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

Sylvie Jewelry Auranova Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsApr 25, 2025
Sylvie Looks to Water in New Sculptural Bridal Collection

“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.

Pomellato Nudo toi et moi ring
FinancialsApr 25, 2025
Kering’s Jewelry Brands Persevere as Q1 Sales Sink 14%

Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.

Melee diamonds from De Beers
SourcingApr 25, 2025
De Beers Sales, Production Fall in Q1 Amid Uncertainty

The company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.

ejap cohort 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Announces Second Cohort of Aspiring Jewelry Entrepreneurs

Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.

LIM-401 2024 National Jeweler Supplier Bulletin- iD100 Web and Eblast FINAL (1).jpg
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Iowa jeweler Herman Ginsberg
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99

A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.

Charles & Colvard moissanite ring
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to Noncompliance

The company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.

gia1d100 btyb.jpg
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

The risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.

Young Diamantaires
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to Nonprofit

The organization also announced its board of directors.

Mined + Found "Hope" Matchbox Locket
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So Charming

Charms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.

Bulgari’s expanded factory in Valenza, Italy
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in Italy

Located in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.

Jason McNary accepting FGI Fine Jewelry Rising Star award for Paola Sasplugas
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ Award

Paola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.

1999 Cosmograph Daytona, Ref.16516
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to Auction

A platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.

Carmelo Anthony and Jaylen Brown David Yurman campaign
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen Brown

The basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.

Woman wearing Zales jewelry
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine Jewelry

The Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.

JAR Apricot Blossom bracelet
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry Collection

The 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.

National Jeweler columnist Lilian Raji
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of Mouth

Lilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.

Avi Levy
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth Officer

GCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.

Scottsdale Fine Jewelers store exterior
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow Independent

The Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Cartier Exhibition Installation at Victoria & Albert Museum
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
An Exhibition Exploring the History of Cartier Is Now on Display

“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Bill and Birdie Levine of Van Cott Jewelers
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 Years

Van Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.

IJO Director Samantha Larson
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise Strategy

Industry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.

Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host Convention

The two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.

Daymond John
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las Vegas

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

Dukachi Easter Bread Pendant
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ Pendant

The Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.

Bremer Jewelry
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated Store

The jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.

Tiffany & Co. Strong Like Mom campaign
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day Campaign

The “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.

×

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