Predictions, expectations, and concerns for the new year A new year typically brings a mixed bag of emotions for retail jewelers. There is hope and excitement at the prospect of testing new initiatives, meeting new customers, and stocking new products. There’s also a fair amount of trepidation surrounding the fundamental questions that preoccupy most business owners: How to transcend the challenges of the past year? How to grow sales? How to earn more profits? As a counterpoint to our cover story on the 10 ideas, issues, products, and trends that will change the way you do business in the coming year, JCK approached jewelers, manufacturers, designers, and analysts and asked them to peer into their crystal balls. Here’s a sampling of what they told us. Causes for concern: Our interviewees had a lot to say about technology. It’s here to stay so embrace it, invest in it, and know