Though it remains unable to file complete financial statements, Lazare Kaplan International Inc. estimates a 34 percent drop in net sales for fiscal year 2015.
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I missed hearing the live broadcast of Signet Jewelers’ second quarter earnings call last week, as I was on vacation visiting my family in Pittsburgh and soaking in some very Western Pennsylvania-esque things: a Pirates game at PNC Park (highly recommended); Fallingwater, the spectacular home Frank Lloyd Wright designed for the Kaufmann family in the Laurel Highlands (highly recommended); and my extended family (less highly recommended.)

A book by a jeweler-turned-author James Alperin, of James Alperin Jewelers in Pepper Pike, Ohio, topped National Jeweler’s list of literary leads for the month of September.
The Silver Promotion Service is sponsoring the new category, which will recognize exceptionally designed silver jewelry that incorporates natural gemstones or cultured pearls.

Data for 2014 published recently by the Kimberley Process shows that the Russian Federation topped Botswana in diamond production last year, in both volume and value terms.

The retailer has a new, exclusive partnership with Nineteenth Amendment on Macys.com, putting the tech firm’s designers and their made-to-order items in front of Macy’s millennial shoppers.
The Romano’s Jewelers stores in Culver City, Northridge and Downey, Calif. have closed, with a single liquidation sale slated to begin in mid-October.

Should jewelers ditch big-name labels and start promoting their store’s heritage as the “real brand?” Columnist Peter Smith dives into the great debate.

Here are the top five stories on NationalJeweler.com from Aug. 23 to 29, according to Google Analytics.

The initial goal of the Retail Jewelers Organization’s foundation is to offer scholarships and/or grants for its members.

The company noted that comps and total sales were about equal to the prior year in the Americas due to the negative effect of the strength of the U.S. dollar and lower foreign tourist spending, leading to a tempered full-year earnings forecast.

The WJA’s annual event will offer attendees not only the chance to network, but also apply for or renew their memberships for the one-time price of $99.

Displaying the best part of your brand, building trust and providing value are essential to making social media profitable, Likeable Local’s Evan Seto explains.

London Jewelers named a new SVP of business development while the DDC re-elected President Reuven Kaufman for another term.

With the deadline approaching for retailers to switch their credit card readers to accept the new EMV chip cards, National Jeweler speaks with one expert about what retailers need to do to prepare.

Jacqueline Stone asked a Facebook forum of jewelers if they would outsource their work to companies overseas, and shares the range of responses it drew.
The ASA’s webinar will explore “archaeogemology,” while the CGA’s annual conference focuses on synthetic and enhanced gemstones and their detection.

Here are the top five stories on NationalJeweler.com from Aug. 16 to 22, 2015, according to Google Analytics.
The Antiques Young Guns U.S.A. program has added an inaugural award to its offerings, which will be handed out in November during the Pier Antique Show.

Deborah Finleon of DJF Appraisal Services was appointed to associate director of the chair of education at the organization this week.
All week my best friend, who is six months pregnant and pretty much confined to her home due to the 90-degree-plus heat, has been eagerly texting me links to stories that have been published online following The New York Times article on the workplace culture at Amazon.
An increase in foot traffic helped boost same-store and total sales for Target, Walmart and T.J. Maxx’s parent company in the second quarter.

Berger & Son has hired a jewelry store designer to help enhance its brand presence and make room for new merchandise as it opens a new, larger store in Sin City.
I love meeting and learning about new designers and collections; it’s one of my favorite parts of this job.

In her latest diary entry, custom engagement ring designer Jacqueline Stone runs down the biggest mistakes jewelers make when bridal customers come through the door.















