This week: Companies are using AI for customer service, and customers aren’t happy. Community supports “singing jeweler” after burglary. Sybil Yurman had a friend in James Taylor. All below.
Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate!
Why customers still enjoy going to stores during the holidays
Jewelers should be on guard this holiday weekend, JSA warns
Trump calls for 25% tariffs on imports from China and Mexico
De Beers anticipates fewer sightholders, more involvement in polished
– Facets 2024 conference video
McKinsey issues report on diamond industry
– The New York Times on lab-grown versus natural diamonds
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Botswana to establish “certification point” for G7 Russian diamond ban
U.S. criticizes Kimberley Process inaction on Russia
– KP chair Ahmed bin Sulayem responds here and here
– Martin Rapaport calls for “independent standards”
Alrosa selling parcels to Gokhran
Some Indian leaders object to lab-growns being called “synthetic”
(More on this next week, but it appears that last week’s Indian newspaper report that only “synthetic” could be used was not correct.)
The Washington Post shows how a lab-grown diamond is made
Indian lab-grown company raises $1 million in seed funding
Nivoda secures additional funding
MiaDonna opens new brick-and-mortar store
Jewelry box retailer sets up U.S. flagship in New York’s West Village
Sophie Bille Brahe opens first U.S. boutique
Macy’s says earnings report delayed after employee hid up to $154 million (!)
Kohl’s names (another) new CEO
– Kohl’s third-quarter comps fell 9%
– Store closings predicted
Nordstrom “nervous” about holidays
Chow Tai Fook sees revenue fall 20% amid gold price surge
– Luk Fook shuts 175 stores
Customers quit luxury brands due to extreme price hikes
Artificial intelligence means customer service is hitting “new low”
Retailers “no longer afraid to say no” to watch brands
Hodinkee gets new editor-in-chief
Goldsmith and jewelry designer Deborah Aguado dies
Community supports “singing jeweler” after burglary
Jewelry store owner charged with selling cocaine
Eddie LeVian on Rapaport podcast
Remembering William Goldberg, who saw diamonds as “God’s smiles”
Sybil Yurman had a summer of 1969 romance with James Taylor
Mom tries to force son to use her engagement ring instead of one he bought for girlfriend
Looking for a great (and cheap) holiday gift? Check out the Harlequin edition of my third book!
From the Podcast
The Jewelry District, Episode 135: Jewelry Designer Bliss Lau
Email: rbates –at – jckonline.com
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