SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
OtherFeb 24, 2016
Exercising Tolerance and Respect on Social Media
Peter Smith says retailers need to be respectful when engaging in sensitive discussions on social media, or they run the risk of losing customers, vendors or employees with opposing viewpoints.
The tragic events that unfolded in San Bernardino on Dec. 2 were a horrible reminder that we live in a very difficult and complex world. We must not only contend with wars in the Middle East that are wholly different from anything previous generations would have experienced, but also the ever-present specter of tragedy in our own midst from people that, quite frankly, might have been shopping next to us in the grocery store the day before, or might have been our own neighbors.
Much as we like to simplify and categorize, the face of evil has no particular look or ethnicity or belief system. Those despicable people who think nothing of taking innocent lives in movie theaters, schools, churches and places of business have no single face. They look like James Holmes in Aurora, Seung-Hui-Cho at Virginia Tech, Dylan Roof in Charleston, Adam Lanza in Sandy Hook, Aaron Alexis in D.C., Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold at Columbine, and Syed Rizwan Farook and his wife Tashfeen Malik in San Bernardino.
While the debate will rage on about how to stop these lunatics, what there can surely be no debating is the level of incivility and, all too frequently, vitriol that is unleashed by people about guns and gun violence after each one of these terrible events.
This column on National Jeweler is clearly not the place to offer opinions or perspectives on that topic, but it is worth reminding everyone that we ought to be able to engage in reasoned and respectful discussion on this and other sensitive topics without descending into attacks via social media against anyone who dares to weigh in with a viewpoint that differs from ours.
Here’s a newsflash: Your customers don’t agree with you on all sensitive matters. It is probably fair to speculate that about half of your customers will hold opposing views to you on many matters of sensitivity, be it politics, guns, religion, abortion or equality in marriage.
I’ll refrain from suggesting that we ought to celebrate our differences on these and other equally sensitive topics. Forget that--I’m not interested in celebrating a viewpoint with which I fundamentally disagree.
What we should do, however, is afford each other the common courtesy and the respect not to resort to petty name-calling or labeling because you disagree with someone’s position on an issue. We should not ascend the stairs
of the bully pulpit to attack people who have different opinions than us, and if we cannot engage in reasonable conversation about our differences, we should disengage on that particular topic.
Social media can be an interesting platform to discuss all manner of things if it is done in a respectful manner. I mean, do we really want to see our preferred platforms become all about what somebody had for dinner or what airport they are in right now? I very much enjoy reading articles that are posted from my contacts and it’s OK if I don’t always agree with them. I expect no less from my contacts; they are free to read or not read my postings and welcome to comment or not comment on them.
What we should not be OK with is tolerance of incivility or cyber-bullying from people who are so hell-bent on their own position that they don’t mind who they offend. Civil discourse is really not such a bad thing … it usually works out pretty well and generally doesn’t strip anyone’s dignity or sense of whom or what they believe.
Unless you are currently posting signs on your door uninviting customers, employees and vendors who do not share your views on all matters, it’s just not smart business to be disrespectful on social media.
Peter Smith, author of Hiring Squirrels: 12 Essential Interview Questions to Uncover Great Retail Sales Talent, has spent more than 30 years building sales teams at retail and at wholesale. He is president of Vibhor Gems and he has previously worked with companies such as Tiffany & Co., Montblanc and Hearts On Fire. Email him at peter@vibhorgems.com, dublinsmith@yahoo.com or reach him on LinkedIn.
More on Other
The Latest
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
