Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff returns from Rhode Island with thoughts about in-store shopping and a trends report.
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![Peter Smith is an industry consultant, speaker, sales trainer, and author. He can be reached via email at TheRetailSmiths@gmail.com. National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/bec7295a7f478778b1c196e6d81e7cd9.jpg)
In his latest column, Smith shares multiple reasons why people who look at the glass as being hall full often make better salespeople.
![A rendering of a billboard from Etsy’s new campaign. The campaign is designed to highlight the platform’s creators and how their products are made. Etsy billboard rendering in NYC](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/9a94f394f326b90dc1c9da6a711c5e09.jpg)
Sellers and shoppers have spoken out against a rise in mass-produced merchandise on the platform meant to highlight handmade goods.
![Lilian Raji is a strategic communications and PR adviser who helps companies understand their marketing problems, then designs and executes strategies to solve them. National Jeweler columnist Lilian Raji](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/40e8079de9dffc89f1af5df320fde00c.jpg)
Lilian Raji discusses the importance of having an intentional website design that aligns with your brand or store’s goals.
![In a Q&A with Associate Editor Lenore Fedow, Watches of Switzerland CEO Brian Duffy (pictured) discussed the retailer’s jewelry strategy, including its plans for Roberto Coin in the United States. Watches of Switzerland CEO Brian Duffy](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/c4c68e4542c92577906e78348e35244e.jpg)
Duffy spoke candidly about the company’s plans to watch and learn, his love for the U.S. market, and what he learned from his mom.
![A pair of 14-karat yellow gold multicolor gemstone pavé drop earrings ($3,228) by Allurez. Bain & Company released the new “Luxury Goods Worldwide Market Study,” delving into what’s behind the recent slowdown and how luxury brands can better serve their customers. Allurez drop earrings](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/0f5b00f01d218e048c9c5318e65712b7.jpg)
Its recent report dives into the current dilemma facing luxury brands.
![Emmanuel Raheb is the CEO of Smart Age Solutions, a digital ad agency and coveted Premier Google Partner. Contact him at eraheb@smartagesolutions.com. National Jeweler columnist Emmanuel Raheb](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/a26f236472265368dbe9160c90990e31.jpg)
Emmanuel Raheb runs down the list of tried-and-true SEO tips and details a couple lesser-known tricks.
![The new Inoveo Platinum (grain pictured at left) and insights into engagement ring and fashion jewelry trends were among the highlights at the Stuller booth at JCK Las Vegas 2024. Platinum grain, an on-trend diamond engagement ring, and on-trend gold hoop earrings](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/430856127c27800ffd788e8b8c08c4cc.jpg)
On-trend engagement rings, bold gold jewelry, and a new platinum alloy were on display at the company’s busy booth.
![The Natural Diamond Council’s new “Real. Rare. Responsible” campaign starring actress and NDC ambassador Lily James (“Cinderella,” “Downton Abbey”) was shot in Canada’s Northwest Territories, where the Northern Lights are visible more than half the year. (Photo courtesy of the Natural Diamond Council) Actress Lily James with a rough diamond and the Northern Lights](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/b7b93e1b15d468ef35e360cefae916ef.jpg)
Shot in Canada’s Northwest Territories in winter, the campaign features actress and NDC ambassador Lily James and the Northern Lights.
![Lightbox, the lab-grown diamond brand De Beers Group launched in 2018 with an $800 per carat pricing structure, is now selling its diamonds for as low as $500 a carat. Pictured is a selection of loose fancy-cut lab-grown Lightbox diamonds. White, pink, and blue lab-grown diamonds from Lightbox](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/a48b90c837455424f3a463df9d16971a.jpg)
The move follows a price-drop test run in Q4 and comes with the addition of a “quality assurance card” from GIA for some loose diamonds.
![Benny Oeyen is Anglo American’s executive head of market development for PGMs (platinum group metals), which include platinum and palladium. Anglo American executive Benny Oeyen](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/4d6d0ba20db93cbbe126bf55ea9d93f3.jpg)
The executive talked about the importance of self-purchasers and how fuel cell electric vehicles are going to fuel demand for platinum.
![Emmanuel Raheb is the CEO of Smart Age Solutions, a digital ad agency and coveted Premier Google Partner. Contact him at eraheb@smartagesolutions.com. National Jeweler columnist Emmanuel Raheb](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/308325aea121f737c3a9e709fe99a89e.jpg)
Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
![Associate Editor Lenore Fedow attended the National Retail Federation’s annual convention in New York City earlier this year, and, coupled with its recent “State of Retail & the Consumer” event, compiled five key takeaways about consumers. (Image courtesy of NRF/Jason Dixson Photography) The National Retail Federation 2024 Retail’s Big Show](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/d194a33d456038f2cc28cc0ef2ff39a9.jpg)
Associate Editor Lenore Fedow shares takeaways from the NRF’s annual show and its “State of Retail & the Consumer” event.
![Model Georgia May Jagger, daughter of model Jerry Hall and Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger, stars in the new campaign for Tommy Hilfiger, a licensed brand in Movado’s portfolio. Movado’s fourth-quarter and full-year sales declined. Georgia May Jagger Tommy Hilfiger ad campaign](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/7a8938e4113806bafbdcb6679e5456cc.jpg)
The company plans to invest $25 million in marketing initiatives to boost awareness around its namesake and licensed brands.
![The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index fell to 106.7 in February as consumers grappled with economic uncertainty. Shoppers holding bags in winter weather](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/23390ee76945ef7a0ec7f4d5aa5f13f1.jpg)
The Conference Board’s revised January reading suggests consumers did not start off 2024 as confidently as previously thought.
![A yellow gold lab-grown diamond pendant from Lightbox, the De Beers-owned brand. Lightbox tested lower prices in the all-important fourth quarter, marking down its standard range of lab-grown diamonds by 25 percent and its “Finest” range by 33 percent. Lightbox lab grown diamond pendant in yellow gold](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/d6d999a3ebac6ac0ce3d041453b8a2c7.jpg)
The De Beers-owned lab-grown diamond company dropped the price on its standard offerings from $800/carat to $600/carat.
![An 18-karat yellow gold and enamel ruby heart ring by Sig Ward (price upon request). Shoppers are expected to spend $6.4 billion on jewelry this Valentine’s Day, according to the annual survey by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights and Analytics. Sig Ward heart ring](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/2519d3c3dc0ff2aea82bc6b94c850a4d.jpg)
The organization shared its predictions on how much consumers will be spending and on whom.
![Pat Henneberry is a strategic consultant, speaker, and trainer. She can be reached via email at pat@pathenneberry.com or via her website, PatHenneberry.com. National Jeweler columnist Pat Henneberry](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/fd76349dd6f40361c42c5d1b1c1448f2.jpg)
From personalization to consistency, Pat Henneberry breaks down the keys to keeping high-end clients coming back.
![Retail sales, excluding sales at gas stations, restaurants, and car dealerships, were up 3.8 percent year-over-year during the 2023 holiday season and rose 3.6 percent for the full year, the NRF said last week. Stock image of hand holding holiday shopping bags](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/8e9d379978382b0e4c72db3a3260667b.jpg)
Retail sales also were up about 4 percent for the full year.
![Peter Smith is an industry consultant, speaker, sales trainer, and author. He can be reached via email at TheRetailSmiths@gmail.com. National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/77eae45d8b1bc9a76b1de6f82a6b3584.jpg)
Peter Smith is optimistic, particularly for jewelers who do these three things well.
![Sherry Smith is director of business development for data and consulting company The Edge Retail Academy. She can be reached at sherry@edgeretailacademy.com. National Jeweler columnist Sherry Smith](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/4df353ab37e9c2cb2d3cea95ce11c7ae.jpg)
Sherry Smith breaks down the final results for the month of December as well as for the full year.
![The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index rose to 110.7 in December from a downwardly revised 101.0 last month, its highest level since July. Winter shoppers holding shopping bags](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/e21a465cb8a9b56c9424722bfc62a355.jpg)
More optimistic views on the labor market as well as current and future business conditions gave the index a boost.
![The Zales x Rocksbox Fine Jewelry Rental program now includes men’s jewelry. Zales x Rocksbox Fine Jewelry Rental men’s jewelry](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/b030f0e16e7ec610684a0c71bfc516b2.jpg)
The expanded rental program will include diamond chain necklaces, Cuban link bracelets, and more.
![On Dec. 6, Citizen celebrated the opening of its new flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York. It is the company’s first multi-brand store in the North America, carrying Citizen on the first floor (seen here), as well as watches from Accutron, Alpina, Bulova, and Frederique Constant on the second floor. Citizen’s new flagship store in North America](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/8cab270ccef1d363b8c3c1baf4707e43.jpg)
It comes at a seemingly perfect time for the company, as watches are “hot” right now, says Citizen Watch America President Jeffrey Cohen.
![Pantone’s color of the year for 2024 is “Pantone 13-1023 Peach Fuzz.” Pantone color of the year 2024](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/7c04580f0b36ffdfda3215133dc5ace9.jpg)
The peachy hue also marks the program’s 25th anniversary.