Union Life & Casualty will join JM Insurance Agency Partners, expanding the provider’s pawnbroker coverage.
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![The Macy’s flagship store in New York’s Herald Square. The retailer announced this week that it has ended buyout talks with two firms, Arkhouse Management and Brigade Capital Management, after more than seven months of negotiations. Macy’s Herald Square store](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/aafed433f1e74cd5163ac0285ad7946f.jpg)
The retailer will not be making a deal with Arkhouse Management and Brigade Capital Management, opting to focus on its turnaround plan.
![Valenza Setting Lab has 24 employees, with Marcello Monti and Gilberto Dentelli as its founders. Pictured here is a craftsman working on Pomellato’s “Arengario” necklace from “The Dualism of Milan” collection. Craftsman holding Pomellato Arengario necklace](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/f63bb38ab4d061bb9bb1dbbbfad90311.jpg)
The Kering-owned brand bought VSL to reinforce its manufacturing capabilities.
![HBC, the parent company of Saks Fifth Avenue, is set to acquire Neiman Marcus Group, which owns Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. Seen here is a Neiman Marcus store in Fort Worth, Texas. Neiman Marcus Fort Worth Texas](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/411b770c4d676a546a29ee008c5fe6fc.jpg)
The deal is valued at $2.65 billion.
![Victor Corporation President John Youkilis, left, is retiring and selling the family business to Minneapolis-based Ostbye & Anderson, headed by Craig MacBean. John Youkilis and Craig MacBean](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/291bf264dc0ebabf9bfbfdb495beca44.jpg)
The Minneapolis-based company bought Victor Corporation, which has been making jewelry in Cincinnati since 1946.
![Anglo American plc confirmed Tuesday that diamond mining company De Beers will be “divested or demerged” as part of a broader restructuring designed to simplify its portfolio. Rough diamonds from De Beers](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/6c79b5a0fbaa0238811aa2585ba402fa.jpg)
The mining giant also wants to offload its platinum business as part of an overhaul designed to “unlock significant value.”
![Watches of Switzerland’s full-year revenue was flat, though its U.S. sales were up 6 percent. As of April 28, the retailer had 223 stores across the U.S., U.K., and Europe; pictured here is its store in the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota. Watches of Switzerland Mall of America store](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/013b753d85717544b4e5d1eef29bec9c.jpg)
Looking ahead, the retailer said it sees “enormous potential” in Roberto Coin’s ability to boost its branded jewelry business.
![Miner Lucapa Diamond Co. is looking to sell its 70 percent stake in the Mothae Diamond Mine in Lesotho, a small, landlocked kingdom encircled by South Africa. Mothae Diamond Mine Lesotho](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/7482d48f6d1e86b17ae2975fd352c388.jpg)
The mining company wants to divest its 70 percent holding in the Mothae Diamond Mine in an effort to streamline its portfolio.
![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/2d34eb72f4e87d9c09959599dd33ddcf.jpg)
Why do so many jewelers keep lines that are not selling? Peter Smith thinks the answer lies in these two behavioral principles.
![Watches of Switzerland Group has acquired Roberto Coin Inc., giving it the exclusive right to distribute the brand’s jewelry in the United States, as well as in Canada, the Caribbean, and Central America. Roberto Coin founded his eponymous jewelry brand in Vicenza, Italy. Roberto Coin Fleur de Lis jewelry](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/279ad328329aaa9a26d2afaf660f25d5.jpg)
The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
![A Vhernier “Calla” necklace in 18-karat rose gold and ebony ($11,300). The Italian jeweler was recently acquired by Richemont for an undisclosed amount. Vhernier Calla necklace rose gold and ebony](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/abc6d0a8c94b29343c3e4f3bf571aa41.jpg)
The branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
![Anglo American reportedly is shopping De Beers while the miner itself is being eyed as a potential acquisition target by BHP Group. BHP’s interests lie in Anglo America’s copper operations in South America. Pictured is De Beers’ Venetia mine in South Africa. (©De Beers Group/Photo credit: Ben Perry @ Armoury Films) De Beers Venetia diamond mine in South Africa](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/b057e29df1a30accbb5b2114d2806614.jpg)
Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
![New Jersey-based manufacturer Unique Designs has acquired China Pearl. China Pearl collage](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/6c891e62da852e502eb8d9a0ca744c29.jpg)
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
![Macy’s is now sharing certain confidential due diligence information with two firms in talks to potentially acquire the retailer. Macy’s Herald Square store](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/586db34ebca0e730135ad574f3785f0c.jpg)
The retailer also appointed two new board members, avoiding a proxy fight from a potential buyer.
![The Nordstrom Men’s Store in New York City. The Seattle-based retailer is looking to go private, according to sources quoted in a recent Reuters report. Nordstrom Men’s Store New York City](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/41a875dcdb095d919103b97c3e1e0a5d.jpg)
The retailer previously turned down an $8.4 billion offer in 2018.
![The “Great Tree” inside the Walnut Room of the Macy’s State Street store in Chicago. The publicly traded department store chain, which also owns Bloomingdale’s, has rejected an offer that would have taken it private. (Photo courtesy of Macy’s Inc.) Macy’s Great Tree Chicago](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/3e98749196a54389335220fdcb391190.jpg)
The retailer said Arkhouse Management and Brigade Capital Management failed to provide evidence of a viable plan to finance the deal.
![Quality Gold Inc. will acquire Swiss Crown USA in a deal expected to close by the end of the month. Swiss Crown USA logo and Rolex watch](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/e60dfa3cef9fbfc34f3f2cd130a869ce.jpg)
It is buying Swiss Crown USA, a wholesaler that specializes in independently certified pre-owned Rolexes.
![At left, an ad for Universal Genève’s “Tri-Compax” watch that appeared in Europa Star magazine in 1952 and, at right, an ad for a women’s watch from the brand that appeared in a French magazine circa 1940. Breitling has announced plans to buy Universal Genève and revive the brand, which is coveted among collectors. Universal Genève vintage ads](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/c2833f94893c405ae0529145a97c314e.jpg)
Universal Genève is a collectors’ favorite that’s been around since 1894.
![Arkhouse Management and Brigade Capital Management have offered to buy Macy’s for $5.8 billion, according to several recent reports. Macy’s store Herald Square New York City](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/52d6a8b108cb0b46fcb4a9581d9433d8.jpg)
The storied retailer has been struggling in the face of online competition.
![Boucheron debuted these high jewelry “Illusion” rings set with, from left, a 10.38-carat Australian opal, a 30.98-carat black Australian opal and a 50.95-carat white Ethiopian opal, in 2021. The Kering-owned jewelry brand just acquired a Paris-based workshop to enhance its high jewelry manufacturing capabilities. Boucheron high jewelry rings](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/960c232e8deba52930239b1f235eb327.jpg)
The workshop is comprised of four companies: Blondeau, Belter, Chanson & Cie, and FG Développement.
![Watch retailer WatchBox has merged with Govberg Jewelers, Hyde Park Jewelers, and Radcliffe Jewelers to create The 1916 Company. Watches on a tray](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/b9927049a5846242ab06358fa1a9bea5.jpg)
The 1916 Company is a combination of Hyde Park Jewelers, Govberg Jewelers, Radcliffe Jewelers, and WatchBox.
![The Rolex Perpetual 1908, pictured in 18-karat yellow gold with white dial and brown alligator strap. Rolex recently acquired longtime partner and retailer Bucherer, leaving authorized Rolex dealers with a lot of questions. Associate Editor Lenore Fedow spoke with Chrono24 CEO Tim Stracke and Hindman Auctions’ Reginald Brack to get some answers. Rolex Perpetual 1908 watch](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/84b6e445f2e30e661a61cb028ee9fb5a.jpg)
Chrono24 CEO Tim Stracke and analyst Reginald Brack of Hindman Auctions shared their thoughts on Rolex’s foray into retail.
![A selection of 24-karat gold vermeil over sterling silver jewelry from Danecraft. American Exchange Group recently acquired the jewelry company for an undisclosed amount. (Image courtesy of Danecraft’s Facebook page) Danecraft jewelry](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/2938abe5a248a5f08b6995f9104e94dc.jpg)
The accessories conglomerate is expanding its reach in the jewelry industry.
![The Bucherer 1888 TimeDome store in Las Vegas. Rolex plans to acquire the Swiss watch retailer for an undisclosed amount. Bucherer 1888 TimeDome store Las Vegas flagship](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/63b1dc29457dd00cb9d50d75ea48e2ce.jpg)
The watch retailer, which has more than 100 stores, will keep its name and continue to run its business independently, said Rolex.
![Lab-grown diamond company Adamas One (formerly Apollo Diamond Corp.) has entered into a letter of intent to purchase India-based lab-grown diamond manufacturer Flawless Allure Grown Diamonds. Loose diamonds stock photo](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/232f07577eb964c47da8b4043b68a91a.png)
The South Carolina-based company wants to acquire the production and manufacturing capabilities of India’s Flawless Allure Grown Diamonds.