EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking AboutFrom a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
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
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election NightGroundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.
MajorsNov 06, 2026
SNL’s Colin Jost Finds the Perfect Gift in Kay Jewelers’ Holiday AdJost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
Weekly QuizNov 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearFrom shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia AirportA Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition YetThe citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New PresidentLanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for AuctionA replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet GiveawayTo enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 ApplicationsThe grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship WinnersThe winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s GenevaThe rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ CollectionThe jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising OfficerAlexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.
