The 23-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, set to headline Christie’s May jewelry auction, was expected to sell for as much as $50 million.
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

G.B. Heron Jewelers in Salisbury, Maryland, is set to close as its owner, Jeff Cassels, retires.

Emmanuel Raheb outlines the differences between the two platforms and posits that the most successful jewelers use both.

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

The miner said its April sale featured a mix of commercial-quality primary rubies and secondary rubies of varying quality.


U.S. customs agents in El Paso, Texas, intercepted the package, which would have been worth $9 million if the jewelry was genuine.

Health monitors become statement pieces when paired with the brand’s new collection of stackable diamond-studded bands.

Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.

Ten organizations were selected this year.

Kim Carpenter and Sam Gevisenheit have joined the brand.

“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.

Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.

Designer Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.

The company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

Simon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.

A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.

The company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.

The organization also announced its board of directors.

Charms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.

Located in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.

Paola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.

A platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.

The basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.

The Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.

The 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.

Lilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.