The Weekly Gems: News and Videos from Around the Web

We’re focusing on the holidays at the moment — and the early indications are positive for Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Cyber Week as a whole. But does the retail sector risk getting burned by discounting? Also in this edition: content on mining in two important African producing nations, and a show report for those who like pictures of watches.

Promotion overdose

We’re at the time of year when shoppers head to the stores — or, these days, their phones and tablets — seeking cheap deals. US consumers did this en masse over the Thanksgiving weekend, but retailers should be wary about reading too much into this sales bump, says the Financial Times’ Brooke Masters. E-commerce companies risk conditioning customers to seek out discounts, and might never entice them back to paying full price, she warns. (Note: You might need a subscription to read this article.)

Big step for Angola

Angola’s Luele mine — previously called Luaxe — has been the subject of hype for years. It has finally opened for production, Reuters and others reported this week, boosting global supply amid concerns that good-quality diamond deposits are running out. However, weak rough demand makes this an inopportune time to bring a new diamond source onstream.

Investment of time

We warn you, this Hodinkee picture article about Dubai Watch Week goes on…and on. But it’s worth it, because the atmosphere it paints about the fall season’s final timepiece show is spectacular. The writer of this news roundup is also feeling jealous about the press contingent’s excursion into the desert.

Dig this

Mining entrepreneur and geologist Lyndon de Meillon appeared on Avi Krawitz’s Diamond Gems podcast (Spotify/Apple) for a deep dive into alluvial production in South Africa. Warning: Content is technical, except the bit about the pink diamond.

Jared doubles down on high-end

Jared has released its second high-jewelry collection under the label Jared Atelier. Ann Grimmett, vice president of merchandising at the Signet Jewelers-owned banner, explains the story behind the venture to JCK.

Main image designed by David Polak.