The Weekly Gems: News and Videos from Around the Web

Stolen gold artifacts and jewelers’ pet peeves feature in this week’s roundup of stories from across the industry.

Beyond repairs

While jewelry sales are declining, repairs aren’t. Sherry Smith, director of business development for The Edge Retail Academy, advises how to convert this type of business into fine jewelry customers.

Hundreds of hostages

At least 500 people are being held at a South African gold mine by a rival union, Sky News reports. The incident began when miners from the opposing, unregistered union allegedly prevented hundreds of employees from leaving after they had finished their night shift.

Snatches of history

Spain has seized ancient gold artifacts valued at EUR 60 million ($63.6 million) stolen from Ukraine after thieves tried to sell them in Madrid. The 11 pieces, including necklaces, bracelets and earrings, were exhibited in a Kyiv museum and smuggled out of the country in 2016.

Game changer

Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Co., the country’s state-owned miner, has moved almost all of its sales to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), targeting cutters, polishers, and traders, and eliminating middlemen. 

Pet peeves ranking

What annoys jewelers most? Is it someone referring to the jewelry trade as an “industry” or a customer bringing in a piece bought online for servicing? An Instore survey reveals the most common grievances.