First, a personal note: I will be on vacation next week, and this feature will take the week off with me. I wish all my readers a great end of summer. We’ll pick this all up in September.

 

This week: Google and Walmart team up. Engagement tattoos. And other planets have “diamond rain.” All below.

 

Signet buys James Allen; comp sales rise.

– Earnings call transcript.

– Show it’s getting serious about digital.

– Analysts breath sigh of relief.

– My thoughts.

 

Tiffany & Co. reports better than expected second-quarter results.

 

Michael Hill’s U.S. comps tumble 8.5%.

 

This Montana retailer just bought a sapphire mine.

 

Millennials see diamonds as investment, poll says.

 

Swiss watch sales rise again.

 

Pandora’s stock may be a good deal.

 

Malls still trying to reinvent themselves.

 

How Nordstrom and Macy’s have survived.

 

Costco’s dangerous game with the web.

 

 

Google, Walmart work on Alexa challenge.

 

Former eBay executive named president of Macy’s.

 

Frank Everett goes back to Sotheby’s.

 

Alrosa appoints new head of sales.

 

New ways to get involved with responsible sourcing.

 

Four trends revealed by Kimberley Process numbers.

 

Four illegal diamond miners die in Zimbabwe.

 

Surat inmates learn to cut diamonds in jail.

 

Alleged precious metal scammers settle with government.

 

Police seize $700,000 of mystery jewelry, handbags.

 

Diamond Doctor, Nashville lawyer settle suit.

 

“Mystery pooper” strikes jewelry store.

 

Buffalo, N.Y., jewelers band together after burglary.

 

Jeweler finds success after partner murdered.

 

Jeweler accidentally gives out fake eclipse glasses.

 

Bernie Robbins sells bling to support pups.

 

Tattoo engagement rings are apparently the rage.

 

“Worrying” trend of women wearing engagement rings at work.

 

Treasury secretary’s wife has dog named “De Beers.”

 

Anglo submits plans for old De Beers headquarters.

 

Taylor Swift now selling snake jewelry.

 

On other planets, it may be rain diamonds.

 

Media Watch

Business Insider: Millennials “killing” diamonds. (and lots of other stuff)

 

From the Blog

Has Signet Got Its Groove Back?

There Are More Ways Than Ever to Get Involved in Responsible Sourcing

 

Have a great week and Labor Day weekend!

 

 

– Email: rbates – at – jckonline.com.

– Twitter: @robbatesjck .

– Connect on LinkedIn.

 

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