Sales for Richemont’s four jewelry brands increased 8 percent, while watch sales picked up toward the end of the year.
What you might have missed
Swarovski’s official launch into fine jewelry and the rising average spend on engagement rings were two of the top stories on National Jeweler last week.

New York--Here are the five most popular stories on NationalJeweler.com from March 15 to 21, according to Google Analytics.
1. Swarovski officially dives into fine jewelry
In time for its 120th anniversary, Swarovski has announced that it is introducing its first ongoing line of fine jewelry, a move that will help it reach a new group of consumers.
2. Average engagement ring spend inches closer to $6K
The average amount couples are spending on their weddings went up in 2014, including what they’re paying for engagement rings, according to a recent survey from The Knot.
3. Industry saw smash-and-grab ‘explosion’ in 2014’
While overall jewelry crime continued to trend downward in 2014, there was a spike in the number of smash-and-grab robberies due primarily to two large gangs.
4. World’s largest diamond factory opens in Singapore
IIa Technologies said it has a commercially viable process for creating high-quality, Type IIa diamonds at a new 200,000 square-foot facility.
5. Breitling connects chronograph with smartphone
The brand’s new Caliber B55 Connected can record information from the wristwatch onto a smartphone, and the watch’s settings can be controlled from the phone as well.
The Latest

Two scholarships are available, one for new and non-members and another for NAJA certified members.

The retailer’s new flagship is set to open in October at the Tuscan Village development in Salem, New Hampshire.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Sapphires, emeralds, and rubies are finding their place in a U.S. market captivated by the gemstones once referred to as “semi-precious.”


Plus, parent company Saks Global announces plans to cut ties with up to 600 vendors.

Peter Smith joined Michelle Graff to chat about the state of brick-and-mortar stores and share a few book and podcast recommendations.

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

The necklace features a candy-colored Australian white opal in 18-karat Fairmined gold, as the brand was named a Fairmined ambassador.

Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show

A private American collector purchased the 10-carat fancy vivid blue diamond.

The designer has taken the appeal of freshly picked fruit and channeled it into a capsule collection of earrings, necklaces, and pendants.

The country’s gem and jewelry exports fell 5 percent year-over-year last month, while imports declined 18 percent.

Around 54 million Americans and counting live with a disability. Here’s how to make your jewelry store and website more accessible.

The event is also accepting poster submissions now through June 16.

Before Pope Leo XIV was elected, a centuries-old procedure regarding the late pontiff’s ring was followed.

The one-of-a-kind platinum Rolex Cosmograph Daytona was estimated to fetch up to $1.7 million.

While the product has entrenched itself in the market, retailers and consultants are assessing the next phase of the category’s development.

The police are trying to identify the man suspected of robbing two Tiffany & Co. locations in the area.

The well-known Maine jeweler takes over for Brian Fleming and will serve a one-year term.

The donation was the result of the brand’s annual Earth Day Ingot event.

Located in NorthPark Center, the revamped store is nearly 2,000 square feet larger and includes the first Tudor boutique in Dallas.

The nonprofit has made updates to the content in its beginner and advanced jewelry sales courses.

BIJC President Malyia McNaughton will shift roles to lead the new foundation, and Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez will succeed her as president.

As a nod to the theme of JCK Las Vegas 2025, “Decades,” National Jeweler took a look back at the top 10 jewelry trends of the past 10 years.

The company plans to halt all consumer-facing activity this summer, while Lightbox factory operations will cease by the end of the year.

Following weekend negotiations, the tax on Chinese goods imported into the United States will drop by 115 percent for the next 90 days.