CollectionsOct 02, 2025
Boucheron Debuts Cuffs Crafted With 3D-Printed SandIts “Quantre Sand” capsule was made using a 3D sand printing technique borrowed from the automotive and aeronautics industries.
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.
More on Independents
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MajorsOct 02, 2025
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TrendsOct 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Colorful ShowThe month’s birthstones, tourmaline and opal, complement the palette of autumn.
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This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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Playing Favorites: The Best Jewelry From VicenzaoroAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco visited Italy to spot jewelry trends at the September Vicenzaoro show and share her top finds.
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reDollar.com Is Rolling Out the Next Level Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Consignment ProgramWith their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.
SurveysOct 01, 2025
Consumer Confidence Hits 5-Month Low in September Respondents were concerned about job availability and rising prices.
SourcingOct 01, 2025
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Falls 47%Its latest interim financials revealed a challenging first half due in part to production troubles at its mines.
MajorsSep 30, 2025
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CrimeSep 30, 2025
2 Suspects Charged in $300K Sleight-of-Hand Jewelry Store ScamTwo men allegedly used counterfeit bills to purchase luxury watches and jewelry from a North Carolina jeweler.
CollectionsSep 30, 2025
Billie Eilish, Finneas Partner with John HardyThe “Lovestruck” collection, designed with the Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings, is the brand’s first lab-grown diamond offering.
TrendsSep 29, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Ear FocusMove over neck mess, the ear story is the way to make a layering statement today.
IndependentsSep 29, 2025
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Overnight Releases New Bridal CatalogThe “Volume 7” bridal catalog features best-selling engagement rings, trending styles, and a new section highlighting anniversary bands.
SurveysSep 26, 2025
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Events & AwardsSep 26, 2025
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TrendsSep 26, 2025
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Policies & IssuesSep 25, 2025
JA CEO Provides Tariff Update Following Annual Fly-InA trade deal with Switzerland seems probable, but reaching an agreement with India remains a challenge, David Bonaparte said.
SourcingSep 25, 2025
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Lab-GrownSep 25, 2025
Kira Jewels Expands Lab-Grown Diamond ProductionThe manufacturer is adding 1,400 chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactors to its growing facility in India.
IndependentsSep 25, 2025
Alex Moss’ New Flagship Brings Bold Jewels to SoHoThe jeweler to the stars has worked with Drake, A$AP Rocky, Tyler the Creator, and other celebrities.
WatchesSep 25, 2025
Wilson & Son Jewelers Donates to the Horological Society of New YorkThe Scarsdale, New York-based jeweler donated a professional-grade watch cleaning machine.
Policies & IssuesSep 24, 2025
Tariffs Throw Diamond Trade Into DisarrayThe 50 percent tariffs on diamonds shipped from India to the U.S. have pushed midstream manufacturers to the edge.
SourcingSep 24, 2025
De Beers Adopts New Strategies to Drive Natural Diamond Demand in IndiaDe Beers’ refreshed, multipronged approach, which includes generic promotions and retail partnerships, is delivering positive dividends.
Policies & IssuesSep 24, 2025
For Jewelry Manufacturers, Higher Tariffs Create Long-Term WorriesThey are trying to balance the need to sustain well-established relationships with the pressure higher tariffs have put on margins.
