MajorsMar 27, 2026
Saks Global Has Changed Its Mind About Closing These 3 StoresTwo Saks Fifth Avenue locations, one in Florida and one in California, and one Neiman Marcus store are off the chopping block.
IndependentsDec 22, 2016
The 16 Most Popular Stories of 2016
National Jeweler recounts the articles readers clicked on the most in the past year.
And National Jeweler’s most-read story of 2016 was … the April “The History Behind” piece on choker necklaces, like the Edwardian-era example pictured here.
New York--As the year draws to a close, we are taking a look back at the stories that made the biggest splash in 2016.
These are the articles on NationalJeweler.com that received the most page views as of Dec. 15.
Enjoy and please use the comments section below to let National Jeweler’s editors know if there are any topics that should receive more, or less, coverage in 2017.
1. The History Behind … The Choker
This article from March examined the history of the choker necklace, from ancient civilizations to their popularity among goth girls in the 1990s.
2. What Will Become of Retail Jewelry Stores?
It seemed like everybody in the industry read part one of Peter Smith’s two-part column from April on the changing retail landscape and what jewelers need to do to adapt and survive.
3. 5-Carat Lab-Grown Blue Diamond Graded by GIA
At the time this article was published in February, this stone was the largest faceted lab-grown blue the Gemological Institute of America had ever studied.
4. Analysis: The State of the Majors
Posted online in early November, this was the cover story from the 2016 State of the Majors report, which was published in print for the first time since 2010.
5. What Will Become of Retail Jewelry Stores? Part II
The second part of Smith’s popular article included three pieces of advice for jewelers along with a list of recommended reading.
6. Pantone Names the 10 Colors Expected to Rule Fall
The color authority released the palette it expected to be popular for fall 2016 fashions in February. 
7. The Top 10 Trends Expected to Drive Retail in 2016
Synchrony Financial released a market brief in February predicting that technology would shape eight of the top 10 trends expected to have the greatest impact on retail sales this year.
8. 7 Trends to Watch in 2016
In January, Senior Editor Brecken Branstrator counted down the trends expected to be prevalent in jewelry design in the new year.
9. JA, AGTA Add Spinel as August Birthstone
Jewelers of America and the American Gem Trade Association announced the addition in June. 
10. No. of US Jewelers Closing Climbs 24%
Reports on store closings were a story throughout 2016, including this report from February on the total number for 2015.
11. Rio Tinto Unveils ‘Impossibly Rare’ Violet Diamond
The diamond, which is 2.83 carats, oval cut and GIA color-graded as a fancy deep grayish blue violet, was part of
Rio Tinto’s Argyle tender this year.
12. Cindy Edelstein, A Rare Gem in the Industry, Dies
The woman considered a “godmother” to the jewelry industry’s fledgling designers died unexpectedly in January. She was 51.
13. The Real Reason People Buy Jewelry
Following the death of her grandmother, Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff reflected on the significance of objects that are passed from generation to generation.
14. Jewelry Business Closures Climb 34% in Q1
Another story on the JBT’s statistics on jewelry store closures, this one ran in May and covered the figures from the first quarter 2016.
15. A State-by-State Breakdown on Diamond Shapes and Sizes
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff analyzed data released by White Pine on where people with the biggest and best diamonds live.
16. Which Social Media Platforms Are Best for Jewelers?
A column from Mike Farrell, formerly of Likeable Local, that was published in April was the 16th most-read story on National Jeweler this year.
12. Cindy Edelstein, A Rare Gem in the Industry, Dies
The woman considered a “godmother” to the jewelry industry’s fledgling designers died unexpectedly in January. She was 51.
13. The Real Reason People Buy Jewelry
Following the death of her grandmother, Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff reflected on the significance of objects that are passed from generation to generation.
14. Jewelry Business Closures Climb 34% in Q1
Another story on the JBT’s statistics on jewelry store closures, this one ran in May and covered the figures from the first quarter 2016.
15. A State-by-State Breakdown on Diamond Shapes and Sizes
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff analyzed data released by White Pine on where people with the biggest and best diamonds live.
16. Which Social Media Platforms Are Best for Jewelers?
A column from Mike Farrell, formerly of Likeable Local, that was published in April was the 16th most-read story on National Jeweler this year.
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CollectionsMar 26, 2026
Lionheart Celebrates 13 Years of ‘Cassandane’The collection features symbols of love, luck, and light, based on the story of Queen Cassandane and Cyrus the Great of Persia.
Weekly QuizMar 26, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Introduce New ScholarshipIt’s the third scholarship to be launched as part of the partnership to help appraisers advance their professional credentials.
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2026
JA Still Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE AwardsThe deadline for entries in the jewelry design competition has been extended to April 3.
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SourcingMar 25, 2026
Rob Bates Steps Down as JCK News Director After 28 years with JCK, the veteran industry journalist is launching his own publication on Substack called The Jewelry Wire.
GradingMar 25, 2026
New York’s Natural History Museum, Wiley To Build Minerals DatabaseWiley said the project will give scientists worldwide access to the American Museum of Natural’s History renowned mineral collection.
CollectionsMar 25, 2026
Boochier Turns Flower Friendship Bracelets Into Fine JewelryThe “Flower Puff” collection looks to beaded flower friendship bracelets from childhood, turning the silhouette into nostalgic fine jewelry.
Policies & IssuesMar 25, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry to Host Bench Jeweler Shortage WebinarSet for April 2, the webinar will discuss how the jewelry industry can address the workforce gap.
IndependentsMar 24, 2026
Lisa Bayer, Illustrator and Beloved Member of the Muse Family, Dies at 64Bayer, founder of Lisa Bayer Designs, is remembered as “a bright light in every room.”
AuctionsMar 24, 2026
White Diamonds Shine In Christie's Jewels Online SaleThe highest-grossing lot was a Tiffany & Co. ring set with a flawless, emerald-cut diamond of 10 carats.
SourcingMar 24, 2026
AGTA Solidifies Tucson Dates For 2027-2029The next three editions of AGTA GemFair Tucson will feature a five-day show that includes Sunday.
WatchesMar 24, 2026
Christie’s Names New Senior Specialist, WatchesFormer Sotheby’s executive Tom Heap has taken on the London-based role.
CrimeMar 23, 2026
NYPD Looking for 3 Jewelry Store Robbery SuspectsThe group of women allegedly robbed two Catbird stores and one Gorjana location on the afternoon of March 9.
FinancialsMar 23, 2026
Movado’s Q4 Sales Rise As Demand Grows From Younger Shoppers, WomenMovado CEO Efraim Grinberg noted continued strength in the fashion watch and accessible luxury segments in the U.S.
TrendsMar 23, 2026
Marco Bicego’s New Campaign Showcases ‘The Art of Craft’After celebrating 25 years in 2025, the campaign marks a new chapter for the jewelry brand with the message that “Identity Creates Value.”
Events & AwardsMar 23, 2026
These Watch Brands Are Heading to Couture This YearCouture and Time to Watches announced the watch brands, from big names to independents, attendees will see at the show.
FinancialsMar 20, 2026
Macy’s Turnaround Plans Shows Promise, Boosted by Bloomingdale’sPlus, why Saks Global’s bankruptcy may have given Bloomingdale’s an edge.
AuctionsMar 20, 2026
Sotheby's, De Beers Unveil ‘Jwaneng 28.88’ DiamondThe flawless, Type IIa stone is estimated to achieve up to $2.8 million at the auction house’s high jewelry sale in April.
TrendsMar 20, 2026
‘Frankenstein’ Costume Designer Is Bejeweled In Brooches for Oscars WinCostume designer Kate Hawley wore three archival Tiffany & Co. brooches, our Pieces of the Week, while accepting her first Oscar.
FinancialsMar 19, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Close 100 Stores, Shutter James Allen BannerThe jewelry retailer announced changes to its store network and brand portfolio during its fourth-quarter earnings call.
SurveysMar 19, 2026
NRF Forecasts 4% Retail Sales Growth in 2026From a weaker labor market to inflation, NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews gave insight on what retailers can expect this year.
AuctionsMar 19, 2026
26-Carat Diamond Tops $1M at AuctionThe historic stone, which sold at Elmwood’s in London, is the largest white diamond to be offered on the U.K. market in more than a decade.
Events & AwardsMar 19, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach in Las Vegas on May 31.
