Fred Weber of Weber Jewelers was recognized in a unique way Wednesday, when Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley deemed Jan. 8, 2014 “Fred Weber Day.”

Michelle Graff

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.

Michelle Graff

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. 

Michelle Graff

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.

Michelle Graff

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.

Michelle Graff

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. 

Michelle Graff

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.

Michelle Graff

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

Michelle Graff

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.

Michelle Graff

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.

Michelle Graff

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.

Michelle Graff

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. 

Michelle Graff

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.

Michelle Graff

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.

Michelle Graff

The Rapaport Group will be sponsoring four fairs organized by U.S. Antique Shows in 2014. 

Michelle Graff

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.

Michelle Graff

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. 

Michelle Graff

Lara Spencer of ABC’s Good Morning America will again host the GEM Awards, scheduled to take place Jan. 10 at Cipriani 42nd St. in New York.

Michelle Graff

Lab-grown and over-graded diamonds, smartwatches and the per-ounce price of gold are among the topics expected to have a big impact on the jewelry industry this year.

Michelle Graff

The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has announced its first Coyote Classic 5K run, which will take place amid the GemFair events in Tucson next month in lieu of the golf tournament.

Michelle Graff

Longtime diamond salesman Jason Segal died on Dec. 24 of lymphoma. He was 76 years old.

Michelle Graff

The Gemological Institute of America has a new format for its diamond grading and gem identification reports that will offer enhanced security features and technological upgrades.

Michelle Graff

National Jeweler’s final holiday poll showed that while many jewelers found Facebook to be an effective marketing tool this holiday season, there are still a percentage of retailers who aren’t engaged in social media at all.

Michelle Graff

From big diamonds to baroque pearls to pieces featuring the hue of 2014, “Radiant Orchid,” National Jeweler recounts the top pins and pictures of the year on its Pinterest and Instagram accounts.

Brecken Branstrator