Next week, I will be attending—and emceeing—the American Gem Conclave in San Diego, Calif. Should be a lot of fun. Hope to see some of you there! More information on the Conclave here.
This week: Several Florida jewelers in different types of trouble. Why retail workers are getting paid less. Tax day may be a boon for jewelers. All below.
Retail sales rise in March.
– Sad, slow death of the retail workforce.
– Tax refunds may spur windfall for retailers.
Zale sets date for vote on Signet acquisition.
Rolex appoints new CEO.
– Rolex products rated world’s most reputable.
– Brand pursues social media strategy.
De Beers prices rise again.
– Wants more rigorous financial standards for sightholders.
– U.S. companies no longer banned from online auctions.
Are synthetic diamonds a threat to the natural industry?
– Lab-grown diamond producer Scio claims technological breakthrough.
Ja Rule to be a spokesman for Botswana diamonds.
Surat Rough Diamond Sourcing cooperative is now nonfunctional.
Belgium parliament believes Kimberley Process needs stricter controls.
Antwerp concerned about possible E.U. sanctions against Russian diamonds.
Court delivers blow to conflict mineral rule.
– JVC: Rule is alive and well.
U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) adds new Zimbabwe company to sanctioned list.
Research report says Zimbabwe diamond revenue could rise.
Murowa diamond production falls.
Villagers in Chiadzwa mining area battle malaria outbreak.
Mbada Diamond employees allegedly tortured by police.
Leviev wins court battle over Angola deal.
DDI expands beyond diamonds.
Start-up has live virtual jewelry trunk shows.
Etsy expands into wholesale.
E-commerce companies still like catalogs.
Why Amazon should acquire Sears.
– Amazon not taking bitcoin, but might do credit card alternative.
Brands register .luxury domain names.
Paris court case centers on diamond domain name.
Luxury shoppers in sweat pants—or why you shouldn’t Pretty Woman.
Cleveland jeweler must give man diamond or money, judge rules.
Mass. jeweler defaults in civil case alleging theft.
Florida jeweler loses $6,000 in busted diamond deal.
Another Florida jeweler ordered to make restitution to customers.
Third Florida jeweler settles with customer in dispute.
Calif. jeweler investigated after shooting thief.
Sterling loses bid to protect “Hearts Desire.”
Alor ordered to stop producing Charriol-like jewelry.
Trent West gets injunction against Internet sellers.
Henri Bendel cuts ties with jewelry vendors.
Christie’s to auction world’s largest flawless fancy vivid blue.
– Pair of D-IF diamonds fetch $8.6 million at Christie’s.
Marilyn Monroe’s earrings go for $185,000 at auction.
Is this the largest natural pearl ever auctioned?
Sotheby’s fires back at “misleading” Third Point.
Geneva Watch Group names president and CEO.
Swiss watchmaker Dreyfuss Group acquired by Chinese company.
Simply Diamonds acquires M.A. Reich & Co.
Michael Bogosian, Michael B. founder, dies.
Saul Gottlieb of Gottlieb and Sons dies.
Longtime Tiffany general counsel to retire.
Mad Men designer working on project for Hearts On Fire.
Jenny McCarthy’s sapphire engagement ring.
Lady Gaga may be ring shopping.
Diamond stolen from—then returned to—natural history museum.
Six-plus ct. diamond found at Crater of Diamonds.
Jeweler has an unwelcoming sign.
Gold bars removed from man’s stomach.
Media Watch:
– Motley Fool looks at diamond stocks.
– Finance guys whine about buying diamonds on online message board.
– Boing Boing considers why diamonds are clear, and coal is black.
– Digital Journal has sponsored content about investment diamonds and lab-grown.
– Vice looks at Canal Street knock-offs.
From the blog:
Luxury Shoppers in Sweat Pants—or Why You Shouldn’t ‘Pretty Woman.’
Are Synthetic Diamonds a Threat to the Natural Industry?
Have a great weekend!
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