The middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.
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

It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.

The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.


Jake Duneier and Danielle Duneier-Goldberg have stepped into the roles of CEO and president, respectively.

The “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

The Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.

Eric Ford will step into the role, bringing with him decades of experience.

In addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.

The “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.

The seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.

The New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.

The trade-only event will host its debut fair in the Emerald City later this month.

Its sessions will focus on inventory strategies, staff performance, retention and acquisition, emerging market trends, and more.

For its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.

The jewelry company is one of several contributing to relief efforts in the region after the recent floods.

Inspired by fiancé Sid Wilson’s nickname for her, the white and yellow diamond ring features a unique honeycomb design.

The brand is marking its 50th anniversary with a limited-edition bangle, high jewelry suites, new collections, and more.

Goldfarb said changes in the industry, coupled with his age and the updates needed to modernize his business, drove his decision.

Longtime LVMH executive Michael Burke has stepped into the role.

Central topics of next week’s event include climate action, labor rights, artisan preservation, and value retention in producing countries.

Vickie Rokkos has joined the jewelry company as its new national sales director of North America.

Turbulence will be the new baseline for luxury as it faces its biggest potential setbacks in 15 years, a recent report said.

Sponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply

The “For the Love of Fruits” collection features five fruit pendants, each holding a different meaning.