Peter Smith gives tips on leading meetings, developing marketing, and making trade show appointments in the age of short attention spans.
What You Might Have Missed: Gold Prices, A Violet Diamond
National Jeweler’s most-read stories last week included an article on the company that placed the winning bid for the 2.83-carat “Argyle Violet” diamond.

New York--The current state of jewelry design in today’s market, the direction in which the gold price is headed and a story about the diamond company that bought the 2.83-carat “Argyle Violet” were among the most-read stories on NationalJeweler.com last week.
1. Analysis: The State of Jewelry Design
First published in the 2016 State of the Majors, this analysis piece examines the challenges jewelry designers face today.
2. Where the Gold Price Is Going Now
Experts predict that the price of gold will continue to trend higher over the next couple of years. Here’s why.
3. The Company that Bought the Violet Diamond
The biggest violet diamond ever found at Australia’s Argyle Mine, the 2.83-carat “Argyle Violet,” now is in the hands of L.J. West, a company that’s been in the colored diamond business for nearly 40 years.
4. Analysis: The State of the Diamond Industry
Also an article from the 2016 State of the Majors, this story analyzes the challenges assailing the diamond industry from all sides.
5. Analysis: The State of the Colored Stone Market
A third State of the Majors feature, this analysis piece delves into the today’s gemstone market, including supply and demand, and how the industry is addressing ethical sourcing concerns.
The Latest

The 11-piece “Medallions” capsule collection features five motifs: a crying eye, a heart on fire, a spiral, a flower, and a swallow.

From Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

The partners have announced the second cycle of the program, which has expanded to include a $25,000 student scholarship.


The owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.

The new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

NDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.

The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.

She wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.

Two pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.

The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.

Led by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.

In his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.

José Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.

It has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.

The owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.

The company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.

The retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.

Of the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.

Megan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.

Following decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.

The museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.

The new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.

The “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.

Buying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.






















