Editors

6 Stories from 2018 I Hope You Didn't Miss

EditorsDec 28, 2018

6 Stories from 2018 I Hope You Didn't Miss

Some of them are from National Jeweler, and some of them are not.

20181031_SOTM-designers1.jpg
Topping the list of can’t-miss stories from 2018 is Fashion Editor Ashley Davis’ take on protecting intellectual property in the internet age. Pictured here are pieces from the popular, and oft-copied, “Fireworks” collection by Suzanne Kalan.

Earlier this month, I wrote a story detailing the 18 most-read stories on NationalJeweler.com in 2018.

As I noted, the list was a representative mix of issues that are top-of-mind for the industry—lab-grown diamonds, financing—as well as issues that are ever-present, like crime and engagement ring style trends.

But, as happens every year, there are those articles from our site that don’t get the attention I feel they deserve, seemingly slipping through the cracks and disappearing into the gaping maw that is the internet.

Below, I share a handful of such stories published on NationalJeweler.com in 2018, as well as a few articles from other websites that I enjoyed.

Feel free to share any additions to this list in the comments section below.

1. National Jeweler Fashion Editor Ashley Davis on Instagram and IP
In the 2018 State of the Majors issue, Ashley wrote what I, as the editor, thought was the best story in the book: a 2,000-plus-word examination of the intersection of intellectual property law and Instagram.

My favorite part of the story comes under the subhead “The Democratic Route,” where those interviewed debated whether it’s best to litigate in traditional court or in the court of public opinion, a/k/a “name and shame” online, when it comes to alleged copies.

Ashley’s story did not get as many clicks as the other articles from that issue when we posted it online, which I found disappointing.

But I was heartened to see Ylang 23’s Joanne Teichman share the story on Facebook with this comment: “Ashley Davis for National Jeweler has just published what I believe to be the most comprehensive article on the seamy side of the Designer Jewelry business, which is the practice of ‘faux designers’ knocking off and profiting from original designers. With the proliferation of images through Instagram and Pinterest, the battle over IP will only escalate.”

Yep.

2. National Jeweler Senior Editor Brecken Branstrator on abandoned jewelry
In the interests of keeping the peace around here in 2019, I’d next like to mention a work by my senior editor, Brecken.

In April, she wrote a story that was not designed to generate debate or tackle a controversial topic but, instead, was purely reader-driven and instructional.

Brecken shared five things jewelers should keep in mind when dealing with unclaimed jewelry, i.e., a piece of jewelry or watch that was dropped off for repair and never picked up.


Another of the

designers featured in Ashley Davis’ story on intellectual property protection in the digital age was Brooklyn, New York-based Wwake, founded by designer Wing Yau. A selection of Yau’s rings are pictured here.

3. Edahn Golan on the real size of the U.S. jewelry market
This pick is also a bit of a new year peace-keeping mission, as Mr. Golan works as a freelance researcher for National Jeweler, compiling the figures for our annual State of the Majors report (and is a longtime colleague and friend of mine).

In August, I noted in a story that the U.S. Department of Commerce had published its annual figure on jewelry sales while quietly also doing some major recalculating on figures from past years.

A couple weeks later, Edahn did a full-scale analysis of the figures and the reasons for the U.S. government’s sharp revisions, noting that the size of the jewelry industry in the United States is smaller than many believe, and that jewelry sales growth has slowed considerably in the last two decades.

Why? Edahn shared a handful of thoughts on what’s led to the slowdown, a list that includes staid design, a lack of marketing and a slowdown in demand for diamonds.

4. JCK’s Rob Bates on the changing U.S. jewelry market
As usual, Rob contributed a lot of thoughtful, on-point content to the industry over the past 365 days.

Among my favorites from his “Cutting Remarks” blog was this October post pontificating on what the quarterly figures published by the Jewelers Board of Trade are, and aren’t, telling us about the industry.

Yes, brick-and-mortar retailers are closing but Rob points out in his blog that there are also smaller companies run by young, up-and-coming designers who sell via Etsy and Instagram or out of their own studios—in other words, in non-traditional retail environments—that simply aren’t on the JBT’s radar.

They pay for everything via credit card and don’t see the need for a JBT listing; they are doing things their own way and don’t want to be part of the “old stream,” as one of the sources Rob quoted in his blog put it.

5. The Adventurine’s Marion Fasel on suffragette style
There’s a lot to love about former InStyle jewelry editor and author Marion Fasel’s venture, TheAdventurine.com: her jewelry movie reviews, those perfectly lit Insta snaps on @theadventurine, the chance of attending events where Marion will come and bring dog Hunter with her.

It was difficult to narrow it down to one article to highlight from the site, but I managed.

Around the time of the mid-term elections in November, Marion wrote a story detailing the controversy surrounding a gold wreath diadem (don’t call it a crown!) presented to Vira Boarman Whitehouse, one of the leaders of the women’s suffrage movement in New York state.

It was a brilliant way to incorporate politics, which was the topic du jour at the time the article ran, into The Adventurine’s content, and Marion employed one of my favorite expressions in her story: sour grapes, a term that should be familiar to many in this industry.

Heading into 2019 is also the perfect time to call attention to the 19th amendment, with women’s suffrage in the United States coming up on two significant anniversaries.

June 4, 2019 will mark 100 years since Congress passed the 19th amendment, and Aug. 18, 2020 will mark 100 years since its ratification. (In case anyone was wondering, Tennessee was the state that cast the deciding vote in the push for women’s suffrage.)


Sherry Smith, the director of business development at Edge Retail Academy, authored this author’s favorite column on National Jeweler in 2018, “Don’t Say ‘No’ to Your Customers.”


6. Sherry Smith on how not to say “no”
Much like Cher, I am turning back time for this last one, virtually flipping through the entire catalog of National Jeweler columns from 2018 to pick my favorite.

And the award goes to … a guest columnist.

Sherry Smith, the director of business development at Edge Retail Academy, took over husband Peter Smith’s “Spotting Squirrels” column in December and penned an excellent and well-received article on what to say to customers when they ask for a brand your store doesn’t carry, a service you don’t provide, etc.

Runners-up for best column include her other half’s anti-memo article, which touched off necessary debate on one of the industry’s most disputed practices, and Lilian Raji’s February column in which she drew up on her excellent Egypt travel guide experience to answer a jewelry designer’s question about emphasizing artistry.

I also enjoyed Peter Smith’s November article on sales tips for the holiday season, which contained advice all of us could stand to carry into 2019.

Smile, he wrote, and stay away from chronically negative people.

Happy New Year, everyone!
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Bergman Jewelers family
IndependentsApr 01, 2025
Bergman Jewelers in Omaha Closing After 137 Years

The independent jeweler first opened its doors in 1888.

QVC Group Inc. logo
MajorsApr 01, 2025
QVC Group to Cut 900 Jobs in the U.S.

The layoffs come amid the TV shopping channel’s efforts to restructure and focus on live shopping through social media.

Coconut Grove Jewelry & Watch Show
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
U.S. Antique Shows Adds Fall Show in Florida

The debut event will take place in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood this fall.

bench jeweler 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They Deserve

Bench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.

The Jewelry Symposium (TJS)
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
TJS to Host Discussion on Jewelry Industry’s Labor Shortage

The roundtable will take place May 17 ahead of the trade show’s welcome dinner.

Weekly QuizMar 27, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Peanuts x Monica Rich Kosann Collection Bracelets
CollectionsApr 01, 2025
Monica Rich Kosann Says ‘Good Grief’ in Peanuts Jewelry Collection

The “Peanuts x Monica Rich Kosann” collection features the comic strip’s classic vocabulary across 10 bracelet designs.

Graphic for What Do We Mean When We Say “Recycled” Gold webinar
Recorded WebinarsMar 31, 2025
Watch: What Do We Mean When We Say ‘Recycled’ Gold?

Three industry experts dive into the complexities of the material often marketed as an “ethical” alternative for metal in jewelry.

Facets-of-Fire-Difference-You-Can-See.jpg
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean More

Natural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.

Mindi Mond Clarity Earrings
TrendsMar 31, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Dripping in Diamonds

Diamonds are not only one of the most prominent gemstones, but the birthstone for those born in April.

Lashbrook ring
MajorsMar 31, 2025
Lashbrook Expands Into Luxury Golf Gifts With Acquisition

The Utah-based company known for making wedding bands has acquired Doubloon Golf.

Bulgari and LVMH Watches CEO Jean-Christophe Babin
WatchesMar 31, 2025
Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin Will Also Head LVMH Watches

The longtime luxury executive led one of LVMH’s watch brands, TAG Heuer, for 12 years before taking over Bulgari in 2013.

Surveillance footage of robbery
CrimeMar 28, 2025
2 Suspects Arrested in $1.7M Smash-and-Grab Robbery of NY Jewelry Store

Authorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.

Nephrite and Jadeite by Heinrich Fischer, Richard W. Hughes
SourcingMar 28, 2025
19th-Century Jade Book Now Available in English

Lotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.

LÖF The Valentine Ring
CollectionsMar 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Löf’s ‘The Valentine’ Ring

The ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.

Eggs on a shelf
SurveysMar 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls in March Amid ‘Gloomy’ Outlook

The Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.

Richard Rainsford memorial ring
AuctionsMar 27, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring Linked to Witch Trial Judge Goes Unsold at Auction

However, two medieval jewels surpassed estimates at Noonans Mayfair’s recent jewelry auction in London.

Austin Butler
WatchesMar 27, 2025
Austin Butler Joins Breitling as Brand Ambassador

The Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.

ICA Congress Brazil 2025
SourcingMar 27, 2025
Susan Jacques, Gaetano Cavalieri to Headline 2025 ICA Congress

The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.

Bailey’s Fine Jewelry storefront
IndependentsMar 26, 2025
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Acquires Fellow NC Independent Jeweler

The family-owned retailer is the new owner of Morrison Smith Jewelers in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Bulova 150 Art Deco Miss America Watch, 150 Art Deco Pocket Watch
WatchesMar 26, 2025
Bulova Celebrates 150th Anniversary With Art Deco Watches

The “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.

Alex Wellen
MajorsMar 26, 2025
QVC Group Appoints New President

Alex Wellen, formerly CEO and president of MotorTrend Group, has taken on the role.

Jewelers of America’s new logo
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2025
Jewelers of America Announces New Funding Initiative

The Impact Initiative is part of the nonprofit association’s new three-year strategic plan.

Christies regent kashmir sapphire and regal Burmese ruby
AuctionsMar 25, 2025
Christie’s To Auction 35-Carat Sapphire, 13-Carat Ruby

The ruby and the sapphire, which Christie’s calls a “once-in-a-generation masterpiece,” are part of the upcoming Hong Kong jewelry auction.

Diamond earrings held in gloved hand
CrimeMar 25, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Earrings Swallowed Following Grab-and-Run Theft Recovered

The two pairs of earrings, snatched from a Tiffany & Co. store in Orlando, Florida, are valued at a combined $769,500.

Emmanuel Raheb CEO of Smart Age Solutions
ColumnistsMar 25, 2025
The Smart Lab: Using Short-Form Videos to Sell More Jewelry

The time to start experimenting with video content is now, writes columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

Pomellato Nudo High Jewelry Campaign
CollectionsMar 24, 2025
Pomellato’s Latest ‘Nudo’ Collections Revamp its Classic Design

From striking high jewelry to miniature fine jewelry, the new chapter continues to highlight gemstones featuring its signature 57-facet cut.

Jamie Singleton, Bill Brace, Rebecca Wooters, Bill Luth
MajorsMar 24, 2025
4 Top Executives to Depart Signet Jewelers Amid Turnaround

The jewelry giant is reducing its senior leadership by 30 percent as part of its new turnaround strategy.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy