CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
IndependentsMay 06, 2020
Coach’s Corner: Is Your Business Open to Change?
It’s not going to be business as usual when we open up, writes Pat Henneberry, and the jewelry industry will need to adapt.
Pat Henneberry is president of consulting and sales training company The Jewelry Coach. Reach her at 512-203-3414, or on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.
How can our jewelry industry, which doesn’t adapt to “new” ways easily (trust me, I know this industry), reshape itself in this unknown, scary time?
How do we adopt new ways of, for example, buying from a vendor, selling to a retail customer, educating our staff and/or attending jewelry shows (or not)?
I would suggest that in order to confront the rapidly evolving world around us, you need to have a system in place to adapt with the changes.
And you need to be open to change like never before.
Look for new technologies and be open to new ways of selling and new products that work in this new place in which we find ourselves.
It’s not going to be business as usual when we “open up,” not for you or your customers.
You need to ask yourself: How are you going to attract your customers back in your store?
Your customers have gotten use to virtual meetings, working from home and buying everything online. So, what’s the pull going to be?
It’s no secret the world has been changing before our eyes. Our industry is a global industry and depends on worldwide business.
So, then, how do you find the best way to handle these changes? To make sure you, and your stores and businesses, can hit any curve balls that come their way?
As a marketing expert, coach and trainer for more than 30 years in the jewelry industry, I’ve witnessed the implementation of many frameworks, brands and sales methodologies to launch new products, expand or simply keep companies afloat during tough times.
I remember when ArtCarved sold the Keepsake name to Walmart and everyone thought that would kill the diamond business, when the big-box stores were going to take over the mom-and-pop shops and put them all out of business.
There are many more stories and industry events we have all endured.
What I’ve found is that those who approach their businesses with a rigid system often buckle under the shifting currents. They don’t last.
But there is one simple thing we can do, and it won’t cost you anything.
The best way to handle an evolving world in this unprecedented time is with a system built around just that: evolution, being open to new ideas and being flexible.
An agile approach is one designed to keep you limber and able to roll with the tides of
How do we adopt new ways of, for example, buying from a vendor, selling to a retail customer, educating our staff and/or attending jewelry shows (or not)?
I would suggest that in order to confront the rapidly evolving world around us, you need to have a system in place to adapt with the changes.
And you need to be open to change like never before.
Look for new technologies and be open to new ways of selling and new products that work in this new place in which we find ourselves.
It’s not going to be business as usual when we “open up,” not for you or your customers.
You need to ask yourself: How are you going to attract your customers back in your store?
Your customers have gotten use to virtual meetings, working from home and buying everything online. So, what’s the pull going to be?
It’s no secret the world has been changing before our eyes. Our industry is a global industry and depends on worldwide business.
So, then, how do you find the best way to handle these changes? To make sure you, and your stores and businesses, can hit any curve balls that come their way?
As a marketing expert, coach and trainer for more than 30 years in the jewelry industry, I’ve witnessed the implementation of many frameworks, brands and sales methodologies to launch new products, expand or simply keep companies afloat during tough times.
I remember when ArtCarved sold the Keepsake name to Walmart and everyone thought that would kill the diamond business, when the big-box stores were going to take over the mom-and-pop shops and put them all out of business.
There are many more stories and industry events we have all endured.
What I’ve found is that those who approach their businesses with a rigid system often buckle under the shifting currents. They don’t last.
But there is one simple thing we can do, and it won’t cost you anything.
The best way to handle an evolving world in this unprecedented time is with a system built around just that: evolution, being open to new ideas and being flexible.
An agile approach is one designed to keep you limber and able to roll with the tides of
change so that once the storm is over, you’ll be floating at the top.
Yes, this might seem too simple in such a difficult time.
Trust me, I am presently looking for my next company to work with, and it’s been a challenge. Timing is everything, and now’s not the best time in our industry to be job hunting. It’s tough on everyone!
But there is not one person in our industry who’s not affected by our world right now. I would advise all of us to stay open to new possibilities.
Be ready to move quickly on new ideas; don’t wait for everyone to jump on board.
Be a trend-setter, be flexible and be open to new product.
Before I sign off, I want to leave you with this recap of the words I most want you to remember from this column. I hope they help.
Evolve, be flexible, stay open, pivot (one of my favorite words), be limber, roll with it, and stay agile.
Also, stay creative and open-minded, for new ideas will come from this.
We have been through tough times before. Our industry is going to get through this and rise up, just as we have so many times in the past.
If there is anything I can do for anyone, please email me at pat@pathenneberry.com.
Peace and prayers, my friends.
Yes, this might seem too simple in such a difficult time.
Trust me, I am presently looking for my next company to work with, and it’s been a challenge. Timing is everything, and now’s not the best time in our industry to be job hunting. It’s tough on everyone!
But there is not one person in our industry who’s not affected by our world right now. I would advise all of us to stay open to new possibilities.
Be ready to move quickly on new ideas; don’t wait for everyone to jump on board.
Be a trend-setter, be flexible and be open to new product.
Before I sign off, I want to leave you with this recap of the words I most want you to remember from this column. I hope they help.
Evolve, be flexible, stay open, pivot (one of my favorite words), be limber, roll with it, and stay agile.
Also, stay creative and open-minded, for new ideas will come from this.
We have been through tough times before. Our industry is going to get through this and rise up, just as we have so many times in the past.
If there is anything I can do for anyone, please email me at pat@pathenneberry.com.
Peace and prayers, my friends.
More on Independents
The Latest
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Weekly QuizSep 03, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of AmericasArnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry BoxThe stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal ProblemEngagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Kering Names New Pomellato, DoDo CEOsFormer Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA GlobalThe veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.
CrimeAug 31, 2026
$4M Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace Snatched From Vienna Museum Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).
GradingAug 31, 2026
GIA, Gübelin Gem Lab Confirm New Paraíba Tourmaline Deposit in EthiopiaThe labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.
Events & AwardsAug 31, 2026
Wisconsin Museum to Host Jewelry Exhibition“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.
CollectionsAug 31, 2026
Catbird Launches First Men’s Jewelry CollectionThe “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.
SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary CongressThe former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.
CrimeAug 27, 2026
Customs Seizes Nearly 900 Pieces of Counterfeit JewelryThe package, intercepted in Indianapolis, contained fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.
IndependentsAug 27, 2026
Jessica McCormack to Open First West Coast StoreThe new location in Costa Mesa, California, marks the brand’s second store in the United States and fourth standalone location worldwide.
