Smith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.
7 Books To Read So Far This Year
From a book on blockchain to advice from a Broadway star, National Jeweler has it covered in its first book roundup of 2018.

New York--Do you want to learn more about blockchain, perfect your timing and get tips on risk-taking from a professional poker player?
Or do you want to read more about a women who had one of the best jewelry collections of all time?
Whichever it is, National Jeweler has it covered in our first book roundup of 2018.
Check out the seven titles below, and click or tap through for more information on book discussion site Goodreads.
Daniel Pink
Daniel Pink is a name that will be familiar to many who work in jewelry. He’s been a speaker at past American Gem Society Conclaves and was at the Atlanta Jewelry Show in August giving workshops on his book “To Sell Is Human.”
Pink’s latest work, “When,” came out in January and draws on research to show that timing isn’t an art but a science.
When people understand the science, they can use timing to, for example, build the ideal schedule or know exactly when to switch jobs.
2. Thinking in Bets: Making Smarter Decisions When You Don’t Have All the Facts
Annie Duke
Duke is a former World Series of Poker Champion who now works as a business consultant.
In her book, she encourages readers to quit worrying about being certain all the time and instead accurately assess what is known and what isn’t known in a situation before making a decision. This will help to avoid knee-jerk, biased reactions, reactions that are overly emotional and other bad decision-making habits.
Michael J. Casey and Paul Vigna
There’s been a lot of buzz around blockchain in the industry, from De Beers’ announcement that it’s piloting one for diamonds to Gübelin Gem Lab working with Everledger to create one for colored stones.
But what is it exactly, how will it work and why is it important?
Casey and Vigna, authors of “The Age of Cryptocurrency,” attempt to demystify the blockchain in their new book while also outlining the disruption it’s sure to cause in the finance, technology, legal and shipping industries.
4. Failing Up: How to Take Risks, Aim Higher and Never Stop Learning
Leslie Odom Jr.
Leslie Odom Jr. earned a Tony playing Aaron Burr in Broadway’s “Hamilton.” Before that, though, he struggled for years as a singer and actor.
His book uses stories from his life to help people achieve
Daniel Coyle
Coyle, who wrote the New York Times bestseller “The Talent Code,” went inside groups like the U.S. Navy’s SEAL Team Six, the championship-winning San Antonio Spurs and even a gang of jewel thieves to figure out what makes organizations work.
He teaches readers how to build a great culture by offering strategies for learning, collaboration and trust.
6. Marketing to Gen Z
Jeff Fromm and Angie Read
Fromm and Read’s new book takes a look at the generation coming up behind the much-talked-about millennials.
Born between 1996 and 2010 (which means the oldest of them are 21 or 22 right now), members of Gen Z will comprise 40 percent of consumers by 2020. They are, according to Fromm and Read, hardworking, socially conscious, skeptical of marketing and mobile-first.
“Marketing to Gen Z” teaches readers how to connect with them via social media, engender loyalty and offer a standout shopping experience.
7. Wallis in Love: The Untold Life of the Duchess of Windsor, the Woman Who Changed the Monarchy
Bessie Wallis Warfield, later known as the Duchess of Windsor, had one of the most spectacular jewelry collections of all time. It brought in $50 million at Sotheby’s in 1987 and was the most expensive private jewelry collection ever sold at auction, until, of course, Elizabeth Taylor’s collection went up on the block.
In this new book, Morton goes behind the duchess’s public persona to reveal a woman with a complex personality who grappled with matters of the heart—Edward VIII gave up the throne for her, and she is quoted as saying, “You have no idea how hard it is to live out a great romance”—and strove to determine her own fate.
The Latest

The show will be held March 26-30 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

The estate of the model, philanthropist, and ex-wife of Johnny Carson has signed statement jewels up for sale at John Moran Auctioneers.

Launched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.

Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.


It will lead distribution in North America for Graziella Braccialini's new gold pieces, which it said are 50 percent lighter.

The organization is seeking a new executive director to lead it into its next phase of strategic growth and industry influence.

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

The nonprofit will present a live, two-hour introductory course on building confidence when selling colored gemstones.

Western wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.
![A peridot [left] and sapphires from Tanzania from Anza Gems, a wholesaler that partners with artisanal mining communities in East Africa Anza gems](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/cdd3962e9427ff45f69b31e06baf830d.jpg)
Although the market is robust, tariffs and precious metal prices are impacting the industry, Stuart Robertson and Brecken Branstrator said.

Rossman, who advised GIA for more than 50 years, is remembered for his passion and dedication to the field of gemology.

Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.

Butterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.

Paul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.

The nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.

Parent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.

It is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.

The AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.

The “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.

Sourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.

The clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.

The “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.

The event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.

Registration is now open for The Jewelry Symposium, set to take place in Detroit from May 16-19.

Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations pledged to join the Natural Diamond Council.

Lady Gaga, Cardi B, and Karol G also went with diamond jewelry for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show honoring Puerto Rico.





















