ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
OtherFeb 16, 2016
Time for Action: A Multiple-Choice Quiz
In his latest quiz, columnist Jan Brassem explores how developments in technology over the past year are impacting the fine jewelry sector.
Not that long ago, I was a part-time, antediluvian professor at a well-known university. I frequently gave pop quizzes to make sure the students didn’t use the same superficial study techniques I did when I was in college, which were reflected in my final grades. (As a student, I did not let studying interrupt my girl-chasing, fraternity life or beer parties.)
Anyway, following is the third in series of quizzes not for college students but for those in the jewelry industry. This one will focus, more or less, on the events and developments of 2015 and the possible impact they could have on 2016 and beyond. I’ll leave the insight on the future up to you.
I did try to focus, though, on the shadow that is being caused by the tech industry, i.e. fitness trackers, iPhone, iPad, iPod, smartwatches and the overall, emerging wearable technology trend. It seems to me--and as you’ll see below--that the growth of the tech craze is coming at the expense of the jewelry and watch industries.
It might be worthwhile to assemble a committee/group of industry thought-leaders (as the diamond and gold councils have done in the past) to develop a contra-strategy before the growth of the entire smart device industry gets out of hand.
Who’s going to lead the initiative?
Quiz (Circle either A, B or C)
1. When there is a crude oil price slump (today in the U.S. we are staring at oil prices in the $60 to $70 per barrel range, or maybe even lower), it is reasonable to expect the gold price to move in what general direction?
A) Higher
B) Lower
C) There is no relationship.
2. Over the last few years, writes Indian jewelry analyst Beejoli Shah, tech gadgets of all kinds, even smart home thermostats that can cost as much as a fine diamond bracelet, have become extremely popular among consumers. It seems, writes Shah, that the consumer’s demand for these tech products and their widespread availability has “upset the market for jewelry.” Due to this trend, what has been showing up under the Christmas tree less and less over the last few years?
A) Diamond jewelry
B) Ham sandwiches with mustard
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
C) Bicycles
3. In an effort to expand its retail channels and simultaneously clear out Apple Watch inventory ahead of the rumored second-generation launch of the device, Apple is now selling its smartwatch where?
A) Walmart
B) Target
C) Both A and B
4. Most jewelry store owners and/or their families want to grow the family business by boosting their brand, discovering new uses of marketing technology, becoming more competitive by blocking competitors and recruiting talented employees. David Braun, a leading corporate strategist, writes that the best and smartest technique to grow a business is to …
A) Read lots of business literature
B) Develop a systematic acquisition strategy
C) Frequently revamp the showcase
5. Though Apple remains tight-lipped regarding the exact numbers of smartwatch units sold worldwide, company numbers released in October indicate the Apple Watch accounted for $1.7 billion in sales for fiscal 2015. How many Apple smartwatches do industry experts assume will be shipped globally in 2016?
A) 2 million units
B) 21 million units
C) 219 million units
6. With the assistance of UPS, FedEx and … hold on … the U.S. Postal Service, Amazon has developed its Amazon Prime initiative. For a modest annual subscription fee, the subscriber receives free two-day delivery for his/her purchases in a wide variety of categories as well as unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows with Prime Video. Does fine jewelry qualify under the program?
A) No
B) Yes
C) What is Prime again?
7. A key economic indicator measured by the University of Michigan increased in January 2016 to 93.3 from 92.6 in December 2015. The results were above market forecasts and driven by improved future expectations. This was the highest figure for this indicator since June 2015. What was this key economic indicator measuring?
A) Consumer confidence
B) Expectations for the 2016 Michigan football team
C) The projected popularity of the next Taylor Swift album
8. In study on the worldwide wearables technology market, Willa Plank and Tristan Wyatt “predict(ed) that device-makers will soon offer more holistic systems--including clothing and embedded sensors,” providing consumers more constructive lifestyle advice. What percentage do they forecast watches will capture of the total 2016 worldwide wearable devices market?
A) 12.2 percent
B) 112.1 percent
C) 48.2 percent
Answers (including sources)
1.
B. JM Bullion
2.
A. Forbes
3.
C. 9To5Mac.com
4.
B. Successful Acquisitions by David Braun, American Management Association
5.
B. IndianExpress.com
6.
B. Amazon.com
7.
A. University of Michigan
8.
C. The Wall Street Journal, Jan. 14, 2015, p. B5
Jan Brassem is a senior partner at MainBrace Global Partners, a global jewelry advisory and M&A firm with offices in New York and Hong Kong. You can e-mail him at Jan@MainBraceGlobalPartners.com.
More on Other
The Latest
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
AuctionsApr 30, 2026
Vintage Cartier Watch Crashes Through Records, Selling for $2MBelieved to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeApr 30, 2026
Masked Group Uses Hammers, Pepper Spray in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyOfficials are looking for a group that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers at an outlet mall in Round Rock, Texas, in broad daylight on April 21.
Weekly QuizApr 23, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Supplier BulletinApr 30, 2026
OROAREZZO 2026: The B2B Event for Italian Excellence in Goldsmith, Jewelry and Silver ManufacturingSponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition
MajorsApr 29, 2026
The Thought Process Behind the Mother's Day Email Opt-OutSome retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
IndependentsApr 29, 2026
Dick Abbott to Retire From The EdgeThe Edge has announced its new CEO, as well as a new partnership with an investment firm focused on founder-led software businesses.
SourcingApr 29, 2026
De Beers’ Production Rises, Market Remains ‘Challenged’De Beers’ diamond production was up 17 percent in Q1, boosted by increased output at its mines in South Africa and Canada.
AuctionsApr 29, 2026
This'll Be the Day You Own John Wayne's RingA signet ring belonging to the Western film star of Hollywood’s Golden Age will be up for auction at Elmwood’s next month.
Policies & IssuesApr 28, 2026
Tariff Refunds: How to File, What to Expect Importers can submit claims now to receive money back for the IEEPA tariffs they’ve paid, with refunds expected to take up to 90 days.
IndependentsApr 28, 2026
This North Carolina Jeweler Is Passing the TorchThe owners of Gregory Jewelers in Morganton, North Carolina, are heading into retirement.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
Doug Hucker Retires From ICAThe colored gemstone industry leader is heading into retirement after four years as the association’s CEO.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
NDC Hires Tapestry Exec to Head Global Marketing Susie Dewey joins the Natural Diamond Council as its new chief marketing officer.
AuctionsApr 27, 2026
12 Years Later, the ‘Ocean Dream’ Diamond Resurfaces at Christie’sThe largest known fancy vivid blue-green diamond could fetch more than $12 million at its second auction appearance.
ColumnistsApr 27, 2026
Stop Treating Mother’s Day Like an AfterthoughtEmmanuel Raheb says jewelers need to start marketing early and make it easy for customers to pick a gift for mom.
IndependentsApr 27, 2026
Longnecker Jewelry Celebrates 30 YearsIn honor of the milestone, the Nebraska jeweler has debuted Leslie & Co., its new in-house jewelry brand.
MajorsApr 27, 2026
JBT Re-Elects Jeff Corey as Board ChairThe trade organization, which held its annual elections earlier this year, also added five new board members.
SurveysApr 24, 2026
Mother’s Day 2026 Jewelry Spending to Top $7B, NRF SaysNRF’s annual survey found that 45 percent of consumers plan to purchase jewelry for a loved one this Mother’s Day.
TechnologyApr 24, 2026
TwentyFour’s Digital-Age Locket Is a Virtual VaultThe “Vault” charm, our Piece of the Week, expands on the memories that can be stored in a locket by connecting to your phone.
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in JulyThe open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.
IndependentsApr 23, 2026
Meet the Real Moms of Day’s JewelersThe jeweler’s Mother’s Day campaign highlights the women who work there—mothers, grandmothers, women who want to be mothers, and dog moms.
Supplier BulletinApr 23, 2026
JM® Shipping Solution: Smarter Shipping for High-Value GoodsSponsored by Jewelers Mutual
Lab-GrownApr 23, 2026
Charles & Colvard May Sell Assets for $1.5MThe proposed agreement follows the moissanite maker’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing last month.
AuctionsApr 23, 2026
John Jacob Astor IV’s Titanic Pocket Watch Fetches $1MThe Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. timepiece Astor brought aboard the ill-fated ship sold for double its estimate at a Freeman’s auction.
CollectionsApr 23, 2026
Adam Neeley’s High Jewelry Collection Steps Into Salvador Dalí’s GardenThe “Dalí’s Garden” collection was inspired by a surreal dream Neeley had after cooking a recipe from Salvador Dalí’s 1973 cookbook.
