Being a jeweler is reportedly among the least stressful careers to have in 2014, according to a recently released report from CareerCast.com, an online resource for job seekers.
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Gemstone-laden drop earrings and elaborate cocktail rings were the scene-stealers jewelry-wise at the 40th Annual People’s Choice Awards, held Wednesday at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles.

A watch company has been ordered to pay Audemars Piguet more than $9 million in damages for selling a watch that was deemed to be a knockoff of the luxury watchmaker’s “Royal Oak.”
J.C. Penney Co. Inc. released a statement Wednesday commenting on its holiday performance that gave very few details, spurring speculation that the retailer’s turnaround had stalled.
Despite what its CEO described as a “successful” holiday season, Macy’s announced Thursday it would lay off about 2,500 employees as it trims central office staff and closes stores.
Dwight Gaston, senior vice president of operations at Blue Nile Inc., is stepping down, effective July 2.
Despite a shorter shopping season and bad weather across the country in the time leading up to Christmas, retail sales were up year-over-year this holiday season, according to data released Wednesday by ShopperTrak.
Fred Weber of Weber Jewelers was recognized in a unique way Wednesday, when Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley deemed Jan. 8, 2014 “Fred Weber Day.”
The 2014 edition of the MJSA Buyer’s Guide, which lists resources and information for purchasing jewelry-making tools, equipment, supplies and services, is now available.

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has announced the passing of former vice president and Board of Governors member Bert Krashes. He died of natural causes over the weekend at the age of 90.
A federal judge in New York has dismissed W.B. David & Co. Inc.’s lingering claim in its 10-year-old case against De Beers’ rough diamond sales arm, the last outstanding antitrust case against the diamond miner and marketer in the United States.
A New York judge has approved the sale of bankrupt retailer Loehmann’s inventory and intellectual property following an auction that took place Friday and Saturday in New York.
Retail e-commerce spending from desktop computers hit $46.5 billion in November and December, increasing 10 percent over last year but falling short of the $48 billion forecast, according to data released Tuesday by digital metrics firm comScore.
I’ve always harbored a fascination for bobsledding.
Hannah and I were having a laugh last week about how the calendar date of Jan. 1 inspires people to vow to turn over a new leaf: they are going to lose weight, save more money, be a better all-around person.

Jewelry manufacturer Frederick Goldman Inc. has named retail sales associate Lindsay Soquent as the grand prize winner of its “ArtCarved in Rome” incentive program.

Visitors uncovered a total of 453 diamonds at the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas last year, down from the 530 found in 2012, according to Park Interpreter Margi Jenks.
A federal magistrate judge has recommended dismissal of the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission’s (EEOC) claim of nationwide sex discrimination by Sterling Jewelers Inc., parent company of Kay Jewelers and Jared the Galleria of Jewelry.
In one of the latest developments in the “wearable technology” arena, technology company Netatmo has introduced a so-called “smart bracelet” that monitors the wearer’s sun exposure and gives skin care advice.
Gallup Daily Tracking found that Americans spent $96 a day in December, the highest monthly average since September 2008 and the highest average for any December in the six years the company has tracked daily spending.
A Los Angeles jeweler accused of selling a Texas couple’s diamond, not paying them for it and then trying to make it look like the stone got stolen while in transit has pled guilty, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Midland/Odessa confirmed to National Jeweler.

The Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE) recently held a fundraising drive for ILAN, the Israel Foundation for Handicapped Children, an organization that helps thousands of physically handicapped children and adults across the country.
The Rapaport Group will be sponsoring four fairs organized by U.S. Antique Shows in 2014.
Trade show organizer Messe Frankfurt Inc. has announced that it is expanding its Ambiente trade show, which covers home design, furnishings and accessories, into India for the first time.
While U.S. consumer confidence is improving, Gallup’s Economic Confidence Index still ended the year in negative territory, and Gallup said the federal government will need to learn to work together to boost it into the positive.