Hey everyone, be sure to check out the latest episode of JCK’s podcast, “The Jewelry District.” In this episode, Victoria Gomelsky and I discuss detection of lab-grown diamonds, whether it’s truly possible to track diamonds and other jewelry materials, how luxury is becoming more accessible, and other takeaways from the Jewelers of America first national convention.

Plus, Hodinkee editor Joe Thompson talks about how the watch industry got to where it is today, why brands are moving away from retailers, and the future of smartwatches.

He also tells a great story about the JCK article that he worried would get him fired. It helps explain why journalists drink a lot.

All that, plus a few surprises. Check it out here.

This week in Diamond Shavings: Are celebrities buying undisclosed lab-growns? A new way to sell Instagram brands. And should your marriage proposal involve a cow? All below.

 

Jewelry now officially part of Trump’s trade war.

– How will the industry be affected?

– Retailers scrambling to change their sourcing.

 

U.S. Department of State calls for greater jewelry industry supply controls.

 

Gold passes $1,500 for first time in six years.

 

Bankrupt Barneys is closing stores, looking for buyer.

– Bankruptcy sheds light on New York retail real estate market.

– How Barneys “lost its cool”

 

J.C. Penney faces NYSE delisting.

 

More Sears, Kmart stores on the chopping block.

 

Report: Lord & Taylor has found a buyer.

 

Reliance Brands to open Tiffany & Co. stores in India.

 

Saks Fifth Avenue opens new jewelry “vault.”

 

Company offers “physical space” for Instagram brands.

 

Apple Watch continues to dominate wearables market.

 

Should Pandora merge with Alex and Ani?

 

Avi Krawitz: Diamond industry needs to move away from the “sight” model.

 

Wages of diamond artisans slashed 30%.

– The National looks at the diamond industry’s woes.

 

The Telegraph looks at Alrosa’s efforts to reach millennials.

– Alrosa CEO wants to talk more to the consumer.

– Alrosa displays purple-pink diamond in New York City.

 

New company wants to make diamonds a blockchain-tracked commodity (video).

 

You can now buy Lightbox lab-growns in Canada.

 

More lab-grown diamond companies going direct-to-consumer.

 

Jeweler charges many celebrities are buying undisclosed synthetics.

 

HSBC to pay $330 million in Antwerp fraud settlement.

 

Sierra Leone community sues owner of diamond mine.

 

Spotlight falls on Angolan president’s diamond-dealing sister.

 

Macau passes Kimberley Process bill.

 

Chinese company suspends operations at Kyrgyz gold mine after clashes.

 

Jewelers’ Security Alliance offers active-shooter guidelines.

 

Vanity Fair looks back at Harry Winston diamond robberies.

 

Pastor charged with possessing 3,200 fake Cartier bracelets.

 

Man sentenced for bogus jewelry insurance claims.

 

Payroll company’s issues affect Pennsylvania jeweler.

 

Amazon’s PR push to boost image, crush unions.

 

Jewelers of America taps Holly Wesche as board chair.

 

Stuller appoints new vice presidents.

 

American Gem Trade Association announces 2019 Spectrum Award winners.

 

Jewelers International Showcase pushes back January show.

 

SimplexDiam buys Samuels Jewelers inventory.

 

David Yurman launches fall ad campaign.

 

Five facts about Kara Ross, wife of (suddenly controversial) Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross.

 

Brittany Siminitz ponders: Is the ring shot a faux paus?

 

People upset about cow’s udder proposal.

 

Media Watch

Thrive Global interviews Pietra PR’s Olga Gonzalez.

Conservative Daily News on lab-grown diamonds and the environment.

 

From the Blog

Should Pandora Merge With Alex and Ani?

 

JCK Podcasts

Guest: Joe Thompson of Hodinkee

 

Have a great weekend!

 

 

– Email: rbates – at – jckonline.com.

– Twitter: @robbatesjck

– Connect on LinkedIn

 

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