This week: There are a lot of fake “handmade” pieces on Etsy. The Nazi cloud hanging over a Christie’s sale. And Russia’s getting back in the synthetic diamond business. All below.

 

Corporate economists still don’t see a recession

– Could the U.S. banking crisis affect the diamond industry?

– Signet CEO sees “bright skies ahead”

 

Tejas Shah steps down as head of Unique Designs

 

Brilliant Earth has doubled its number of showrooms in a year

 

Industry groups ask FTC crack down on use of “sustainable”

– Is secondhand apparel really good for the planet?

 

Etsy sellers offering “fake handmake pieces”

 

Amazon investigates after high-value orders switched during delivery

 

Is watch theft increase just a media panic?

– How do dealers spot fake Rolexes? (video)

 

Sotheby’s let customers avoid paying sales tax, AG claims

 

“Nazi cloud” hangs over Christie’s jewelry sale

 

Belgian Parliament committee approves Russian diamond ban

– Belgium’s mood is turning

– Does technology hold the answer?

– Antwerp touting origin program Spacecode

 

Russia to create industrial cluster for production of synthetic diamonds

 

Chanel says it’s not seeking IPO

 

Tiffany reopens to “Fifth Avenue in flux”

– Promotional video and Gal Gadot ribbon cutting

– Tour from Robb Report

– Will LVMH see return on investment?

 

LVMH shifting out of Hong Kong as luxury shoppers stay home

 

Van Cleef & Arpels to open new jewelry workshops

 

Interview with head of Pandora in Ireland and United Kingdom

 

Swavorski CEO’s plan to “shock and dazzle” (subscription)

 

Charles & Colvard regains compliance with Nasdaq requirements

 

Lab-grown diamonds are a “separate category”

– Fashionista writes what I sincerely hope is the last word on lab-grown versus natural diamonds

 

New Ekati mine owner will let old owners hold about 20%

 

De Beers’ production flat in first quarter

 

Namdeb turns to renewable energy

 

De Beers says reclaimed Victor mine will look “natural”

 

Lesotho rebuts charges of Kimberley Process noncompliance

 

Zimbabwe to issue gold-back digital currency

 

California gold seekers “giddy” after heavy rains

 

How Bed, Bath & Beyond alienated suppliers

– Died a “very dumb” death

– Too many coupons?

 

J.C. Penney promotes Katie Mullen to chief customer officer

 

Watch & Jewellery Initiative announces new board members

 

Eiseman Jewelers appoints new president

 

Seiko and Citizen veteran Ralph Bembridge dies

 

Robert Goodman Jewelers gains fans (mostly) with political stands

 

Jeweler, tech impresario have issues merging their art collections

 

Houston jewelry lets shoppers try on crown jewels

 

“Evil eye” jewelry used to protect a young girl 1,800 years ago is unveiled in Israel

 

Floyd Mayweather Jr. wore a $1 million diamond-studded hat to Vegas boxing match

 

No one has noticed Naomi Watts’ engagement ring for weeks

 

From the Blog

Industry Groups Ask FTC to Crack Down on Use of “Sustainable”

 

From the Podcast
The Jewelry District, Episode 94: Tiffany’s Reopening, Watches and Wonders, Signet’s Investor Day

 

Have a great weekend!

 

– Email: rbates – at – jckonline.com.

– Twitter: @robbatesjck

– Connect on LinkedIn

 

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