First, some self-promotion: I was featured on last week’s Four Grainer podcast, talking about my views on the industry and a little bit about myself and my background. You can hear it here, and I have also embedded it at the end of the roundup.
This week: IDI chairman says lab backlogs killing trade. Robber gives girlfriend necklace stained with victim’s blood. Guy at Burning Man proposes with ring made from the moon. All below.
Big Apple Circus
– Apple introduces first watch.
– Smartwatch category poised for huge growth, but Apple reaction mixed.
– Early reviews from tech bloggers, fashion bloggers, style experts, designers, and financial analysts.
– Watch bloggers weigh in: Ariel Adams and Hoodinkee.
– See it in action.
– Switzerland has “an incredible competitor.”
– Threat to mid-range Swiss brands?
– Watch companies shares fall.
– The Swiss industry reacts to Reuters, The Economist, and The Wall Street Journal.
– LVMH’s Biver: “Too feminine.”
– Luxury analyst: Threat to Swiss is overdone.
– Five reasons Switzerland isn’t scared.
– Tech rivals give their two cents.
– Some analysts favor Android.
– Yes, it will work for left-handers.
– Why we can’t predict its success or failure.
– Inhorgenta Munich launches smartwatch section.
– Michelle Graff likes it.
– My thoughts: A firm “meh.”
RapNet bans diamonds with EGL reports.
– EGL South Africa not happy.
– Times of Israel covers controversy.
– Is carrying lenient reports actionable?
IDI chairman: GIA backlogs now industry’s “Achilles’ heel.”
De Beers courting New York City banks.
Russian authorities examining Alrosa, call IPO “mistake.”
– Miner says it’s “ready.”
Edahn Golan: Should you sell at auction?
Seven things I learned from attending the Argyle pink tender.
– Rio Tinto donates gems to the Smithsonian.
– Australian diamonds honored at embassy party.
– Financial Times: Pink diamond supply dwindling. (Subscription required.)
Rio Tinto slowing plans for Indian diamond mine.
Indian industry dulled by effects of Ebola.
New wave of diamond fever in Northwest Territories.
– The New York Times on Canadian diamonds.
Avi Krawitz on the new Botswana mine and the Bushmen.
Tanzanite Foundation announces reorganization.
New think tank to address diamond and jewelry issues.
FTC says recycled metals aren’t necessarily “made in the USA.”
Millennials saying no to credit cards.
Retailers adjust strategies for millennials.
Phone-charging necklace doing well.
LVMH likely to make new acquisitions.
J.C. Penney refinances debt.
Credit Suisse downgrades Tiffany.
Seeking Alpha blogger likes Charles & Colvard.
Maiden Lane Jewelry releases financials.
Jewelry e-tailer launched with $300, now worth millions.
A Lange & Söhne opens first New York store.
German jeweler about to be sold.
Gitanjali Gems shareholders okay warrants issue.
Winsome again denies dealing in synthetics.
Ohio jeweler indicted for bankruptcy fraud.
Indian diamond dealer goes on trial in Zimbabwe.
Conflict minerals campaign “at a crossroads.”
– Congo still devastated.
– Seventy scholars, NGOs: Campaign may reignite conflicts.
– U.S. Department of Commerce: Minerals can’t be tracked.
Profile of Charmian Gooch of Global Witness.
Robert Green, jeweler and industry official, dies.
Kassoy appoints new marketing director.
Wendi Mayerson rejoins American Gemological Laboratories.
NCDIA elects new president, board.
Nancy Robey becomes Jewelers unBLOCKed ambassador.
Profile of Bernie Robbins Jewelers.
Jeweler wants to resurrect Liberace’s style.
Anna Kendrick threw away diamonds sent by a fan.
Kim Kardashian flashes ring on Facebook.
Miley Cyrus debuts jewelry line.
Alex and Ani really into Instagram and Pinterest.
Staten Island marine mad Kay won’t give him refund.
– Local jeweler steps in.
Robber gave girlfriend necklace still covered in victim’s blood.
Two cts. of diamonds left in Conn. car wash.
Diamond lost after being strapped to a sports car.
232 ct. D-color diamond found in South Africa.
Burning Man dude gets piece of the moon for engagement ring.
Media Watch:
– The Wall Street Journal reviews three diamond industry-related books.
– The Telegraph on big diamond heists and the appeal of diamonds.
– Al Jazeera looks at Botswana and diamonds.
– The New York Times says jewelry for men back in vogue (by JCK editor-in-chief)
From the blog
So Far, the Apple Watch Rates a Firm “Meh”
Is Carrying Lenient Diamond Grading Reports Actionable? A Talk With the Genesis Nemesis
7 Things I Learned From Attending the Argyle Pink Tender
The Podcast
It can also be heard at this link.
Have a great weekend!
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