This week in Diamond Shavings: How Shopify is challenging Amazon. A diamond magnate goes on trial. And a man finds a diamond in a bottle. All below.

 

Signet Jewelers reports strong comp jump.

– CEO credits desire for “more lasting” items.

– Also credits move into selling online.

 

Pandora has closed 25% of stores due to COVID-19.

 

AGS moves 2021 Conclave to Dallas in September.

– Atlanta, MJSA readying events this year.

 

Industry experts look ahead to 2021 (video).

 

National Jeweler breaks down results of diversity study.

 

Online returns doubled as e-commerce surged.

– Retail rents in Manhattan are dropping as vacancies increase.

– NRF asks CDC that retail workers get vaccinated first.

 

Arnault’s Tiffany-running a sign of luxury’s “next generation.”

 

New book reports favorable forecast for luxury.

 

De Beers cuts sightholders as it creates client categories.

– Alrosa’s sales drop 16%.

– Alrosa receives option to sell to Gohkran.

 

Diamond Foundry setting up American Diamond Council.

 

Jewelry wholesaler pleads guilty to running ponzi scheme.

 

California man sentenced in mining, digital currency scam.

 

Beny Steinmetz accused of “telling tales” at graft trial.

– Says he was “not in charge.”

– A “fresh chapter” of mining saga.

 

Villager shot for “trespassing” in Marange diamond fields.

 

Nirav Modi’s final fate to be determined Feb. 25.

– Modi running ponzi scheme, court told.

– Sister may testify against him.

 

Dehli court adjourns Mehul Choksi’s case against Netflix series.

 

Amazon’s Shopify problem.

 

Walmart’s e-commerce chief Marc Lore to retire.

 

Audemars Piguet names new North America CEO.

 

Dorothy “Dot” Riddle Hudson, Rust Jewelers manager, dies.

 

GIA offering new lower-priced pearl reports.

 

Man finds diamond ring and letter in bottle.

 

Mother finds engagement ring she lost when giving birth.

 

Virginia mother to give engagement, wedding rings away.

 

How Katerina Perez is managing.

 

Celebrities “can’t get enough” of $4,690 diamond bra.

 

From the Blog

De Beers Cuts Sightholders as It Creates Client Categories

Diamond Foundry Setting Up American Diamond Council

 

From the Podcast

The Jewelry District, Episode 35: Jewelry Industry Predictions for 2021

 

Have a safe and healthy weekend.

 

 

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– Twitter: @robbatesjck

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