From a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
What you might have missed
A blog post on the diamond industry’s price problem and a story about what the U.S.’s largest retailers have in common were two of the top stories on National Jeweler last week.

New York--Here are the top five stories on NationalJeweler.com from July 5 to 11, according to Google Analytics.
1. Whose fault is it anyway?
With rough diamond prices up while polished prices remain sluggish and global demand for diamond jewelry slumping, Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff takes a closer look at who is to blame for the problems plaguing the diamond market in this blog post.
2. Omnichannel is the ‘new reality’ for retailers
Stores magazine released its annual list of the U.S.’s largest retailers, showing that the chains that are faring best are those that have learned to connect with customers both online and off.
3. Indian traders stop short of banning rough imports
India’s top diamond exporters decided against temporarily stemming the flow of rough into the country but have outlined a number of other measures that the trade there will take to deal with oversupply and lagging demand worldwide.
4. Mine that Tiffany tapped for yellow diamonds closes
Kimberley Diamonds Ltd. suspended operation of the Ellendale Diamond Mine in northwest Australia and put the subsidiary that holds the mining license into voluntary administration.
5. Video: How to tell if your store is being cased
Since nearly all crimes against jewelers are perpetrated by someone who has been watching the store, Jewelers Mutual has created a video to help retailers train their staff on the signs of casing.
The Latest

Groundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.

Jost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine


From shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.

The designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.

“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.

The lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.

A Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.

New collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.

The citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.

Lanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.

A replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.

Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.

To enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.

The grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.

The winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.

The rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.

It is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.

Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.

The jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.

Spectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.

Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.

Alexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.




















