Having a Google alert set for the general term “jewelry” can turn up a lot of results. While not always relevant, it’s good to at least sift through the alerts to make sure we’re not missing any important news stories, and it can be a great resource for interesting tidbits you wouldn’t otherwise find. Not too long ago, one of my alerts turned me on to a really interesting story about Dutch designer Daan Roosegaarde and his project to eliminate smog with a new device he’s creating. Roosegaarde and his team of experts at the Studio Roosegaarde, which has locations in the Netherlands and Shanghai, are developing a safe, energy-friendly installation to capture smog and create clean air. The Smog project uses patented ion technology in an “electronic vacuum cleaner” to create large holes of clean air, and they’re aiming to create the largest smog-free park in Beijing, according to Studio Roosegaarde. The project’s timing is aligned with the recent vow by Beijing’s municipal government to lower the concentration of fine particulate matter by 25 percent by 2017. A mock-up is currently being tested in the studio, and the first park is slated to open in early summer of next year. What’s more, Roosegaarde is using the smog captured from the machine and turning it into fine jewelry. “I like the notion that you take something high-end and combine it with the problematic,” Roosegaarde told The New York Times.
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The number of reported incidences of jewelry crime fell again in 2013, continuing a trend that began in the 1990s.
Popular jewelry brand David Yurman opened a new boutique in Orlando, Fla. on April 3 at The Mall at Millenia.
It’s been a long couple of weeks. I am exhausted from Basel and still in the midst of my not-very-well-thought-out decision to give up alcohol for Lent. What I wouldn’t give for a beer at dinner tonight or even right now; but I digress.
The Jewelers Board of Trade has launched a service that will allow non-JBT members to monitor and manage their credit profiles with the organization.
A former Zale Corp. executive joining Gem Star and elections for the Jewelers Board of Trade’s board of directors are among the recent career moves in the industry.
A recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission reveals that a number of shareholders of Greenville, S.C.-based Scio want to replace the board because the lab-grown diamond company isn’t making any money.
One retailer faces felony charges for allegedly selling moissanite and other man-made stones that he misrepresented as diamonds, a case that should serve as a reminder to jewelers that they are liable for what they sell.
Tissot debuted what it says is the world’s first touch-screen watch powered by solar energy, extending its line of tactile watches first introduced in 1999.
Neiman Marcus Group Inc. announced changes on Wednesday that will merge the company’s online and store merchandising and planning teams into a single organization and create omnichannel responsibilities for them.
After what it said was a successful first show, the Rapaport Group has announced it will host the Diamond Show at Baselworld again next year at the same venue, the Markthalle building.
Two brands, Persona jewelry and Breitling watches, will donate a portion of their sales to foundations that support individuals with autism and their families as well as autism research.
The MJSA’s 2104 Vision Awards, which recognizes outstanding talent in jewelry design, is open for entries now through April 17.
While Baselworld is known as a showcase for the latest watchmaking innovations, there was no lack of fresh jewelry designs at the show. A total of 10 pieces from three big brands--Stephen Webster, Mikimoto and Roberto Coin--are featured in this slideshow.
Online retailer Gemvara has decided not to open a permanent brick-and-mortar location after a temporary store designed to test the brand’s brick-and-mortar appeal didn’t attract many customers.
A larger Navitimer and a special series to mark the 30th anniversary of its pilot’s chronograph, the Chronomat, are among the introductions from Breitling.
De Beers has named the five companies it has added as sightholders for the remainder of the 2012-2015 contract period.
Jeffrey Gennette, who spent the past five years as chief merchandising officer at Macy’s, has been named president of the corporation.
Registration is open for the 2014 Select by Centurion shows, which cater to regional and hosted retailers by featuring small groups of designers and manufacturers.
Raymond Weil has a new special-edition Nabucco watch as well as a new collection called Toccata, a line of quartz watches where the entry-level models start at $750.
Same-store sales in the U.S. were up 4 percent for Signet Jewelers Ltd. in the fourth quarter, while e-commerce sales climbed 21 percent to $61.9 million.
Business Insider posted a slideshow online earlier this month that showed the websites of major companies in 1990s as compared with their domains today.
The 1920s, 30s and 70s are the eras on which Longines has drawn in creating new watches for 2014.
The Movado Group Inc. announced Wednesday that it is reducing distribution of its ESQ Movado brand in order to focus on “more productive” watches.
Since I’m still getting acclimated with the fine jewelry industry and trying to expose myself to as many brands and people as possible, I decided to join National Jeweler Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff and check out the collections of Buddha Mama two weeks ago. Based on the name and the buzz behind the brand, I was intrigued.
