This week: Watches and the gray market. Why did De Beers and LVMH split? And are smartwatches doomed? All below.

 

James Allen owner receives $140 million investment.

 

Pranda North America takes over Judith Ripka jewelry line.

 

Kiran Gems offloads U.S. firms.

 

How millennials propose differently—and how that helps jewelers.

 

Millennial-favorite retailer Broken English opens third location. ($)

 

Store closings “fast and furious” in 2017.

 

J.C. Penney postpones store closures, liquidations.

 

The CEO of Macy’s on the future of department stores.

 

Summary of report on De Beers/LVMH split.

 

RetailMeNot bought for $530 million.

 

Amazon could account for half of all e-commerce sales.

 

Gray market—“necessary evil for watchmakers?”

 

What are the 4 most popular watch brands?

 

“Why people still wear watches.”

 

Mashable: Smartwatches are doomed.

 

New Apple Watch may include glucose monitor.

 

Apple goes after Swatch “Tick different” slogan.

 

Puzzling out the latest court decision on “red gold.”

 

SEC won’t enforce parts of conflict minerals rule.

 

Ben Janowski: The Kimberley Process is “swiss cheese.”

– Former KP chair: The scheme is “vital.”

 

Zimbabwe government squandered diamond revenues.

 

Israeli Diamond Exchange commits to transparency.

 

Dominion upbeat despite sales decline.

 

Alrosa sees “stable demand.”

– Not derailed by raids, CEO switch.

 

Chow Tai Fook shows sales gains.

 

Sotheby’s selling “most valuable earrings ever.”

– Churchill “peace and unity” watch being auctioned.

 

Royal Chain hires new sales rep.

 

National Jeweler hires new sales rep.

 

Atlanta Jewelry Show makes Libby Brown executive director.

 

Cathy Calhoun wins AGS Shipley award.

 

Jeweler finds use for century-old showcases.

 

Jeweler closes after a century.

 

Cowen likes Tiffany’s new management.

 

Dallas jewelry company wins “shark tank with a heart.”

 

Chicago Cubs World Series ring has 108 diamonds.

 

Media Watch:

Business Insider rewrites Edward Jay Epstein for the millionth time.

 

From the Blog:

How Millennials Propose Differently—and How That Helps Jewelers

“Forgotten Jewels” Chronicles Lost Chapter in Industry History

 

Have a great weekend!

 

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– Twitter: @robbatesjck 

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