The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.
In Latest Acquisition, Quality Gold Buys De-ani
The California-based manufacturer is known for its gold and sterling silver pendants.
Fairfield, Ohio—Quality Gold has acquired De-ani, a California-based manufacturer best known for its gold and sterling silver pendants, for an undisclosed amount.
It is the latest in a series of acquisitions for Quality Gold as the company “continues to accelerate our growth potential and product offerings,” CEO Michael Langhammer said in a company statement.
All operations, including the invoicing and shipping of De-ani merchandise, has been moved to Quality Gold’s facility in Fairfield, Ohio.
Quality Gold plans to publish a charm and pendant catalog, which will include the De-ani Collection, in May.
New De-ani styles will gradually become available online at QGold.com and in Quality Gold’s printed catalogs throughout the next year, the company said.
De-ani founders Richard and Robin Elmassian said they plan to assist Quality Gold as part of the transition team.
“Richard and Robin are involved in the transition. Once that is finished, they then will be primarily working with our design staff on product development to grow our charm line,” a Quality Gold spokesperson said in an email to National Jeweler.
The acquisition is part of a long-term strategic plan to strengthen the company’s vertical positioning, said Quality Gold Chief Operating Officer Jason Langhammer.
The company has been amassing quite the empire over the last few years, making acquisitions across the United States and overseas.
Its list of acquisitions includes gold jewelry supplier Leslie’s, California-based supplier Star Ring Inc. and its Romance Ring division, giftware and jewelry company Luxury Giftware by Jere LLC, and Chicago-based supplier North American Jewelers Inc. as well as its wholly-owned subsidiary Steckbeck Jewelry PVT LTD in Mumbai.
As the ink dries on another acquisition, Jewelers Board of Trade President Richard Weisenfeld’s recent statement that the industry will continue to shrink in the coming years seems on target.
JBT tracks the number of jewelry businesses leaving the industry, divvying the “business discontinuances” into three categories: businesses that closed, consolidated via a sale or merger, or filed for bankruptcy.
The number of consolidations in North America rose 4 percent year-over-year in 2018 to 157 among retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers, compared with 151 consolidations in 2017.
The Latest

The “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.

Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.

You deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.

“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”


Organizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.

The Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.

Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.

The Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.

The “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.

The big diamond’s sale added to the company’s revenue though the market remains “challenging” overall, particularly for smaller goods.

Rob Bates of The Jewelry Wire will also moderate a panel on the state of the jewelry industry during the virtual event.

The Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.

With their durability, brilliance, and beauty, diamonds are the perfect stone for everyday birthstone jewelry.

Smith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.

John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.

Founder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.

“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.

“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.

Signet confirmed that Caffie, president of Zales and Banter, and Bentzen, who headed Blue Nile, have left the company.

The antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.

Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.

Iconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.

The luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.

The NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.

The one-of-a-kind locket, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal three hidden images to keep close to your heart.

The new facility was also designed to better serve its growing customer base in Canada.



























