Only one week left until you-know-what.  

First, self-promotion: Sadly, I won’t be doing any seminars at JCK Las Vegas this year, but I will be moderating two important sessions: 

Maximizing Biz With Color Diamonds, presented by the Natural Colored Diamond Association, on May 29,  8:30–9:30 a.m. at Tradewinds E/F. It will have panelists from Borsheims, Sethi Couture, Dominion, JFine, and the NCDIA and should be a lively discussion. See more information here. 

Also on May 29, the Diamond Insights From De Beers panel at Tradewinds C/D from 3–4:15 p.m. This year, we will not only have De Beers CEO Philippe Mellier and executive vice president of marketing, Stephen Lussier, but a man not often heard from: executive head, strategy and corporate affairs, Bruce Cleaver. And—just added—executive vice president of sales Paul Rowley. These four extremely knowledgeable men will discuss their new research into the American market and the future of the industry. Plus, you will get to ask questions! See more information here.

This week: John Mayer dismisses counterfeit watch lawsuit. TAG Heuer may 3-D print its watches. Will Vegas be a boon or bust? All below.

 

World Gold Council spins off LoveGold.

 

Reed Exhibitions, owner of JCK, buys JIS Miami shows.

– Expectations are “rising” for JCK Las Vegas.

 

The industry and millennials: What do they want?

– Commerce Department data paints dim picture of business.

 

A rendering of the new Blue Nile retail store on Long Island.

– E-tail: The empires strike back.

– J.C. Penney rolling out same-day pickup for online orders.

 

Nordstrom lets you shop by text.

 

Apple Watch orders fall off sharply after first day.

– TechCrunch’s watch guy still likes his Apple Watch.

– Luxury marketers should see opportunity.

– Montblanc says its smartwatch will outlast Apple’s.

 

TAG Heuer starting to use 3-D printing?

 

The Pebble Watch may be on the rocks.

 

Flash sales may be over.

 

Etsy stock crashes after first earning report.

 

Kering: Alibaba is counterfeiter’s best friend.

– Site introduces anticounterfeiting technology.

 

 AARP and Dangerous

– Record-breaking Hatton Garden robbery was committed by 70-year-olds.

– Two more arrests made.

– One a car dealer, another a plumber.

– Local jewelers relieved.

 

Dallas TV station investigates lead glass–filled rubies.

 

Case can proceed against J.C. Penney for “phony discounts.”

 

Defamation charges dropped against Blood Diamonds journalist.

 

No criminal charges against Antwerp Diamond Bank in LKI case.

 

India’s top defaulter may have fled the country.

 

ABN Amro bank ready for privatization.

 

Responsible jewelry sourcing summit to be held in March 2016.

 

De Beers’ price decrease may help small manufacturers.

 

De Beers selling historic Kimberley mine.

 

De Beers CEO says India will remain leading diamond center.

 

Dominion Diamond sales rise.

 

Edahn Golan figures out average price of diamond.

 

Belgium court approves “carat” tax proposal.

 

European Parliament approves tough conflict minerals legislation.

– NGOs push for more.

 

Zale tries to get Signet merger suit dismissed.

 

Ascena to buy Ann Taylor, Loft owner Ann Inc.

 

Richland Resources aims to shake up sapphire market.

 

We may soon see $1,000-per-ounce platinum.

 

Michael Benavente named president of Scott Kay.

 

Mike Mojica joins Hearts On Fire. 

 

Peter Smith named president of Vibhor Gems. 

 

Herschel Hiat joins TW Steel.

 

Fusion Alternatives appoints Kuchler CEO.

 

Alaska jeweler Christopher Cole Fondell dies.

 

Rasta hunts for diamonds in South Africa.

 

Lead poisoning caused by illegal gold mining kills 28 children.

 

Diamonds’ contribution to the Namibian economy peaked in 2004.

 

Zimbabwe’s diamond production fell 34 percent.

– Government consolidation plan in limbo.

 

John Mayer dismisses counterfeit watch lawsuit.

 

ISIS jewelry seized at Israeli airport.

 

Diamond exporter fined for denying job to Muslim.

 

Antigay marriage jeweler refunds money to same-sex couple.

 

Jewellery World magazine folds after 34 years. Rival doesn’t seem upset.

 

Danielle Max sees too much doom and gloom.

 

Jeweler offers glow-in-the-dark diamond. 

 

Could the bitcoin engagement ring replace the diamond?

 

Rapper Ne-Yo believes in “smaller” jewelry.

 

Let’s all start talking about the ring for the Swedish royal wedding.

 

Media Watch:

– Stylite covets old tomato hat in De Beers ad.

– Someone on Reddit said to prove “diamonds aren’t forever,” Huffington Post says.

 

From the blog:

E-Tail: The Empires Strike Back

The Industry and the Millennials: What Do They Want?

 

   

Have a great weekend!

– Email: rbates – at – jckonline.com.

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