Two FBI agents recently took the time to talk with National Jeweler about security during the holiday season, a time when jewelers get busy and lapses could happen. 

Michelle Graff

Online jeweler Blue Nile has launched a new mobile shopping application that includes the addition of augmented reality to its “Dream Box” feature, allowing consumers to see what a Blue Nile ring will look like on their hand. 

Michelle Graff

One of the “Fantasy Gifts” in the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book this year is a custom-made locket designed in collaboration with Monica Rich Kosann, a present with a $100,000 price tag attached.

The fine jewelry section of its stores is one area J.C. Penney, which just gave its Modern Bride line a makeover, expects to contribute to growth over the next couple years. 

Michelle Graff

Forevermark’s new advertising campaign, called “Promise,” will run both digitally and in print, targeting affluent men and women who already are married or in the market to do so. 

Michelle Graff

Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback and four-time Super Bowl champion Terry Bradshaw will be the opening keynote speaker at the American Gem Society’s 2015 Conclave, the organization announced Tuesday. 

Michelle Graff

Paul Blarr, the jeweler charged earlier this year with selling simulants that he misrepresented as real diamonds and plated gold as karat gold, pleaded guilty to four new charges Monday after hundreds more victims were uncovered, the Erie County (N.Y.) District Attorney’s Office said. 

Brecken Branstrator

Next month, members of the Israel Diamond Exchange will return to New York for another week-long trading event, bringing back with them their “Natural Is Real” campaign emphasizing the Israeli diamond industry’s commitment to mined, not lab-grown, stones. 

Michelle Graff

The most recent holiday sales forecast, released Tuesday by the National Retail Federation, predicts that consumers will spend 4 percent more this November and December than they did last year. 

Last week another laboratory, EGL Platinum, issued a statement speaking out against the over-grading of diamonds while seeking to separate themselves from the EGL labs associated with this practice, a statement issued in the wake of the Rapaport Group’s move to quit listing diamonds graded by any EGL lab on RapNet.

Michelle Graff

One of the lawsuits filed by consumers against Nashville jeweler Genesis Diamonds for selling diamonds allegedly over-graded by EGL International has been settled while three others remain open.  

Michelle Graff

Associate Editor Brecken Branstrator explores why a new line of customizable jewelry appeals to her and her friends, all of whom are in their 20s.

Brecken Branstrator

The top five stories on NationalJeweler.com last week include a history lesson on Georgian-era mourning jewelry and a story about the sinking price of gold.  

Michelle Graff

A former jewelry store owner in Alabama faces money laundering charges for pawning a 3-carat diamond that was among a cache of jewels he said were taken during a robbery and collected $2.6 million in insurance for, federal officials said.  

Michelle Graff

U.S. small business owners are more satisfied today with their role as entrepreneur than they were at the end of the recession but also are less likely to see themselves as successful, a recent Wells Fargo/Gallup survey shows. 

Brecken Branstrator

The price of gold sunk to its lowest point of the year earlier this week and is expected to dip below $1,200 at some point in the fourth quarter, pushed down by the strengthening U.S. dollar. 

Michelle Graff

Jewelers of America this week released the names of the nominees for the 13th annual Gem Awards, which recognize individuals and brands in jewelry design, marketing and communications, and media.

Michelle Graff

Brides-to-be who purchase a Tacori engagement ring at one Florida jeweler’s trunk show this month will have the option to borrow up to $100,000 in jewelry for their wedding day, a promotion the store is calling “Something Borrowed.”  

Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company announced Wednesday that it is partnering with an employee assistance program provider to offer crisis counseling to jewelers in the wake of traumatic events, such as a robbery or natural disaster.  

Michelle Graff

Goodreads, an online book discussion website, has released its monthly list of recently published books in all categories, from historical fiction to biography and memoirs.  

British communications and trade show company United Business Media Plc (UBM) is set to acquire Advanstar, an events and marketing service business based in New York. 

Michelle Graff

Twenty-seven percent of wealthy shoppers said they plan to buy jewelry this holiday season, with most indicating that they would spend the same amount or more on gifts this year, a recent study shows. 

Brecken Branstrator

The Platinum Guild International has again tapped Marie Claire Creative Director Nina Garcia to curate a selection of platinum jewelry that will be featured on The Knot. 

Michelle Graff

Todd Reed has opened a new store in the Venice neighborhood of Los Angeles, the brand’s only other location besides its home base in Boulder, Colo. 

Michelle Graff

Mining company Gem Diamonds Ltd. announced Wednesday that it sold the 198-carat white diamond discovered in July for $10.6 million, a price that works out to more than $53,000 per carat. 

Michelle Graff