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

A new study shows that among specialty jewelers, Zales does it best when it comes to digital while other retailers suffer from a lack of omnichannel integration. 

Brecken Branstrator

Pandora will open a greater number of concept stores than originally planned this year, with a particular emphasis on company-owned and -operated stores.  

Michelle Graff

One California jeweler recently received a call asking her to cough up $1,100 because she, allegedly, was behind on her electricity bill. She knew better than to pay it.  

Michelle Graff

Initially, the Disney pieces will be sold in the company’s concept stores only but Pandora said it is planning to expand distribution to some multi-brand retailers in 2015. 

Michelle Graff

One California jeweler recently received a call asking her to cough up $1,100 because she, allegedly, was behind on her electricity bill. She knew better than to pay it.   

Michelle Graff

 Robbins Brothers’ response to the Starbucks ban on stone-set rings was the most popular story on NationalJeweler.com last week.

Michelle Graff

The Jewelers Vigilance Committee has released a legal compliance guide designed to help designers, jewelers and anyone else who engages in e-commerce at either the retail or wholesale level.

Brecken Branstrator

Designers Pamela Froman, Emanuela Duca and Mary Lynn Podiluk, creator of the engagement ring seen here, are among the jewelry artists nominated for the 2015 Niche Awards. 

Brecken Branstrator

Ever wonder why people are so addicted to their iPhones? One of the month’s new releases explains how companies succeed in making products that are habit-forming.  

Michelle Graff

Gübelin’s Lore Kiefert and AGL President Christopher Smith are among those slated to speak at the Accredited Gemologists Association conference in Tucson this February. 

Michelle Graff

Analytics firm ShopperTrak predicts that Dec. 20, a/k/a “Super Saturday” this year, will overtake Black Friday as the top sales day in the 2014 holiday season.

Michelle Graff