SurveysOct 09, 2026
These Will Be the 10 Busiest Days for In-Store Shopping This Holiday SeasonStores should expect to see the most customers on Nov. 27, and Christmas week is expected to be hectic too, as Dec. 25 falls on a Friday.
Policies & IssuesMay 11, 2017
Tiffany Got Political; Should You?
Tiffany & Co. spoke out for action against climate change this week, sparking debate both about its stance and the question: Is it bad for business to get political?
The advertisement that Tiffany & Co. ran on page 3 of The New York Times on Tuesday, May 9, calling for President Trump not to pull out of the Paris Climate Agreement. (Photo courtesy of Tiffany & Co.)
New York--Tiffany & Co. spoke out for action against climate change this week, sparking debate both about its stance and the question: Is it bad for business to get political?
The New York-based retailer had an advertisement in Tuesday’s New York Times asking President Donald J. Trump to keep the United States in the Paris Climate Agreement, the global pact to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from which the Trump administration is reportedly mulling a withdrawal.
The retailer also shared the message on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram on Tuesday morning, using black lettering against a backdrop in its signature robin’s egg blue.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the post on Facebook had more than 19,000 reactions, more than 2,000 shares and nearly 600 comments, many of which did not take issue with Tiffany’s stance but with a company that sells jewelry wading into politics.
As one user wrote: “Any responsible CEO who takes into consideration the value of their stock and a responsibility to their stockholders should never express, nor allow anyone to express, in the name of the company any sort of political opinion ever. This is not a statement of disagreement, it’s just a statement of fact. Keep business and politics separate.”
So, did Tiffany make a mistake in addressing the president and taking a position on climate change?
And is the separation of business and politics advice that all businesses, including independent jewelers, should take?
“I don’t think it’s smart for anyone to get political these days. I would not do it.” --Andrea Hansen, Luxe IntelligenceAndrea Hansen, president of Luxe Intelligence, which works on branding and business development with companies in jewelry, said while Tiffany endured some backlash for its ad, there was little risk in the company’s decision.
Environmental protection is an issue about which the retailer already has been vocal.
Tiffany was one of the most outspoken opponents of the proposed Pebble Mine in Alaska because of its potential impact on the surrounding ecosystem. The jeweler took out an ad in the Times addressing that issue and even sponsored a screening of the documentary about the project, “Red Gold,” in New York back in 2008.
Also, Hansen said, Tiffany is likely to find widespread support for its stance on climate change outside the United States.
“I think they are in a very safe place,” she said. “That they picked this one issue to be political, I feel
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
like they have very little to lose.”
But that doesn’t mean that getting political is a good move for other players in the jewelry industry.
“I don’t think it’s smart for anyone to get political these days. I would not do it,” Hansen said, adding that by “anyone” she means brands, jewelry designers and, especially, retailers.
“The country is 50/50, basically, and it’s not smart to take the risk of losing clients when business is already so difficult.”
Bill Gullan, president of Philadelphia-based branding agency Finch Brands, agrees with Hansen on both points--that Tiffany was not taking a big risk with its climate change ad and that retailers, particularly small, independently-owned jewelry stores, should generally avoid injecting politics into their business.
“It’s like [talking about] politics and religion and sex at the dinner table. You really need some restraint here, I think,” he said.
But what if the business owner feels compelled to speak out on an issue because they believe it’s more about speaking up for what’s right than it is about politics?
There were commenters on the Tiffany Facebook post who noted as much about the company’s climate change ad, with one person writing: “Good on you (Tiffany) for taking a stance and expressing it … I don’t think people actually understand that speaking up for climate action is important and it is beyond a mere political stand. It affects everyone. It’s about the future of our home.”
Gullan said he gives his clients two pieces of advice about taking a political stance.
Number one, they should ask themselves: Does the position you’re considering taking map very closely with the values and belief system of your customer base?
Hansen gave this same advice to National Jeweler on Wednesday, reiterating what she said when commenting on Spicer-Greene’s conversation-starting billboard back in March--know your audience.
Gullan said the number two question to ask is: Do you, the brand, have credibility to speak on the issue?
He draws on two commercials that aired during this year’s Super Bowl to illustrate the concept of credibility.
Airbnb aired an ad that was a montage of people of different races, religions, genders and ages that sent a message of acceptance and tolerance. Gullan said as a company that promotes global travel and its clients immersing themselves in different cultures, this was a fine message for Airbnb to send.
Audi’s commercial, meanwhile, expressed its support for equal pay for equal work and was roundly criticized. It’s a message that seemingly came out of nowhere for the car company, a company, Gullan pointed out, that does not have a single woman on its board.
“Go for it, speak your truth, do you, but understand there are risks in terms of how your customers feel and react,” he said.
“Brands needs to be careful. There’s a lot of raw nerves and live wires about this stuff.”
But that doesn’t mean that getting political is a good move for other players in the jewelry industry.
“I don’t think it’s smart for anyone to get political these days. I would not do it,” Hansen said, adding that by “anyone” she means brands, jewelry designers and, especially, retailers.
“The country is 50/50, basically, and it’s not smart to take the risk of losing clients when business is already so difficult.”
Bill Gullan, president of Philadelphia-based branding agency Finch Brands, agrees with Hansen on both points--that Tiffany was not taking a big risk with its climate change ad and that retailers, particularly small, independently-owned jewelry stores, should generally avoid injecting politics into their business.
“It’s like [talking about] politics and religion and sex at the dinner table. You really need some restraint here, I think,” he said.
But what if the business owner feels compelled to speak out on an issue because they believe it’s more about speaking up for what’s right than it is about politics?
There were commenters on the Tiffany Facebook post who noted as much about the company’s climate change ad, with one person writing: “Good on you (Tiffany) for taking a stance and expressing it … I don’t think people actually understand that speaking up for climate action is important and it is beyond a mere political stand. It affects everyone. It’s about the future of our home.”
Gullan said he gives his clients two pieces of advice about taking a political stance.
Number one, they should ask themselves: Does the position you’re considering taking map very closely with the values and belief system of your customer base?
Hansen gave this same advice to National Jeweler on Wednesday, reiterating what she said when commenting on Spicer-Greene’s conversation-starting billboard back in March--know your audience.
Gullan said the number two question to ask is: Do you, the brand, have credibility to speak on the issue?
He draws on two commercials that aired during this year’s Super Bowl to illustrate the concept of credibility.
Airbnb aired an ad that was a montage of people of different races, religions, genders and ages that sent a message of acceptance and tolerance. Gullan said as a company that promotes global travel and its clients immersing themselves in different cultures, this was a fine message for Airbnb to send.
Audi’s commercial, meanwhile, expressed its support for equal pay for equal work and was roundly criticized. It’s a message that seemingly came out of nowhere for the car company, a company, Gullan pointed out, that does not have a single woman on its board.
“Go for it, speak your truth, do you, but understand there are risks in terms of how your customers feel and react,” he said.
“Brands needs to be careful. There’s a lot of raw nerves and live wires about this stuff.”
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
CollectionsOct 09, 2026
Elisa Solomon Collabs With Serendipity 3 on ‘Frozen Hot Chocolate’ CharmThe charm, our Piece of the Week, features brown diamond frozen hot chocolate topped with white diamond whipped cream and a ruby straw.
AuctionsOct 09, 2026
8-Carat Blue Diamond Goes Unsold at UK Jewelry Auction The top lot of Elmwood’s recent fine jewelry sale in London was a 1.84-carat, D color Tiffany & Co. solitaire diamond ring.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
WatchesOct 09, 2026
Movado to Sell Majority Stake in Ebel for $66.5MThe watch company agreed to sell a 95 percent interest to a group comprised of F.P. Journe, Chanel, and Swiss watch exec Pierre Jacques.
Weekly QuizOct 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsOct 08, 2026
Brent Neale’s New Collection Goes ‘Back to Basics’It revisits the brand’s most requested silhouettes, from "Pillow"-set necklaces and bracelets to "Signature"-set rings and earrings.
SourcingOct 08, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair Heads Back to BrooklynThe trade-only event includes buying opportunities as well as educational sessions on artisanal mining, the new Paraíba source, and more.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
Events & AwardsOct 08, 2026
Pattons Fine Jewelry Sweeps Local Design ContestAra Chanakian, a jeweler at Pattons, took home top honors in every category at Jewelers of Louisiana’s annual jewelry design competition.
AuctionsOct 08, 2026
Reba McEntire’s Jewelry, Watches Head to Julien’s AuctionsThe live charity benefit sale in Nashville will also feature gowns, boots, and other memorabilia from the country music legend.
Supplier BulletinOct 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Helps Jewelers Turn Custom Design into a Hands-On Selling ExperienceSponsored by Overnight Mountings
CollectionsOct 07, 2026
Blue Nile, Royal Asscher Collection Highlights Natural Diamond BeautyBlue Nile, a Signet Jewelers-owned brand, is now Royal Asscher’s exclusive licensed retailer in North America.
CollectionsOct 07, 2026
4 Standout Pieces in Audemars Piguet’s First High Jewelry Collection “Royal Oak” pays homage to the brand’s most popular watch model using 18-karat gold as well as diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires.
MajorsOct 07, 2026
Empire Safe & Vault Promotes Juan Morales to CEOAs part of the transition, Joseph Nicosia has stepped into the role of COO.
SourcingOct 07, 2026
AGTA Extends Deadline for 2026 Spectrum Awards EntriesParticipants now have until Oct. 14 to complete their submissions.
CrimeOct 06, 2026
6 Charged in Connection to String of New Jersey Smash-and-GrabsThe alleged thieves used crow bars and sledgehammers to smash into jewelry stores across the state.
ColumnistsOct 06, 2026
Sherry Smith: Is the Consumer Really Trading Up?Ahead of the holidays, Smith urges jewelers to take a hard look at who’s buying jewelry, what they’re purchasing, and who’s stopped buying.
SourcingOct 06, 2026
DDG Taps Influencers for ‘My Diamond Does Good’ CampaignIn the new consumer-facing campaign, four fashion and lifestyle creators share the stories behind their natural diamond pieces.
MajorsOct 06, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names COO, CMOFGI President John Orrico is also leaving the company after more than 13 years.
Events & AwardsOct 06, 2026
JIS Fall Returns to MiamiThe 2026 edition will feature presentations on alternative materials and design trends, as well as pop-up activations on the show floor.
SourcingOct 05, 2026
De Beers to Take Full Ownership of Gahcho KuéIt is the last fully operational diamond mine in Canada following the recent closures of Ekati and Diavik.
AuctionsOct 05, 2026
The Star Cats of the Sandy Lerner AuctionThese jewels stood out at Bonhams’ sale of the cat-loving tech entrepreneur’s collection of objects depicting the feline form.
CollectionsOct 05, 2026
Sorellina Writes Another Love Letter for ‘Postscript’ CollectionThe fine jewelry brand has expanded the collection that debuted at Couture with four new designs based on its most popular styles.
SourcingOct 05, 2026
Bruce Bridges Joins CIBJO BoardThe AGTA president was elected for a two-year term on the board of directors.
SourcingOct 02, 2026
De Beers, National Geographic Society Renew Okavango Eternal Partnership The partnership, a pledge to protect Africa’s Okavango River Basin, has been extended for an additional five years.
MajorsOct 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New $150M Manufacturing Facility in VietnamThe new facility, its first outside of Thailand, will boost its manufacturing capacity by 50 percent.
TrendsOct 02, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30th Anniversary With Heart PendantThe special-edition “Dream” pendant, our Piece of the Week, was created to mark Hearts On Fire’s 30-year milestone with 30 diamonds.
