Editors

6 Stories from 2018 I Hope You Didn't Miss

EditorsDec 28, 2018

6 Stories from 2018 I Hope You Didn't Miss

Some of them are from National Jeweler, and some of them are not.

20181031_SOTM-designers1.jpg
Topping the list of can’t-miss stories from 2018 is Fashion Editor Ashley Davis’ take on protecting intellectual property in the internet age. Pictured here are pieces from the popular, and oft-copied, “Fireworks” collection by Suzanne Kalan.

Earlier this month, I wrote a story detailing the 18 most-read stories on NationalJeweler.com in 2018.

As I noted, the list was a representative mix of issues that are top-of-mind for the industry—lab-grown diamonds, financing—as well as issues that are ever-present, like crime and engagement ring style trends.

But, as happens every year, there are those articles from our site that don’t get the attention I feel they deserve, seemingly slipping through the cracks and disappearing into the gaping maw that is the internet.

Below, I share a handful of such stories published on NationalJeweler.com in 2018, as well as a few articles from other websites that I enjoyed.

Feel free to share any additions to this list in the comments section below.

1. National Jeweler Fashion Editor Ashley Davis on Instagram and IP
In the 2018 State of the Majors issue, Ashley wrote what I, as the editor, thought was the best story in the book: a 2,000-plus-word examination of the intersection of intellectual property law and Instagram.

My favorite part of the story comes under the subhead “The Democratic Route,” where those interviewed debated whether it’s best to litigate in traditional court or in the court of public opinion, a/k/a “name and shame” online, when it comes to alleged copies.

Ashley’s story did not get as many clicks as the other articles from that issue when we posted it online, which I found disappointing.

But I was heartened to see Ylang 23’s Joanne Teichman share the story on Facebook with this comment: “Ashley Davis for National Jeweler has just published what I believe to be the most comprehensive article on the seamy side of the Designer Jewelry business, which is the practice of ‘faux designers’ knocking off and profiting from original designers. With the proliferation of images through Instagram and Pinterest, the battle over IP will only escalate.”

Yep.

2. National Jeweler Senior Editor Brecken Branstrator on abandoned jewelry
In the interests of keeping the peace around here in 2019, I’d next like to mention a work by my senior editor, Brecken.

In April, she wrote a story that was not designed to generate debate or tackle a controversial topic but, instead, was purely reader-driven and instructional.

Brecken shared five things jewelers should keep in mind when dealing with unclaimed jewelry, i.e., a piece of jewelry or watch that was dropped off for repair and never picked up.


Another of the

designers featured in Ashley Davis’ story on intellectual property protection in the digital age was Brooklyn, New York-based Wwake, founded by designer Wing Yau. A selection of Yau’s rings are pictured here.

3. Edahn Golan on the real size of the U.S. jewelry market
This pick is also a bit of a new year peace-keeping mission, as Mr. Golan works as a freelance researcher for National Jeweler, compiling the figures for our annual State of the Majors report (and is a longtime colleague and friend of mine).

In August, I noted in a story that the U.S. Department of Commerce had published its annual figure on jewelry sales while quietly also doing some major recalculating on figures from past years.

A couple weeks later, Edahn did a full-scale analysis of the figures and the reasons for the U.S. government’s sharp revisions, noting that the size of the jewelry industry in the United States is smaller than many believe, and that jewelry sales growth has slowed considerably in the last two decades.

Why? Edahn shared a handful of thoughts on what’s led to the slowdown, a list that includes staid design, a lack of marketing and a slowdown in demand for diamonds.

4. JCK’s Rob Bates on the changing U.S. jewelry market
As usual, Rob contributed a lot of thoughtful, on-point content to the industry over the past 365 days.

Among my favorites from his “Cutting Remarks” blog was this October post pontificating on what the quarterly figures published by the Jewelers Board of Trade are, and aren’t, telling us about the industry.

Yes, brick-and-mortar retailers are closing but Rob points out in his blog that there are also smaller companies run by young, up-and-coming designers who sell via Etsy and Instagram or out of their own studios—in other words, in non-traditional retail environments—that simply aren’t on the JBT’s radar.

They pay for everything via credit card and don’t see the need for a JBT listing; they are doing things their own way and don’t want to be part of the “old stream,” as one of the sources Rob quoted in his blog put it.

5. The Adventurine’s Marion Fasel on suffragette style
There’s a lot to love about former InStyle jewelry editor and author Marion Fasel’s venture, TheAdventurine.com: her jewelry movie reviews, those perfectly lit Insta snaps on @theadventurine, the chance of attending events where Marion will come and bring dog Hunter with her.

It was difficult to narrow it down to one article to highlight from the site, but I managed.

Around the time of the mid-term elections in November, Marion wrote a story detailing the controversy surrounding a gold wreath diadem (don’t call it a crown!) presented to Vira Boarman Whitehouse, one of the leaders of the women’s suffrage movement in New York state.

It was a brilliant way to incorporate politics, which was the topic du jour at the time the article ran, into The Adventurine’s content, and Marion employed one of my favorite expressions in her story: sour grapes, a term that should be familiar to many in this industry.

Heading into 2019 is also the perfect time to call attention to the 19th amendment, with women’s suffrage in the United States coming up on two significant anniversaries.

June 4, 2019 will mark 100 years since Congress passed the 19th amendment, and Aug. 18, 2020 will mark 100 years since its ratification. (In case anyone was wondering, Tennessee was the state that cast the deciding vote in the push for women’s suffrage.)


Sherry Smith, the director of business development at Edge Retail Academy, authored this author’s favorite column on National Jeweler in 2018, “Don’t Say ‘No’ to Your Customers.”


6. Sherry Smith on how not to say “no”
Much like Cher, I am turning back time for this last one, virtually flipping through the entire catalog of National Jeweler columns from 2018 to pick my favorite.

And the award goes to … a guest columnist.

Sherry Smith, the director of business development at Edge Retail Academy, took over husband Peter Smith’s “Spotting Squirrels” column in December and penned an excellent and well-received article on what to say to customers when they ask for a brand your store doesn’t carry, a service you don’t provide, etc.

Runners-up for best column include her other half’s anti-memo article, which touched off necessary debate on one of the industry’s most disputed practices, and Lilian Raji’s February column in which she drew up on her excellent Egypt travel guide experience to answer a jewelry designer’s question about emphasizing artistry.

I also enjoyed Peter Smith’s November article on sales tips for the holiday season, which contained advice all of us could stand to carry into 2019.

Smile, he wrote, and stay away from chronically negative people.

Happy New Year, everyone!
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Stock image of rough diamonds from the Kimberley mine
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2025
Tariff on India Will Be 25%, Trump Says

The president made the announcement via Truth Social Wednesday, adding that India also will face a penalty for its dealings with Russia.

Pomellato Mini London blue topaz and diamond bracelet
FinancialsJul 30, 2025
Kering's Jewelry Brands Resilient As H1 Sales Slide 16%

The luxury titan’s star brand Gucci continued to struggle amid a "tough" environment.

Zadok Rolex Austin
WatchesJul 30, 2025
Peek Inside Zadok Jewelers’ New Rolex Showroom in Austin

Its opening marks the completion of the retailer’s new 11,000-square-foot store in the Texas capital.

rio-article photo-diamond.jpg
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine Jewelry

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

Crowd of people in a shopping mall
SurveysJul 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in July

Respondents shared concerns about tariffs and commentary on the “Big Beautiful Bill.”

Weekly QuizJul 25, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Making a Killing in Diamonds by Rob Bates
SourcingJul 30, 2025
Rob Bates to Release Latest Book in His ‘Diamond District Mystery’ Series

“Making a Killing in Diamonds” tells the story of Mimi Rosen, the disappearance of a scientist, and the murder of lab-grown diamond CEO.

Mighty Fierce Audacious Necklace, Sandy Rubin Aziza Necklace, Koulianos Designs Illuminations Shield Pendant
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2025
Melee The Show Welcomes 15 New Designers

The first-time exhibitors, set to debut at the New York City show, share a devotion to craftsmanship, storytelling, and material integrity.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

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

Auctim emerald auction
SourcingJul 29, 2025
Auctim to Offer 7.3M+ Carats of Rough Emeralds

The online auction house’s September sale will feature rough Brazilian emeralds of various qualities.

AGS Board President for 2025-2026 Alexis Padis
MajorsJul 29, 2025
Alexis Padis Re-Elected AGS Board President

She’ll lead an executive committee consisting of President-Elect Bryan Moeller, Mitchell Clark, Bill Farmer, and Larry Rickert.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesJul 28, 2025
U.S.-EU Come to Agreement on Tariffs

Announced Sunday, the deal will set the tax on goods imported into the United States from the European Union at 15 percent.

Nanis Ipanema Collection Campaign
CollectionsJul 28, 2025
Nanis Brings a New Palette to ‘Ipanema’

A new edition of the Italian brand’s “Ipanema” collection has debuted with gemstones that evoke Brazil’s breathtaking views.

Kevin O’ Leary and George Mayer of The 1916 Company
MajorsJul 28, 2025
The 1916 Company Partners with ‘Shark Tank’ Star’s Watch Insurance Platform

The retailer will refer its customers to WonderCare, founded by venture capitalist and watch collector Kevin O’Leary.

Sissy’s new Little Rock store
IndependentsJul 28, 2025
Sissy’s Log Cabin to Open Flagship in Arkansas

The jeweler’s largest store yet is set to open in Little Rock next fall.

Jemma Wynne Forme Toggle Necklace
CollectionsJul 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jemma Wynne’s ‘Forme’ Necklace

Anne Hathaway was seen wearing the toggle necklace three times while filming scenes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”

September Hong Kong jewelry show
Events & AwardsJul 25, 2025
Pre-Registration Open for September Hong Kong Show

Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong is scheduled for Sept. 15 to 21, and buyer pre-registration will be available until Sept. 7.

Bulgari Celestial Mosaic spinel necklace
FinancialsJul 25, 2025
LVMH Sales Slip in H1 Amid ‘Prevailing Uncertainties’

Renovations at Tiffany & Co. stores ate into profits in the company’s watch and jewelry division.

Mark and Candy Udell
Events & AwardsJul 24, 2025
2 Retailers to Receive 2026 Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement

Mark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers will receive the honor at the 24th annual Gem Awards next March.

De Beers marine mining vessel the SS Nujoma
SourcingJul 24, 2025
De Beers Sees Diamond Production Sink 36% in Q2

While struggles continue at the mining and trading end of the pipeline, consumer demand for diamond jewelry is holding steady.

Francesca Villa Fantasia Collection The Crab Pendant, The Mermaid Pendant, Keep Dancing Seahorse Pendant, Keep Dancing Ladybug Pendant, Secret Dreams Pendant, The Puffer Fish Takes Flight Pendant
CollectionsJul 24, 2025
Francesca Villa Adds Dimension to Her Intaglio Characters

The “Fantasia” jewelry collection turns the intaglio animals from her “Close Encounters” collection into 3D characters.

Breitling’s special Eagles Super Bowl watch on gold bracelet
WatchesJul 24, 2025
Breitling Drops Super Bowl Watch Honoring the Philadelphia Eagles

The special Classic Avi Chronograph 42 with an Eagles-green dial is limited to 59 pieces, a nod to the Super Bowl Philadelphia just won.

Stock image of crime scene tape
CrimeJul 23, 2025
JSA Warns of Violent String of Smash-and-Grabs in California

JSA has received reports of mobs swarming jewelry stores, driving cars into the storefront or smashing through the windows.

Silvia Furmanovich Kasmir Collection Carnelian Bracelet and Sketch
CollectionsJul 23, 2025
Silvia Furmanovich’s ‘Kashmir’ Collection Is a Tribute to Northern India

The “Kashmir” collection features centuries-old craft techniques made in collaboration with the region’s master papier-mâché artisans.

Bench jeweler holding a bracelet and a tool
IndependentsJul 23, 2025
Montreal’s Ecksand Eyes Move to SoHo

Creative Director Erica Bianchini shared why the jeweler is looking to expand into the U.S. and how it’s putting Canadian craftsmanship on the map.

LAFD Fire Station 44 and Fire Station 16
IndependentsJul 23, 2025
IJO Raises Nearly $37K for LA Fire Relief

Two Los Angeles Fire Department stations plan to use the donations to upgrade their equipment and tools.

A Vanitas by Hannah Martin and Guy Berryman Sothebys
CollectionsJul 22, 2025
Jewelry With a Rock ‘n’ Roll Aesthetic Heads to Sotheby’s London

Next week, the auction house will kick off a selling exhibition of jewelry by British artist Hannah Martin and Coldplay’s Guy Berryman.

Cover of the book “Flawless: Inside the Largest Diamond Heist in History”
SourcingJul 22, 2025
Antwerp Diamond Heist Documentary Coming to Netflix

“Stolen: Heist of the Century” is based on “Flawless,” the book about the middle-of-the-night theft, and will debut on Netflix in August.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy