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 jeweler facing felony charges for replacing stones and the struggles with finding qualified help were among the top stories on NationalJeweler.com last week.
New York--In case last week was too busy for a quick check-in with the National Jeweler website or Daily newsletters, here’s a round-up of the five stories that proved to be most popular.
Below are the top stories from NationalJeweler.com from March 8 to 14, according to Google Analytics.
1. NC jeweler arrested for replacing stones with fakes
The owner of Custom Jewelers Gallery in Greensboro is facing felony charges after he allegedly replaced real diamonds and gemstones with stimulants in the ring of one elderly customer who also was a former employee of the store.
2. Help is wanted, but it’s hard to find
The number of small business owners who can’t find qualified people to fill open positions has reached its highest level since before the recession, a survey by the National Federation of Independent Business shows.
3. Apple Watch to hit stores in April
The much-anticipated smartwatch, which comes in 18-karat gold, will be sold in select specialty stores in addition to Apple’s own retail locations.
4. Three ways to be a happier person
Focusing on one’s body, eliminating clutter and cultivating relationships are three of the most important aspects to being happier, author and keynote speaker Gretchen Rubin said at WJA’s In the Know conference Tuesday.
5. Sales tax fairness resurfaces in Senate
After being passed by the Senate in 2013 but stumbling in the House, a bill designed to force online-only retailers to collect sales tax in every state is back.
The Latest

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Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine


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“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.




















