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.
Jewelers of America’s Certifications Now Available Online
They’re being offered for a limited-time price of $25 per exam, down from $55.

New York—Jewelers of America has moved its certification programs online to accommodate all the jewelry professionals who are now working remotely, the trade organization announced Thursday.
JA offers Professional Certification at two designations in two categories.
They are being offered for a limited-time price of $25 per exam (down from $55 per exam) and include the following.
--JA Certified Sales Professional (CSP) Level 1: entry-level jewelry sales personnel with about one year’s experience
--JA Certified Senior Sales Professional (CSSP) Level 2: moderate to advanced sales skills and knowledge of a jewelry sales professional, completion of CSP Level 1 is required
--JA Certified Management Professional (CMP) Level 1: entry-level jewelry management personnel with about one year’s experience; reflective of what is commonly needed to manage stores in a multi-unit operation
--JA Certified Senior Management Professional (CSMP) Level 2: managers of independently owned stores, who must address concerns such as financing, advertising and pricing. Completion of Level 1 CMP is required.
“We have been working to get our certification programs online, and we knew that now was the time,” JA President and CEO David J. Bonaparte said in a press release announcing the move.
“Jewelers have been using this forced downtime for education, enhancing their digital footprint and building for a solid business once their doors reopen. Certification is one more way jewelers can be better prepared for success tomorrow.”
For more information on certifications or to register, please visit Jewelers.org.
National Jeweler is a for-profit subsidiary of Jewelers of America, which purchased the publication in 2015. The two organizations act independently of each other.
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.

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.

The Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.

Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.






















