Running like a fine-tuned machine

This week: South Dakota jewelry company closes, after owner’s suicide. Retail leaders mixed on border tax. And a reason to buy an engagement ring, even if you’re not engaged. All below.

$45K Vacheron Constantin produced for Hodinkee sells out in half hour.

– My thoughts: Lessons from the sale.

Coleman Co. closes after CEO’s suicide, workers left in lurch.

January retail sales were up—but not by much.

Trump attack on Nordstrom: fair or foul?

– Stores distance themselves from Ivanka.

– Is there hope for her brand?

Nordstrom now U.S. retail favorite.

Retail, apparel could be hurt by Trump’s “America first” plan.

– Retail leaders meet with Trump about plan.

Executive order could repeal conflict minerals rule.

Blue Nile officially acquired, goes private.

– Settles shareholder complaint.

– My thoughts: Where does it go from here?

Numbers differ on average engagement ring cost.

Alrosa to promote Russian-mined diamonds.

Avi Krawitz: “Surviving while the diamond industry shrinks.”

Albert Robinson: Have the bourses come back?

Here’s who made Beyoncé’s incredible Grammys jewelry.

Diamond Producers Association plans Oscar ads.

Michelle Graff: Why A United Kingdom should be on the industry’s radar.

Gem Diamonds shuts mine, could affect low end.

Tiffany ex-employee says she was pushed out for medical problem.

887 ct. emerald goes up for auction.

The latest ad for the Apple Watch.

Anglo American chairman steps down.

Former Zale vice chairman Leo Fields dies.

Jeweler found dead in New York City shop.

Hatton Garden thief committed earlier robbery.

Struggling Sears hints at more store closures.

Brilliant Earth opens new showroom in San Diego.

Cartier makes push on WeChat. ($)

Swarovski speaks to independent Chinese women.

David Yurman launches spring ad campaign.

Jeweler gives injured fire chief a happy Valentine’s Day surprise.

Jeweler collects thousands of books for prisoners.

Company uses diamonds to brew beer.

Domino’s touts pizza-shape engagement ring.

Writer bought engagement ring—without being engaged.

Media Watch:

WNYC on diamonds and millennials.

The Washington Post on lab-grown diamonds (with mention of JCK).

Refinery29 on why people like diamonds.

Washington, D.C., and San Francisco TV stations on diamond buying.

Conservative think tank American Enterprise Institute doesn’t like diamonds.

From the Blog:  

Where Does Blue Nile Go From Here?

Lessons From the Vacheron Sale on Hodinkee

– Email: rbates – at – jckonline.com.

– Twitter: @robbatesjck 

– Connect on LinkedIn

– Cutting Remarks RSS feed.

Follow JCK on Instagram: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Twitter: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Facebook: @jckmagazine