The first watch in the series commemorates his participation in the Civil Rights movement, marching from Selma to Montgomery in 1965.
Product Pulse: How Are Your Pearl Sales?
The jewelers who took our latest poll indicated they are not on the rise, due in part to the new generation’s lack of interest in pearl jewelry.

New York--National Jeweler/Jewelers of America’s latest category-specific survey showed that pearl jewelry sales continue to slip, despite the industry’s efforts to make more modern-looking pearl pieces.
The Product Pulse survey on pearl jewelry was conducted online in late June/early July. Approximately 144 jewelers responded.
Of those, 84 percent reported that their pearl jewelry sales have declined as a percentage of overall sales in the past three years (43 percent) or stayed about the same (41 percent).
Only 16 percent reported an increase in pearl jewelry sales.
When asked what prevented them from making more pearl sales, many respondents said it’s a matter of perception.
Younger people view pearls are being too old-fashioned or too formal for their casual tastes. This comes despite many companies’ efforts to recreate pearls for a new generation.

“We find that traditional pearl necklaces are not on the radar of anyone under the age of 40- something,” one survey-taker wrote. “Pearl studs sell to most all ages, as does decorative silver with small mabe pearls as earrings or pendants.”
Other responses included, “The perception is it (the pearl) is for older ladies. Not really current or fast fashion,” and “Younger people don't seem to want pearls … not trendy and they think it is for old people.” Another noted simply that, “classics are out.”
The lack of education among consumers--i.e., getting them to understand why the fine jewelry store’s Japanese akoyas costs more than the strand of freshwater pearls they saw at a chain department store--also was mentioned.
Pearl sellers, however, fear not: Some do have hope for the pearl, which once was the most desired gemstone in the world.
One survey-taker said, “I believe the pearl trend will come back into favor, but for now this generation does not seem to align themselves with pearls.”
“People think they are old-fashioned,” another respondent wrote. “(But) when we show them how funky they can be, our customers love them!!”
Best-Selling Brands
Imperial Pearl, Mastoloni and Honora were among the most-mentioned companies on the survey’s list of best-selling brands.
Mikimoto, ASBA, Galatea and Baggins also were cited by multiple survey respondents.
As in past Product Pulse polls, a number of jewelers said the best-selling brand in their store was their own, custom jewelry they create in-house.
One respondent wrote, “I string most of our designs. I like to keep abreast of pearl fashion as they are my particular favorite.”
Merry Month

Seventy percent of respondents reported that business was the same in May 2016 as compared with May 2015, with the greatest percentage of those, 30 percent, reporting a 25 percent year-over-year increase in sales.
Of the survey-takers who reported a decline in sales, only 9 percent said the drop was greater than 25 percent.
National Jeweler/Jewelers of America’s monthly Product Pulse survey was conducted between June 27 and July 5 in conjunction with its Business Pulse survey, which asked jewelers about their methods of counting foot traffic.
The results of survey ran earlier this week on NationalJeweler.com.
The Latest

The catalog contains a complete listing of all the loose gemstones in stock, as well as information about the properties of each stone.

The company added a retailer dashboard to its site and three new birds to its charm collection, the cardinal, blue jay, and hummingbird.

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

An additional 25 percent tariff has been added to the previously announced 25 percent.


The jewelry and accessories retailer plans to close 18 stores as part of the proceedings.

Its Springfield, Massachusetts, store is set to close as owner Andrew Smith heads into retirement.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Designer Hiba Husayni looked to the whale’s melon shaped-head, blowhole, and fluke for her new chunky gold offerings.

She will present the 23rd edition of the trend forecasting book at Vicenzaoro on Sept. 7.

Omar Roy, 72, was arrested in connection with the murder of jeweler Dionisio Carlos Valladares.

The New Orleans-based brand’s “Beyond Katrina” jewels honor the communities affected by the storm.

Lilian Raji explains why joining an affiliate network is essential for brands seeking placements in U.S. consumer publications.

The organization has awarded a total of $42,000 through its scholarship programs this year.

The winner of the inaugural David Yurman Gem Awards Grant will be announced live at the 2026 Gem Awards gala.

As summer winds down, celebrate the sunny disposition of the month’s birthstones: peridot and spinel.

Moshe Haimoff, a social media personality and 47th Street retailer, was robbed of $559,000 worth of jewelry by men in construction outfits.

Xavier Dibbrell brings more than a decade of experience to the role.

The addition of Yoakum, who will lead Kay and Peoples, was one of three executive appointments Signet announced Thursday.

The insurance company’s previous president and CEO, Scott Murphy, has split his role and will continue as CEO.

The nearly six-month pause of operations at its Kagem emerald mine earlier this year impacted the miner’s first-half results.

The necklace uses spinel drops to immortalize the moment Aphrodite’s tears mixed with her lover Adonis’ blood after he was fatally wounded.

The diamond miner and marketer warned last week that it expected to be in the red after significantly cutting prices in Q2.

Jewelers of America’s 35th annual design contest recognized creativity, artistry, style, and excellence.

Tratner succeeds Andie Weinman, who will begin stepping back from the buying group’s day-to-day operations.

The president made the announcement via Truth Social Wednesday, adding that India also will face a penalty for its dealings with Russia.

The luxury titan’s star brand Gucci continued to struggle amid a "tough" environment.