How about a little love just before Valentine’s Day? Here’s Amazon’s annual list of America’s most romantic cities, based on residents’ purchases of romance-related paraphernalia.
Search
The National Retail Federation predicts that economic growth and lower unemployment rates will help retail industry sales climb 4 percent in 2015, a very slight improvement over last year.
Last year, my trip to Tucson was the first work trip I took as part of the National Jeweler team, and boy was it a quick crash course in colored stones. Since then, I’ve been to a few other places, including Las Vegas, of course, for market week, and San Diego last year for Conclave, all of which were a blast. But Tucson is still one of my favorite trips to take because of all the cool things it has to offer and the massive amounts of stones you can see.

Owner Roberto Chiappelloni said opening a store in New Canaan, Conn. not only brings him closer to many of his clients but allows him to offer a Rolex counter as well.
Jewelry supply distributor Halstead Inc. is calling for applications for its Halstead Grant, which awards new designers with money to help get their business going.

Pantone Color Institute has named the 10 shades that will be standouts in fashion, design and technology this fall, pulled straight from the runways.

Watch and jewelry house Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry has named Andrew Block to the newly created role of president, effective immediately.

After 111 years in business, the Oklahoma City jewelry store is closing its doors.

The president emeritus of Schiffman’s Jewelers died Monday at his home in Greensboro, N.C. following a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
The Seattle-based e-tailer plans to open a standalone store in one of the country’s “top malls” where customers can see and try on its rings, though they will still have to buy them online.

Fruchtman Marketing is introducing a program at the Smart show this April that gives pre-qualified retailers a free 90-minute strategy session on marketing, digital programs and media planning.

Pat Henneberry, the “Jewelry Coach” who is now a vice president at Hearts on Fire, shares four takeaways on customer service gleaned from time recently spent in the hospital with a loved one.

Fashion Group International recognized the jewelry designer as an emerging talent in the fashion industry at an awards ceremony held Friday.

The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council held its annual India Gem & Jewellery Awards in late January, recognizing Indian jewelry companies for excellence.

A story examining the current supply and demand trends for turquoise topped National Jeweler last week in terms of site traffic.
Benton Clyde Clark Jr., a pioneer in the industry who was known for his uncompromising integrity and humble spirit, died Wednesday at the age of 101.
Hayley Henning has been appointed vice president of marketing and development at colored gemstone mining company True North Gems, bringing with her 20 years of experience in the industry.

See the jewelry and renderings that won the Women’s Jewelry Association 2015 Diva Design competition here.
The division, which covers the U.S., Canada and Latin America, has restructured its field organization and laid off 70 people from its visual merchandising team.
Gemstone miner Gemfields has announced its sponsorship of the International Colored Gemstone Association’s ICA Congress, to be held in Sri Lanka from May 16 to 19.

Prestige Jewelry International has debuted its Marchesa bridal line exclusive to Macy’s, pieces with a bit of a vintage feel set in 18-karat gold.
Sales were strong for Bulgari in 2014 while the luxury conglomerate’s timepiece brands struggled because of “cautious purchasing” among retailers.
The drastic change in demographics that will take place over the next five years will greatly change the workforce as well as the consumer base. At AGTA GemFair, one expert shared 12 tips on how to understand and adapt.

The latest tools, equipment and techniques for jewelry professionals will be shared next month at Stuller’s annual Bench Jeweler Workshop.

As part of a new exhibition opening later this month, the Gemological Institute of America will display more than 20 intricately carved, lifelike gemstone animal sculptures.