the difficult task of picking her favorite pieces of jewelry from her first full year as a member of the industry.
3. Marsala jewels for 2015
With the news that Pantone named the earthy red hue called “Marsala” as its 2015 color of the year, Branstrator showcases 10 pieces of Marsala-colored jewelry in this blog.
The Latest

Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.

With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

Laughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.


The California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.

A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

The deadline to apply is Nov. 13.

The auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.

Zaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.

Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.

The British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.

The “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.

Nelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.

Cat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.

Arnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.

The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.

The stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.

Engagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Former Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.

The veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.

Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).

The labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.

“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.

The “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.

This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.






















