Laughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.
What you might have missed
An article detailing the continued shrinkage of the jewelry industry was the most-read story on National Jeweler last week, while an article about the yellow diamond still for sale at Borsheims came in second.

New York--Here are the top five stories on NationalJeweler.com from May 3 to 9, according to Google Analytics.
1. Retailers, wholesalers continue to close up shop
According to the latest statistics from the Jewelers Board of Trade, the industry shrinkage that was recorded last year has carried over into the first quarter of 2015.
2. Post-purchase, layoffs occur at Scott Kay
Frederick Goldman has laid off a number of employees at Scott Kay Inc., the brand it acquired in February following the untimely death of its founder and designer Scott Kay in late 2014.
3. Borsheims’ golden diamond still up for grabs
While the Omaha retailer sold many stones during Berkshire Hathaway’s shareholders event earlier this month, the 50.02-carat fancy yellow remains in stock.
4. Trendy picks for Mother’s Day jewels
Top jewels expected to sell for Mother’s Day this year included personalized pieces, stackable bangles and sterling silver items.
5. Macy’s gets into the off-price business
The retailer is set to open four Macy’s Backstage stores this fall in the New York City area, selling marked-down merchandise, including fine jewelry.
The Latest

The California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.

A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

The deadline to apply is Nov. 13.


The auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.

Zaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.

The British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.

The “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.

Nelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.

Cat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.

Arnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.

The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.

The stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.

Engagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Former Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.

The veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.

Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).

The labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.

“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.

The “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.

This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.

The former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.

The employee-owned jeweler was named a “Best Place to Work” in Maine, New Hampshire, and for women.

The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.





















