I had the opportunity recently to chat with newly inducted California Jewelers Association (CJA) President James Orloff about a cool new initiative the CJA has launched to help get recession-flogged California consumers interested in fine jewelry again. TheCaratDiet.com, which National...
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In late December, 109-year-old retailer J.C. Penney took a bold social media step forward when it started hawking its wares on Facebook, a move that has been met with lukewarm reviews. While nobody can begrudge the Plano, Texas-based retailer that...
In the jewelry industry, it's a common truism that the holiday season equals engagement season, and it's one that certainly didn't miss Hollywood this year. Stars including Reese Witherspoon, LeAnn Rimes and Natalie Portman are just a few of the...
Last week, I went to see the stage version of “Pee Wee’s Playhouse,” the 1980s TV series that was a mainstay at my house on Saturday mornings. For those that missed it, either voluntarily or otherwise, each episode of the...
Over the years, rumors have popped up from time to time about mining giant De Beers getting in the business of growing diamonds in a laboratory. The most recent round of rumors that I can recall--and please drop me a...
In my job covering the fashion side of jewelry for National Jeweler, I see more than my fair share of pieces so it's always a pleasure to come across designs that stand out and show a unique perspective. The latest...
With Kate Middleton and Prince William's engagement making headlines around the world yesterday, thus began what is sure to be a long run of scrutiny over the style choices of the soon-to-be princess and—most likely—future queen. But first up under...
Back in the August issue of National Jeweler, we wrote about the need among young engagement ring buyers--particularly those who are part of the generation known as the "Millennials" or "Generation Y"--to have something unique. Earlier this week, The New...
Teeny-tiny stacking rings, pendant necklaces and stud earrings have been jewelry tradeshow staples over the last few seasons, and it's no wonder. The small size of these pieces means the price is often right for cost-conscious shoppers. In addition, the...
Breast cancer awareness month kicks off today, and for jewelry lovers looking to give back, there's no shortage of ways to do so.
Fragments—a wholesale jeweler that also operates a boutique in New York’s hip SoHo neighborhood—is a good place to mine for jewelry trends and discover those brands you might not have heard of…yet. One warning: visiting the showroom’s fully stocked cases...
At this year's Vegas trade shows, I was falling for luminous gemstones such as moonstone and labradorite, but lately, it's a more unassuming gem that has captured my attention. At JA New York, I picked up a pair of beaded...
The influence of the Far East on Western jewelry design is nothing new to American jewelers, who can--these days--have their pick of chandelier earrings, pile-on bangles and stackable rings fit for a Bollywood princess (and perfect for American self-purchasers looking...
After a sleepy couple of weeks, news wise, De Beers woke up the diamond world on Monday when it announced a series of changes, a "distribution update" if you will, to the way it sells its rough diamonds. See story...
I was delighted Thursday afternoon when I received a package containing a Tagua ring by eco-friendly jewelry designer Lisa Linhardt, whose eponymous jewelry gallery coincidentally is located just blocks from my own apartment. Ahhh, I've always loved getting fun things...
After the whirlwind of news that was the last two weeks I feel compelled to circle back around and delve deeper into one of the big headliners: the decision on the De Beers class-action lawsuit. As many of you probably...
Editor’s Note: This is part three in a three-part series. Scroll down on our 10X blog page for parts one and two. The retailers and I kicked off the final day of workshop visits in the coastal town of San...
Editor’s Note: This is part two of a three-part series. Scroll down on our 10X blog page for part one, and check back tomorrow for photos from the final day of workshop visits. On Tuesday, April 20, one day after...
Editor’s Note: This is part one of a three-part series. Check back tomorrow for part two, which will feature photos from the first day of workshop visits. For more, view the article "Next stop for Italian jewelry? Le Marche" in...
Checking out the New Designer Gallery is one of the things I look forward to the most at each edition of the JA New York Show. The gallery has been a springboard for big-name designers such as David Yurman, Penny...
We're just halfway through the year, but the jewelry industry's getting an early start on 2011. At the Jewelry Information Center (JIC)'s annual fine jewelry preview and luncheon last week, editors from the nation's top fashion publications got a look...
A knockout sapphire ring or a statement-making pearl necklace will always have their admirers (as well they should), but lately some of the wallflowers of the gemstone world are the ones drawing double takes in jewelry circles. The flagging economy...
Before I left for a lovely, long Memorial Day weekend I got the chance, via a ticket obtained through the Diamond Information Center (DIC), to see the new Broadway musical "Memphis." Set in Memphis, Tenn., in the 1950s, the musical...
Over the last few weeks, I've spent a lot of time pulling together photos of jewelry for a Vegas Market Week preview in our June issue (look for it in the mail or at the shows next week). But with...
A few weeks ago, I attended a great session hosted by the Diamond Dealers Club of New York on crime against diamond dealers and jewelers or, more specifically, on how to prevent it. I thought it was a very enlightening...