I hope everyone is holding up and hanging in. Feel free to check in or share thoughts in the comments below. (I’ve also added a little musical bonus.) Wishing all who celebrate a Happy Passover and Easter.
We are proud of our latest Jewelry District podcast with Sherry Smith, director of business development of Edge Retail Academy. It features some great practical tips for retailers who are having trouble navigating the current landscape.
Among the topics we discuss: What immediate actions should jewelers who are closed take right now? How should they decide which assistance program to take? Is it safe to conduct business out of your home? What will the industry look like coming out of this? Will we all become sick of videoconferencing?
It’s all here.
This week in Diamond Shavings: What you should do when the PPP money comes. Woman arrested for licking jewelry. Police shut down wholesale jewelry companies that are still working. All below.
The Industry and COVID-19
– What current trends will survive in this environment?
– Survey: Jewelers remain confident.
– Avi Krawitz: “An opportunity to strengthen connections.”
– Esther Ligthart: “Thinking about jewelry in times of crisis”
– Russell Shor: “We will get through this.”
– Tips for jewelers with Sherry Smith (audio).
– JCK’s list of cancellations, reschedulings (updated daily).
– JCK’s list of coronavirus resources (updated daily).
Jewelers say COVID-19 loan rollout has been rocky.
– Why small business relief has lagged.
– Around 70% of small businesses have applied for loans.
– How mom-and-pops might get a raw deal.
Bankers give tips for PPP applications.
– What you should do when the money arrives.
Jeweler warns to beware of check fraud.
How the Jewelers Board of Trade is changing its ratings during the crisis.
How China’s jewelry business changed after the COVID-19 lockdown.
What the U.S. consumer will look like post-COVID-19.
Study says brands emphasizing profits during pandemic may alienate consumers.
– How COVID-19 is forcing brands to change their marketing playbooks.
How long will department stores hold on?
– Nordstrom warns financial position could become “distressed.”
Baselworld faces blowback over refund policy.
– City’s leading hotel isn’t offering any refunds.
Edahn Golan’s diamond market report.
– WSJ: Diamond business “losing luster.”
– Israeli diamond industry shuttered.
Alrosa ending some long-term deals.
– Reports 60% sales drop.
– Petra in talks for more credit.
WFDB to debut online exchange next week.
Government allows mining at Argyle to continue.
How COVID-19 will affect responsible sourcing.
Will diamonds forever be a curse to Zimbabwe?
Kimberley Process to digitize its certificates.
Alrosa implements OECD due diligence guidelines for supply chains.
Alrosa appoints director to transform polishing division
Swiss brand Ochs and Junior appoints new CEO.
Creditors file petition to put Jadelle Jewelry in bankruptcy.
Three suspects arrested in murder of Connecticut jeweler.
Oklahoma City bombing accomplice’s son arrested for sticking up jeweler.
New York police shut down wholesale jewelers still working.
British jeweler, 48, dies of coronavirus.
Amazon workers say company’s sick leave fails to protect them.
– Employees at six Amazon facilities test positive for coronavirus.
– Pam Danziger: Why Walmart is schooling Amazon and Whole Foods.
California woman arrested for licking jewelry, groceries.
Checking out the Women’s Jewellery Network online platform.
Designer Pamela Love opens a jewelry store right before coronavirus hits.
De Beers, Tiffany, Graff, Alrosa donate to COVID-19 relief efforts.
– J.R. Dunn gives bracelets to health care workers.
– Teen crafts jewelry for health care workers.
– All the luxury brands that have joined the COVID-19 fight.
Tiffany, LVMH deal hits (seemingly minor) snag.
Graff introduces perfume based on giant Lesedi diamond.
Brad Pitt, Buffy inspired jewelry for Little Fires Everywhere.
The “enduring mystery” of the Romanovs’ missing Fabergé Easter eggs.
Scuba diver finds diamond ring TikToker tossed after husband cheated.
Media Watch
BookForum examines Uncut Gems.
From the Blog
How China’s Jewelry Business Has Changed After the COVID-19 Lockdown
From the Podcast
Episode 16: Guest Sherry Smith
Finally, I don’t know about the rest of you, but this was a terrible week for us in New York City. I’d like to send out the song below, taped at a live performance (when we had such things), to anyone having a difficult time, during this challenging and scary period—which is just about all of us. Wishing you all safety, health, and love and mercy. Have a good weekend.
– Email: rbates – at – jckonline.com.
– Twitter: @robbatesjck
– Connect on LinkedIn
(Photo: Getty Images)
Follow JCK on Instagram: @jckmagazineFollow JCK on Twitter: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Facebook: @jckmagazine
