ColumnistsMay 26, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
OtherMar 01, 2016
5 good reads for November
A book celebrating life’s little victories and another on saying “yes” to situations out of one’s comfort zone are two of the reads recommended for this month.
New York--A book about celebrating life’s little victories and another on saying “yes” to situations out of one’s comfort zone are two new releases on Goodreads this month that could benefit business owners.
The following list includes these two, as well as three other potentially good reads for November, including one recommended by a National Jeweler editor.
1. Little Victories: Perfect Rules for Imperfect Living
Jason Gay
In this book, Wall Street Journal columnist Jason Gay provides a collection of essays on topics such as marriage, travel, style, children, sports and life in general, doing so through a humorous and sometimes heartfelt way that reminds the reader to celebrate all “little victories.” This book is 224 pages.
2. Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person
Shonda Rimes
Author Shonda Rimes currently is the creator and producer of some of the most popular shows on television today--Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal and How to Get Away with Murder. But even as she writes about bold characters not afraid to speak their minds, Rimes herself is an introvert. At the beginning, she hired a publicist to help avoid public appearances and even had panic attacks before media interviews. After turning down invitations and instead burying herself in work, she was given a wake-up call in 2013, after which she decided to say yes to everything that scared her for one year. This memoir explores her life both before her “Year of Yes” and after, and how it changed her outlook. It is 336 pages.
3. The Bassoon King: My Life in Art, Faith, and Idiocy
Rainn Wilson
After playing Dwight Schrute in the TV series The Office and subsequently creating one of America’s favorite workplace characters, Wilson went on to start a website and media company called SoulPancake that eventually turned into a bestselling book of the same name. In The Bassoon King, Wilson tells his own story of how
he developed his unique sense of humor and perspective on life, as well as how he reached both personal and professional achievements. This book is 320 pages.
4. My Adventures with Your Money: George Graham Rice and the Golden Age of the Con Artist
T.D. Thornton
He was born Jacob Simon Herzig in 1870, but later changed his name to George Graham Rice as he became one of the most successful swindlers in American history. Starting out with only seven dollars to his name, Rice turned a chance horse racing tip into millions, then lost and gained his fortune several times over. Using his knowledge of “sucker psychology” to bilk the public in any way possible, he made enemies of the rich like J.P. Morgan and attracted the attention of gangsters at the same time. This book is 304 pages.
5. Editor’s Pick: Just Kids
Patti Smith
In Just Kids, legendary American singer-songwriter Patti Smith offers a glimpse into her relationship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, from romance to friendship, and their adventures and struggles as the two relied on each other as they established their own footing and identity in 1960s and 1970s New York City. It is 304 pages.
More on Other
The Latest
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
12 JCK Talks Sessions to Add to Your Las Vegas ScheduleThe trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
CBG Brings Its Curated Designer Project to Las Vegas ShowThe Curated Designer Project has expanded to highlight eight independent jewelry designers during CBG’s Las Vegas show.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
TrendsMay 26, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Cooldown Is ComingBring a cool tone to your summer jewelry with these white metal pieces.
Weekly QuizMay 21, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2026
Instore Buys JA New York ShowThe deal closed this week, which means Instore will produce the JA NY show slated to take place this fall.
FinancialsMay 22, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Lead the Charge in Q4The company’s jewelry sales were up in Q4 and the fiscal year, with Richemont raising prices in part because of the cost of gold.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
CollectionsMay 22, 2026
Leigh Maxwell Celebrates 5 Years at Couture With ‘Bauble’ CollectionThe “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.
MajorsMay 22, 2026
Stuller’s New Packaging, Display Catalog Is Out The updated catalog has a newly dedicated section for gift wrapping.
PodcastsMay 21, 2026
Episode 5: Sotheby’s Frank Everett Puts the Auction Market in PerspectiveEverett covers colored stones’ surging popularity, the mellow return of the “Mellon Blue,” and his “The Devil Wears Prada” doppelgänger.
IndependentsMay 21, 2026
Springer’s Jewelers’ New Flagship Will Serve Next-Gen Luxury ShoppersFourth-generation CEO Lilly Mullen wants to emphasize experience, connection, and personalized service.
Events & AwardsMay 21, 2026
JA Announces Nina Pugliese Memorial ScholarshipThe new award, created in partnership with Henne Jewelers, honors the late designer’s legacy through supporting jewelry education.
SourcingMay 21, 2026
Botswana, Angola Join WFDBThe addition of the diamond-producing countries as nation affiliated members broadens the federation’s global representation, WFDB said.
CrimeMay 20, 2026
NYPD Warns of Jewelry Swap Scams Targeting SeniorsThe NYPD is warning elderly New Yorkers to keep their jewelry hidden when walking outside to avoid being a target.
IndependentsMay 20, 2026
Adornment & Theory’s New Store Feels Like Home Designer Viviana Langhoff has realized her dream of owning a space for her Chicago jewelry store that looks and feels like her brand.
Events & AwardsMay 20, 2026
Here Is Couture’s 2026 Education Lineup The sessions will run from Friday, May 29, to Sunday, May 31, with one being a live taping of an episode of Couture’s podcast.
Lab-GrownMay 20, 2026
Savannah Friedkin Jewelry Names New CEOFormer Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry executive Morgan P. Richardson is joining the lab-grown diamond jewelry brand.
WatchesMay 19, 2026
Here’s the AP x Swatch Pocket Watch That Caused PandemoniumThe $400 pocket watch is a blend of Audemars Piguet’s iconic eight-sided Royal Oak and Swatch’s unserious Pop watches from the ‘80s.
CollectionsMay 19, 2026
Chris Ploof’s New Collection Makes an Ancient Metal ModernWith gold prices on the rise, the “Modern Electrum” collection uses an alternative, non-tarnishing metal alloy composed of gold and silver.
IndependentsMay 19, 2026
Ellen and Michael Fruchtman Retire, Sell Marketing Agency Fruchtman Marketing has new owners, Erin Moyer-Carballea and Manuel Carballea, and will relocate to Miami.
ColumnistsMay 19, 2026
Peter Smith: The (Mostly) Immutable Sales TruthsIn a column for the 2026 State of the Majors issue, Smith lists 10 time-tested principles about sales that still ring true.
ColumnistsMay 18, 2026
Edahn Golan: What a K-Shaped Economy Means for Fine JewelryIn a column for the 2026 State of the Majors issue, Golan spells out how the growing economic divide in the U.S. is reshaping the market.
CollectionsMay 18, 2026
Foundrae’s New Collection Taps Into JoyThe “Limitless Expansion of Joy and Hope” collection evokes summer through colored gemstones and motifs of butterflies and florals.
CollectionsMay 18, 2026
Hancocks London Acquires Historic ‘Inchiquin’ EmeraldThe jewel, circa 1890, is from the late Victorian era and was owned by descendants of the last high king of Ireland.
Events & AwardsMay 18, 2026
Here Are the 2026 JCK Industry Fund Grant Recipients This is what the nine recipients plan to do with the funds.
AuctionsMay 15, 2026
American Collector Ponies Up Almost $17K for John Wayne’s RingThe Western star’s 14-karat gold signet ring sold for six times its low estimate following a bidding war at U.K. auction house Elmwood’s.
