At the AGTA GemFair on Wednesday, Performance Concepts’ Kate Peterson outlined eight consumer trends for 2014 and how retailers can translate them into sales at their stores.

Brecken Branstrator

The Jewelers Vigilance Committee has introduced a new program that reviews jewelers’ online advertisements to ensure they comply with federal laws.

Michelle Graff

Frederic Duclos is showcasing an expanded colored gemstone collection in Tucson, matching the stones with its signature sterling silver, in addition to offering a new mixed- metal look featuring yellow gold and ruthenium finishes.

Brecken Branstrator

Diamond wholesale company Avilan has launched a new program that pairs socially aware jewelry designers with its “recycled” diamonds, meaning previously owned stones that haven’t just emerged from any of the world’s mines.

Michelle Graff

Blue Nile announced Thursday that it has set up a second in-store display, this one in the Nordstrom bridal suite at Roosevelt Field, a large mall on New York’s Long Island.

Michelle Graff

San Antonio, Texas and Seattle top Amazon.com’s annual list of the 20 most romantic cities in the United States, an annual inventory of the metropolitan areas where residents ordered the most love-related books, movies and music over the past year.

Michelle Graff

Ruth Batson, Mark Light and the Richline Group will be inducted into the Women’s Jewelry Association’s Hall of Fame this year and will be honored at the organization’s annual Awards for Excellence gala in New York on July 28.

Michelle Graff

The Jewelers Vigilance Committee will host a seminar at the AGTA GemFair in Tucson on Thursday to give an update on compliance topics relevant to jewelers and the industry at large.

Michelle Graff

Scottsdale, Ariz.--Jewelry brand Slane is focusing on gold for 2014, expanding the 18-karat gold collection re-launched at Couture last June.

Biel/Bienne, Switzerland--Swatch Group reported a 9 percent increase in net sales and a 17 percent increase in operating profit, boosted by the watch giant’s multimillion-dollar settlement with Tiffany & Co. 

Michelle Graff

The Diamond Empowerment Fund announced Tuesday that Signet Jewelers will be the first premier presenting sponsor of its “Diamonds in the Sky” event this spring.

Michelle Graff

The National Retail Federation predicts that Americans’ post-recession frugality will continue through Valentine’s Day, with slightly fewer consumers expected to purchase jewelry for the holiday.

Michelle Graff

The current head of watch company U-Boat is investing an undisclosed sum in Christina Debs Fine Jewelry, a Paris-based brand created by the designer of the same name.  

Michelle Graff

Designer Todd Reed is opening a store on Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Los Angeles this September that will carry a range of jewelry but primarily will serve as a men’s boutique.

Lisa Nik unveiled new custom-designed engagement rings from her Honeymoon collection as well as other recently introduced pieces from other lines at Centurion, which is taking place now in Scottsdale. 

Same-store sales increased 3 percent year-over-year in the all-important months of November and December, struggling retailer J.C. Penney reported Tuesday.  

Michelle Graff

JA New York has released the lineup of speakers and panels for the education program at its upcoming winter show, helping retailers take home relevant information on top of a new stock of jewelry. 

Michelle Graff

After the Super Bowl safety that started Sunday’s game, shocking viewers across the country and ultimately serving as a not-so-super harbinger for the Denver Broncos, Jeff Dennis Jewelers will be giving more than 400 customers their money back. 

Brecken Branstrator

Designer Margery Hirschey was the winner in the fine jewelry category of the Fashion Group International’s 17th annual Rising Star Awards, and was honored Tuesday night at a ceremony at Cipriani 42nd Street. 

Michelle Graff

Following the relocation of De Beers’ sales operations to Gaborone, Botswana, Malca-Amit announced it is now offering jet shuttle service between Johannesburg and the Botswana capital.  

Michelle Graff

Jewelry brand Fred Leighton is making its first move into e-commerce, selling on luxury retail website Net-a-Porter.  

Brecken Branstrator

The Responsible Jewellery Council is on the hunt for a new CEO who will provide strategic vision and leadership for the next chapter of the organization’s development. 

Michelle Graff

A California jeweler who was injured when a customer attacked him with a hatchet in his store has inspired a fund to help other local businesses in similar situations. 

Brecken Branstrator

American Gemological Laboratories (AGL) will conduct on-site testing of colored stones for identification, enhancement and origin at the upcoming American Gem Trade Association GemFair.

Michelle Graff

LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton reported 4 percent organic revenue growth for its jewelry and watch division in 2013, led by an “excellent” performance in its directly owned boutiques, particularly Bulgari. 

Michelle Graff