This month, National Jeweler takes a look at the background of acrostic jewelry, which contained a message spelled out by the first letter of every gemstone in the piece.

Brecken Branstrator

Diamond manufacturer Kiran Gems is partnering with the Smile Foundation to bring quality education to underprivileged children in India through the Mission Education program.

Michelle Graff

Though Comscore Inc. is predicting double-digit gains for online spending this holiday, the digital metrics firm notes that wage stagnation and lack of discretionary income among the middle class could weigh on the season.

Michelle Graff

Following a tough fiscal year, specialty jeweler Birks Group Inc. has rebounded with a strong second quarter and first half, driven by watch sales and an increase in average ticket, number of transactions and store traffic.  

Michelle Graff

Third quarter sales were soft for major chain retailers, which are grappling with a lack of compelling product and continued competition from pure-play online retailers.  

Michelle Graff

Dale Perelman spent years at the helm of King’s of New Castle, a family-owned chain that had 51 stores at its peak. Now semi-retired, the Western Pennsylvania native has tackled a topic of great local interest in his latest book, Steel.  

Michelle Graff

On Tuesday, Oxford Dictionaries named its 2014 “Word of the Year,” the orderly amassing of letters that, according to the professional wordsmiths at Oxford, has “attracted a great deal of interest during the year to date.”

Michelle Graff

Men’s jewelry and accessory brand William Henry is partnering with well-known fashion brand John Varvatos to bring a selection from its newest jewelry collection into the latter’s boutiques. 

Brecken Branstrator

GemOro, a division of Dallas-based Sy Kessler, has released its new iView handheld LED illuminated magnifier. 

Michelle Graff

Platinum Guild International (PGI-USA) just launched the latest edition of “Platinum Pairings,” a custom content series produced in conjunction with Refinery 29. 

Michelle Graff

The AGTA’s new board of directors, a new sales associate at William Noble Rare Jewels and the first female vice president of a diamond exchange are among the industry’s recent career moves. 

Michelle Graff

Gitanjali Group-owned chain Samuels Jewelers remains focused on U.S. market growth, with an eye toward strengthening its online presence specifically.  

Michelle Graff

Though turkey day is becoming increasingly popular for shopping, the backlash from employees who miss family time has caused some stores to take a stand against it. Specialty jeweler Rogers & Hollands is one of them. 

Brecken Branstrator

A story detailing the Jewelers Vigilance Committee’s new guide on the laws surrounding e-commerce was the most popular story on National Jeweler last week. 

Michelle Graff

Precious gemstone miner Gemfields reported Friday that production of emerald and beryl at its Kagem mine in Zambia hit 6.3 million carats in its third quarter, down from 6.5 million in the prior-year period.

Michelle Graff

 Feel a jewelry store can’t compete with all the big-box deals on Black Friday? One New York jeweler doesn’t buy it and is getting technical to draw in customers.

Michelle Graff

“Mounting conviction” in the economic recovery and lower prices helped boost U.S. demand for gold jewelry to its highest level in five years, the latest report from the World Gold Council shows.  

Michelle Graff

Consumers will spend more than ever before on gift cards this holiday season, citing practicality as the reason they buy them instead of picking a specific present.

Michelle Graff

One of the best parts of this job and this industry is hands down not only getting to see all the amazing jewelry but also getting to talk to the people--manufacturers, designers, retailers--behind it. This is especially true when these conversations take place in person and I get to hear, for example, the inspiration and idea behind a jewelry collection from the artist themselves. Last week I was lucky enough to meet with a designer who was new to me, Lisa Kim, and hear firsthand about her new collection, “Windlords.” With a feminine-yet-edgy look that I think will speak to the modern self-purchaser, Kim’s jewelry draws from other interests of hers--mythology, fantasy literature and ancient history. She also has a background in animation and has studied the techniques of chasing and repoussé. She is based in Los Angeles, where she produces all her jewelry locally. It’s available in karat gold or sterling silver, and uses ethically sourced gemstones chosen for their color and features. Currently she sells in a few select stores but is looking to expand her presence in independent retailers. The design aesthetic of her new Windlords collection is a direct reflection of Kim’s belief in the parallel between “the mythic hero and the modern woman,” offering a big, bold look for a more affordable price point. Scroll down to see a few of my favorites from my recent visit with Kim. This is Kim’s “Shield” ring, made with a rose-cut moonstone, oxidized sterling silver and 18-karat yellow gold ($6,125).

Brecken Branstrator

U.S. Antique Shows, organizers of the trade-only antique jewelry show held in Las Vegas every year, is launching a new show aimed at the high-end market.    

Michelle Graff

Christie’s recent Magnificent Jewels sale set a new world record for a jewelry auction at $150.2 million, led by a 392.52-carat sapphire that was a record-setter itself. 

Brecken Branstrator

The index is a product of the new Fancy Color Research Foundation, a global organization dedicated to tracking prices and supporting the selling process for fancy color diamonds.  

Michelle Graff

U.S. Antique Shows, organizers of the trade-only antique jewelry show held in Las Vegas every year, is launching a new show aimed at the high-end market.   

Michelle Graff

An expert in online reputation management answers questions about the correct way to handle negative reviews on the Internet, “trolls” and when it’s OK to ignore a bad review.  

The new laws surrounding ivory and the identification of CVD-grown diamonds are among the topics that will be covered at this year’s event. 

Michelle Graff