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BUSINESS UPDATE: Attracting World-Renowned Piercing Educators to Oswego
Growing number of renowed piercers are coming to Oswego to share knowledge at newly opened Aqua Spa Float Center piercing suite Submited by Aqua Spa Float Center & Wellness Boutique [caption id=attachment_11066 align=alignright width=450] Recent opening of Aqua Spa Float Center piercing suite.[/caption] Professional piercers and educators from countries including France, Scotland and India have come to Oswego’s Aqua Spa Float Center & Wellness Boutique to share their knowledge In the past year and a half, the Port City has become a destination for some of the industry’s most respected educators through the efforts of the Aqua Spa Float Center & Wellness Boutique. Beginning in January of 2025, Aqua Spa Float Center envisioned a new version of body piercing, one where elegance, safety and personal expression could converge. According to the Aqua Spa, piercing is no longer just a trend — it’s a refined form of personal identity, luxury styling and self-investment. It’s not only about the jewelry — it’s about the entire experience. The team welcomed first guest piercer Ruben Triguero, a senior French piercer, piercing stylist and international educator, who has over two decades of experience and has worked in some of the world’s best studios, including Paris, Rome, New York, Miami, Los Angeles and Dubai. In those studios, he offered his expertise and refined styling skills. Triguero is a prominent figure and leader in the piercing community and shares his knowledge with piercers teaching classes for the industry’s most prestigious organizations, including Latinoamérica Body Piercing Association (LBP) and Association of Professional Piercers (APP). He is currently the senior international instructor of the APP. Triguero has a passion for creating stunning, personalized piercings for clients around the world. Education and Mentorship Following a year of success and popularity, Aqua Spa Float Center hosted the grand opening of its private dedicated piercing suite in March. Aqua Spa Float Center & Wellness celebrated this next chapter with a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by the Oswego Mayor Robert Corradino, members of the Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce, local business owners and community members. The educational focus, aligned with Aqua Spa Float Center’s vision and mission, had already begun expanding beyond clients. Aqua Spa has hosted multiple workshops and continuing education opportunities for professional piercers, inviting studios from across the region to gain hands-on experience from internationally recognized instructors without the expense of traveling to national or international conferences. These educational events have welcomed nationally and internationally recognized professional piercers and educators from countries including France, Scotland, India, and throughout the United States. Aqua Spa also continues to collaborate with talented regional and local professionals, creating opportunities for education and mentorship that benefit both industry peers and clients throughout Central New York. Aqua Spa Float Center & Wellness Boutique owners — Tammy Wilkinson and Terry LeRoi — have been deeply rooted in the piercing industry with over 30 years in business as LeRoi Fine Body Jewellery. Combining that experience with holistic wellness, self-care and self-expression is the new concept with the client Luxe Piercing Experience at the Aqua Spa Float Center. “At LeRoi Fine Body Jewellery and Aqua Spa Float Center, we’ve been fortunate to work with many of the world’s most respected piercers through our involvement with the Association of Professional Piercers and by attending conferences across North America and Europe,” said LeRoi, founder of LeRoi Fine Body Jewellery and co-owner of Aqua Spa Float Center & Wellness Boutique. “Those experiences have shown us that education is what drives our industry forward. “Not every piercer or studio can travel to major conferences like the APP Conference in Las Vegas or APP Benelux in the Netherlands, so we’re committed to bringing that level of education here. Hosting internationally respected educators like Jef Saunders allows our clients to experience the highest standards of professional piercing while giving piercers throughout the Northeast the opportunity to learn from some of the very best in the profession. That’s something we’re incredibly proud to offer our community.” When asked about the client experience, Wilkinson explained that education is at the heart of every appointment as well. “Our vision is to nurture and enhance wellness, balance and harmony through a multi-modality-centered facility, and we aspire to empower sustained, positive change, well-being and self-awareness; and educate to the benefits of natural health, holistic wellness and life balance,” Wilkison explains. “Piercing is no different. The piercing experience feels just as peaceful and rejuvenating as any other spa services. From the moment our clients arrive, they are in the very best hands with our kind and professional Wellness Ambassadors and experienced APP guest piercers.” Wilkinson also explained that piercing clients receive stellar care: every Luxe Piercing appointment includes a one-on-one private piercing in Aqua Spa’s dedicated piercing suite, their choice of custom jewellery by LeRoi Fine Body Jewellery, thorough after-care instructions and complementary check-up appointment, complementary whole-body red light therapy session in the Class II NovoTHOR medical device to promote healing, and access to many rejuvenating spa services. Piercing clients get 15% off during any event. According to Wilkinson, “Health and safety are always our highest priority when you come in for a piercing or jewelry installation. Before each appointment, all tools and jewelry are sterilized in a Statim autoclave, and every surface in the piercing room is carefully disinfected. During the procedure, your piercer will wear a mask and change gloves as needed to maintain a sterile environment. Once your piercing is complete, your piercer will go over detailed aftercare instructions with you. Following these steps is crucial to ensure proper healing before you leave our sanctuary.” As a part of the experience, guest piercers include a thorough anatomy review of the client’s desired piercing to ensure the new addition will work in harmony with the existing. “Our clients are enjoying building and creating ear curations with these international professionals. It’s a unique styling event and a chance to highlight self-expression,” Wilkinson said. Clients and piercers throughout the region are flocking to this piercing destination in Upstate New York. The Luxe Piercing Experience has welcomed clients and piercers alike from around the globe. Owners Wilkinson and LeRoi hope to continue the momentum with more educational seminars with industry experts to be a hub of knowledge and expertise. They hope to establish LeRoi Fine Body Jewellery and Aqua Spa Float Center as legacy businesses known for their lasting, positive impact on the piercing and holistic wellness industries.
Jewel parent Albertsons pauses full-year outlook as it reviews operations
The supermarket operator said Tuesday that it’s no longer offering guidance for fiscal 2026.
EA Producer Announces Wing Commander 3 Remaster
Using recently discovered master tapes of its live action sequences, one of the crown jewels of '90s PC gaming could make an unexpected comeback
Hayden Panettiere’s jewelry has been sold to a pawn shop, former fiancé Wladimir Klitschko claims
The father of the late star’s daughter has requested temporary guardianship of her estate on behalf of their daughter.
‘Like a horror movie’: Broughton spa owner describes fire that left business in ‘total loss’ state
Savannah Fire responded a little after 3 a.m. last Thursday to the flames. The smell of smoke still infiltrates the building, which stretches from Levy Jewelers to Broughton Liquor.
Indian jeweller Titan reports 25% growth in quarterly consumer business sales
India's Titan on Tuesday reported a 25% rise in sales in its consumer business in the second quarter, driven by demand for jewellery, watches and eyewear.
How Starlink became the crown jewel of Elon Musk's business empire
From the front lines of Ukraine to the remote Pacific, the world is increasingly reliant on Starlink.
Local teen turns Native beading skills into business at Pueblo Collective
A 13-year-old beading artist has turned a summer program skill into a business selling earrings, bracelets and dream catchers.
'Totally Spies!' Expands Licensing with Apparel and Jewelry Deals
Banijay Kids & Family announces new "Totally Spies!" licensing agreements spanning apparel, jewelry and publishing as the franchise marks 25 years.
Vietnam Pandora Jewelry
A model holds up a bracelet charm with trinkets of Vietnamese map and flags at the Pandora factory in Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam, Wednesday, Sept.30, 2026. (AP Photo/Hau Dinh)
Vietnam Pandora Jewelry
Pandora CEO Berta de Pablos-Barbier, right, speaks with Danish Ambassador to Vietnam Lina Gandlose Hansen as they visit the factory in Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam, Thursday, Oct.1, 2026. (AP
Vietnam Pandora Jewelry
Craftspersons create jewelry pieces at the Pandora factory in Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam, Wednesday, Sept.30, 2026. (AP Photo/Hau Dinh)
Microsoft Jewel Comes to Mobile with XBOX Achievements and Game Pass Benefits
Microsoft Jewel is the fifth mobile game from Microsoft Casual Games – the team’s first new mobile launch in seven years – with XBOX Achievements and progress that syncs across mobile and PC.
PSE&G, Jersey City small business highlight utility’s energy efficiency investment
PSE&G joined Jewel Electric Supply and Jersey City Mayor James Solomon on Sept. 28 for an event highlighting energy efficiency investments.
Fauquier Health hosts ‘Pink with Purpose’ on Oct. 6
The event will feature a "Pink marketplace" with local artisans, crafters and vendors selling a wide variety of items, including jewelry, ornaments, beauty care, gifts and home goods.
See the brilliance: Dunn artist creates and sells glass artwork that shines brightly
Cindy Akers-Gilford creates stained glass, fused glass, mosaics, handmade glass jewelry, pendants, suncatchers and other original glass artwork in her studio in Dunn, N.C. Photos provided by Cimply Broken.Self-made Artist and Founder of Cimply Broken, Cindy Akers-Gilford is helping people “see the brilliance” in all things with her glass artwork. Akers-Gilford started her business right after she retired from 20+ years as a civilian contractor at Fort Bragg. The official opening date for Cimply Broken was Nov. 8, 2021.“It’s been quite the adventure ever since. Not only did I have to learn how to manage a small business, but I’ve never taken a class in stained glass or anything I currently do,” shared Akers-Gilford. Her work includes stained glass, fused glass, mosaics, handmade glass jewelry, pendants, suncatchers and other original glass artwork.“I chose glass art just by happenstance. I saw a video on YouTube with a gentleman using plates and resin to make beautiful windows. I used that idea and created a simple picture frame-sized piece for myself. It was beautiful. I put it up in my window and pretty much forgot about it for a few days. Well, one beautiful sunny morning I went up to my studio, and the sun was rising and the light was shining beautifully through that piece. It was absolutely stunning. I thought that it was the perfect reflection of how God’s light shines through each of us. It was broken glass, so it changed ever so slightly as the sun continued to rise in the sky. I thought it poignant – like each of us – we all shine bright and differently in God’s glorious light, and we are all simply broken as well. We are all made beautiful in his light,” explained Akers-Gilford.The name of the business was inspired by the artist’s name and her faith-driven mission. “Simply became ‘Cimply’ as a play on my name and ‘simply’… and ‘Broken’ because we are all Cimply Broken – but each of us is beautiful,” added Akers-Gilford.Akers-Gilford sells her glass art at the Dunn Farmers Market when the weather is bearable, but mostly from her website at www.cimplybroken.com. “I enjoy getting lost in the creative process. I work out of my home, and I often compare my studio to Walmart returns after Christmas time. It’s hectic, busy and there are always at least 10 things being created simultaneously- it is fun!” shared Akers-Gilford. Her goal for the business is to continue to watch customers as they spot a piece of work from a distance and walk up to it in awe. “That is my biggest joy! I don’t speak to them until they speak – that is their moment to ‘See The Brilliance,’ which is my moniker,” shared Akers-Gilford. She also shared she would love to someday become part of an artist collective in Dunn.
William Jewell honors MicahJo Barnett for their homecoming game
William Jewell College's homecoming game Saturday carried a deeper meaning than the usual celebrations and traditions.
ARTSwork announces new Invitational Art Fair
ARTSwork, the sister organization of the Des Moines Arts Festival, will launch a new fall event, the Invitational Art Fair, Nov. 6-7 at the Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines. The two-day event will feature 50 professional Iowa visual artists showcasing and selling original works, including ceramics, glass, jewelry, photography, printmaking and sculpture. The…
Measles almost killed me. Now I’m a doctor — and I'm scared of what's happening
Jewel Mullen was in kindergarten in 1961 when she almost died from measles. Now a physician, measles’ return frightens her.
Jewel says her top songs were 'medicine' amid mental health issues. Now, she's helping others
Singer Jewel shares the tools that shaped her life, what worries her about young people and why talking about mental health isn't enough.
Permanent jewelry business pops-up in Elgin
ELGIN — Permanent jewelry has found a footing in Northeastern Oregon. Shawna Vaughn, with assistance from her mother, Joeli Hansen, opened Løven Permanent Jewelry in April in Elgin. The mobile […]
Jewelry and poolscapes: See business licenses issued in Hamilton County last week
Business licenses issued Sept. 14-18, as provided by the Hamilton County Clerk's Office.
Jewel Reveals How She Teaches Her Teenage Son About ‘Mental Health Hygiene’
Jewel, 52, knows firsthand what happens when a child’s emotional needs go unmet, and she’s determined to give her own son a different experience. Having lived through a chaotic childhood that included...
Jewel on Emotional Inheritance, Mental Health, Motherhood, More
Singer-songwriter Jewel sits down with TODAY’s Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones to talk about her nonprofit, Inspiring Children Foundation, and the #NotAloneChallenge. She opens up about growing up in Alaska and overcoming challenges from her childhood. Jewel also talks about motherhood: “I really love being a mom. I wanted to be a mom, and I was in a really privileged position that I could change a lot of my life to make sure my son was the center,” she shares.
What Makes a Trailblazer: TSTC graduate always dreamed of business ownership
What do dyslexia, jewelry and an angry mother all have in common? Give up? They all put Mathew on the path to business ownership. Mathew Joseph is a graduate from Texas State Technical College’s Industrial Electrical Technician (now Advanced Manufacturing – Industrial Maintenance) program. He is also the owner and president of C3 Industrial Technologies…
Empowering Content Libraries with AI is the New Future for Communal Fan Experiences, Execs Reveal: ‘You Have Companies Sitting on Crown Jewels’
Artificial intelligence has already made its mark on the screen. For some of the entertainment industry’s players, AI’s next playground is the real world. Such was the focus on Thursday morning at the...
Business News: FHH Teams With GIA's School Of Gemology And Jewelry Arts
The Swiss watch industry-backed foundation's collaboration with the mighty GIA will bring improved learning, training, and certification to a wider audience.
What Makes a Trailblazer: TSTC graduate always dreamed of business ownership
What do dyslexia, jewelry and an angry mother all have in common? Give up? They all put Mathew on the path to business ownership. Mathew Joseph is a graduate from Texas State Technical College’s Industrial Electrical Technician (now Advanced Manufacturing – Industrial Maintenance) program. He is also the owner and president of C3 Industrial Technologies…
UH Lake Health Auxiliary sponsoring Silver Lady II jewelry fundraiser
The Auxiliary of University Hospitals Lake Health is sponsoring the Silver Lady II jewelry fundraising sale with proceeds to benefit the auxiliary. The public can shop for a large collection of uniquely designed 925 sterling silver…
Cornell scientists win History Center treasure hunt, claim $10,000 bounty of jewels
A motley crew of mostly Cornell University graduate students and scientists from across different STEM programs won the History Center in Tompkins County’s Treasure Hunt Sunday, taking home a prize […]
The new CEO of the R.I. Life Science Hub looks to the future
“Rhode Island has done this many times,” said Bob Cormier. “We’ve reinvented ourselves with the defense industry, with the Jewelry District, and I do think life sciences is the next part for us.”
A sports bar and cannabis shop are among new North Jersey businesses
Penelope's Pizzeria & Sports Bar is in North Arlington. HoneyGrove sells cannabis products in Elmwood Park. gorjana sells jewelry at American Dream
Seattle’s oldest pawn shop has seen plenty
Barney’s Jewelry and Loan has experienced Seattle's highs and lows along with its residents. For some, the pawn shop is a financial stopgap. For others, it's a lifeline.
Inside the Buzzy, Controversial Business of Artifact Jewelry
Do ancient artifacts have a place as jewelry, or only in museums? Jewelers and archaeologists weigh in.
Pagel and Sons Jewelers celebrates 80 years of family tradition in Killeen
For three generations, the Pagel family has built its business around jewelry, customer relationships and a connection to the Killeen community.
From the Treasure of Villena to the French Crown Jewels: The lucrative business of stealing pieces of history
The spectacular rise in the price of gold over the past nine years has triggered a wave of increasingly violent heists at European museums, which are struggling to protect themselves
Lions rebound with convincing win over William Jewell
Missouri Southern found their groove against William Jewell on Thursday night. Check out the highlights!
Sony and Microsoft say they’re not obligated to pass U.S. tariff refunds to consumers, echoing Nintendo
Back in July, Sony executives told investors that the company expected to receive $508 million in refunds from the U.S. government, after tariffs that the PlayStation-maker paid were ruled mostly in 2025 were found to be illegal. “Most” of the refund would by recouped by Sony’s gaming division, its chief financial officer said. This week, Sony’s lawyers are arguing that the company is not legally obligated to pass those proceeds on to consumers who paid for recently price-hiked PlayStation consoles. That’s in the face of a lawsuit from gamers calling on them to do exactly that. “Paying fair market price for voluntarily purchased consumer goods is not a legally cognizable injury in fact,” the lawyers wrote in a legal motion filed on Monday, as they asked a judge in California’s Northern District to dismiss a potential class action lawsuit over the tariff refunds. Microsoft made a similar argument two weeks ahead of Sony’s lawyers, in a similar lawsuit brought by a gamer in federal court in Washington State. As Microsoft’s legal team put it on August 21, in their request for a dismissal of that lawsuit: “There is nothing unjust about Plaintiff purchasing an Xbox at an advertised price and getting exactly what he paid for—regardless of whatever theory he devised months later about Microsoft’s cost structure.” Both legal fights are set to go on for some time. How things got to this point U.S. tariffs impacting a wide range of imported goods, including game consoles, had kicked off in early 2025. In May 2025, Microsoft raised the price of its Xbox consoles, citing “market conditions and the rising cost of development.” They raised them again that September. In August of that year, Sony raised the price of PlayStation 5 consoles, citing “a challenging economic environment.” Sony later told investors that its tariff fees for the fall quarter were nearly $200 million. in February of this year, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the 2025 tariffs illegal, prompting impacted companies to begin to request refunds. In turn, consumers began suing the likes of Sony and Microsoft to get what they said was their share. The gamers in the Microsoft and Sony lawsuits argue that the 2025 price hikes of PlayStation and Xbox consoles, which added $50 or more to their sticker price, were due to illegal tariffs and should now be returned to consumers. The Sony suit started in May, when a group of gamers sued in federal court in California, saying Sony Interactive Entertainment (PlayStation) would be unjustly enriching itself if it did not pass tariff refunds to its PS5 buyers. “Sony is poised to be paid twice for the same unlawful tariff burden: once by its customers (through elevated prices) and once by the U.S. government (through tariff refunds),” the gamers’ lawyers wrote at the time. They called for Sony to partially reimburse anyone who bought a PlayStation in the U.S. since August 1, 2025. The Microsoft suit, filed by gamer Trevor Hastings against the Xbox giant in July, made similar claims. The console makers push back In late July, Nintendo’s lawyers, facing a similar suit accusing them of double-dipping on tariffs and refunds, replied with arguments that previewed Microsoft’s and Sony’s: “Nintendo or one of its retailers set a price for each product, and consumers decided whether that price was worth paying,” they wrote. Sony has buttressed that Nintendo-style argument this week by saying that the gamers have failed to prove that tariffs were the reason for its August 2025 PS5 price hike. They call thatclaim “speculative and illogical.” Other factors, including “inflation, currency fluctuations, component costs, logistics, competitive dynamics, or demand,” could have played a role. (No, the Sony lawyers do not break down the costs and factors that officially triggered the price increases). Microsoft has also argued that there’s no proof in these lawsuits that tariffs drove all or some of the price increase, as it seeks to dismiss the tariff refund suit it’s facing: “Plaintiff provides no specific allegations that would establish any pricing differential attributable to tariffs or suggest any possibility that Microsoft applied then or could recreate now any dollar-for-dollar calculation of tariff-related pricing—any more than it could any other market factor that affects pricing.” To further skewer the gamer side’s argument in its case, Sony’s lawyers have pointed to what might be a surprising defense: yet another PlayStation 5 price hike from this past spring, after the tariffs were ruled illegal. “If the original price increase were attributable to tariffs, SIE [Sony Interactive Entertainment, aka PlayStation] would have had no reason to raise prices again after the Supreme Court invalidated the IEEPA tariffs.” … “If tariffs were the cause of the price increases, one would expect SIE to lower prices once the tariffs were eliminated—not raise them again. Instead, the timeline confirms that the pricing of PlayStation consoles includes a diverse and dynamic set of input costs.” Judges have not yet ruled on the arguments made by Sony, Microsoft or Nintendo. Last week, Panic, the company behind the small, yellow Playdate handheld said it would be passing its tariff refunds on to consumers. It is the only gaming hardware maker to have made such a pledge. Game File is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my reporting, please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe Item 2: A reporter’s second Second Life Wagner James Au, who from 2003-2006 was paid by San Francisco-based tech company Linden Lab to be a full-time journalist embedded in their virtual world Second Life, is returning to the company. This time, he’ll be an editorial advisor and business development specialist, he tells Game File. The new role will involve trying to share the stories of people inhabiting Second Life’s ongoing online world with reporters and by extension the public. Au plans to continue to also chronicle some of that through his long-running blog New World Notes. I’ve known Au since the mid-2000s and featured him in a 2007 article for the Columbia Journalism Review about reporters like him opening up virtual news outlets within Second Life. As I wrote at the time: On April 22, 2003, writing as Hamlet Linden for the New World Notes blog on Second Life’s Web site, Au introduced himself. “For the next few months, Linden Lab has invited me to set aside my journalist cap, and instead, don the digital beanie of their in-house virtual correspondent.” He wasn’t paid to keep it positive. He wrote about builders and eccentrics, but then in August of that year, he reported on a tax revolt against Linden Lab (a complaint about the fees it charges users who build stuff) led by a resident whose avatar was a big cat. Second Life has always been less of a video game and more of a virtual world where people can live, hang out, make art, sell virtual items and flirt. Back in 2007, Au described touring it as “sort of like underwater lucid dreaming.” For the past two decades, Au has maintained New World Notes as an independent publication. But he said he’s been drawn back to Second Life and Linden Lab as a place to directly work. The virtual world has around 650,000 monthly active users, he said, “which is actually about what it was during the hype wave.” Au says he’s still finding rich stories in Second Life, the kind that keep him interested 20 years into the beat: “Over the last few months for instance, I wrote about an SL creator in Venezuela whose apartment was destroyed by the earthquakes, so the global SL community rallied to get him back on his feet,” he told me. “Then there’s the woman from a Middle Eastern country who explored her lesbian sexuality in SL, then earned enough from her virtual jewelry to escape her abusive family situation and country.” Au wants to beckon more reporters to give Second Life another look. He argues that it is often ahead of internet trends, noting, for example, an early backlash in the community against AI-made art. Now the platform is drawing curiosity from more of the user-generated content community who’ve grown up with the likes of Roblox, according to Au. “Second Life was too early during its hype wave in 2005-2010, but it now feels right for a new wave of interest,” he told me.
Family-owned Westwood business Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers closes after nearly 80 years
Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers, one of the oldest family-owned businesses in Westwood, closed Saturday. Sarah “Sunny” Friedman and Leonard “Lenny” Friedman opened the store, located at 1055 Westwood Blvd., in 1946 under the name Crescent Jewelers.
Sheriff: Hidden room found in Cornelius shop after owner arrested for attempted murder, sex abuse
The owner of a jewelry business in Cornelius has been charged with attempted murder and sex abuse after an assault investigation and standoff last week, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
William Jewell College: RB Barnett had no known health condition
MicahJo Barnett was immediately attended to by multiple onsite medical workers with AEDs, William Jewell College's interim president said.
Baton Rouge General bringing permanent healthcare clinic to Scotlandville
Baton Rouge General plans to open a new primary care and mental health clinic at the Jewel J. Newman Community Center in October, expanding access to healthcare for residents of Scotlandville, north B… Already an INSIDER? Sign in. Already an INSIDER? Sign in
William Jewell expands mental health resources to provide care after death of football star
William Jewell expands mental health resources to help students, staff and others deal with the death of MicahJo Barnett, standout football player and person
From discarded to 'do-over,' handmade business turns household items into art, jewelry
“Re-purposed, re-cycle, re-loved.” Meet the maker giving new life to items many see as done -- and find her work at this Saturday's 605 Made Night Market.
Business Briefs: Aug. 28, 2026
UMassFive welcomes new community engagement pro HADLEY — UMassFive College Credit Union has hired Kelley Jewell as its community engagement coordinator. This newly created position reflects UMassFive’s continued investment in community engagement and expands the credit union’s ability to deliver financial wellness programs, strengthen community partnerships and support volunteer efforts throughout the Valley. In this […]
Armed suspect with machete, pickaxe detained by customers during Costco jewelry heist: reports
Costco customers and employees helped restrain a man accused of an armed jewelry robbery at a South Carolina warehouse store, according to local reports.
Did a Jeweled Ring Buy Belgium a Trump Tariff Exemption?
Democrats are questioning a Belgian diamond trade group that gifted Trump an jewel encrusted ring weeks before being given a tariff exemption.
My husband is LL Cool J. I wanted a purpose of my own.
Simone I. Smith says building a jewelry company with LL Cool J's support helped her create an identity beyond marriage and motherhood.
Kids to learn business skills running their own booths at Arlington County Fair
Booths run by some of Arlington's youngest entrepreneurs will be setting up at the Arlington County Fair this weekend, selling crafts, food and more. Kids Markets will be hosting two kid-run markets on Saturday and Sunday at the fair, setting up booths in the upper field with goods such as jewelry, arts and crafts, crocheted
Most impractical engagement ring styles: private jeweler
Some engagement ring styles, such as thin bands or U-prong eternity rings, aren't ideal for lifelong wear, according to private jeweler Anna P. Jay.
Spokane jewelry business offers free restoration help
Tracy Jewelers is offering to restore people's jewelry affected by the Spokane Area Fires.
IU Indy building ‘jewel box’ of an arena it sees as staple of Indianapolis sports
A sneak peek at construction of a cozy arena on IU Indy's campus will be home to a high-scoring basketball team and top setter in the Horizon League.
My Business Hit 7-Figure Revenue Within a Year. I Use a Bespoke Strategy — No Traditional Marketing
Ali Galgano saw a serious gap in the jewelry market.
Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Present Company
Read the release on Sen. Ernst's website here. Throughout this Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties. RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Present Company of Audubon County. Throughout the 119th Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in each of Iowa's 99 counties. "Present Company has been the gift that keeps on giving to Audubon for more than three decades," said Chair Ernst. "From helping revitalize Main Street to supporting countless local events and charities, Telia Carter and her team continue to present the very best of Iowa's entrepreneurial spirit. Their commitment to exceptional service, unique products, and hometown values proves that investing in your community always comes back around." Founded in 1990 by Nancy Oleson, Present Company opened its doors in downtown Audubon as a home décor boutique. After more than three decades of serving southwest Iowa, ownership transitioned in 2022 to Telia Carter. Under her leadership, Present Company has continued its tradition of personalized customer service while adapting its inventory to meet the needs of customers from Audubon and the surrounding communities. Today, Present Company remains a downtown Audubon staple, offering a carefully curated selection of gifts, home décor, apparel, jewelry, and specialty items. The boutique has earned a reputation for unique merchandise, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere that reflects the character of small-town Iowa. Stay tuned as Chair Ernst continues to recognize outstanding Iowa small businesses with her Small Business of the Week award. ###
Tarik Skubal trade: Let's look at the Dodgers' preposterous rotation with a new ace aboard
Tarik Skubal is the new jewel of a rotation that did not need him.
Los Pueblitos at Market Square closing after 30 years in business
Los Pueblitos, a colorful shop known for handcrafted pottery, jewelry, clothing and gifts from Mexico and other Latin American countries, is closing its doors at Market Square after more than 30 years in business.
New luxury brands open at Strip shopping mall
Several new storefronts have opened at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, spanning jewelry, women’s fashion and menswear and accessories, the shopping mall announced.
Jewell Loyd On AT&T Partnership And Building Her Business Empire
Jewell Loyd discusses her AT&T partnership, business ventures, Dobro Coffee and how the WNBA star is building wealth through entrepreneurship and ownership.
NFL Legend Reveals What Kyler Murray Would Finally Give Vikings
Minnesota Vikings legend Cris Carter is buying stock in quarterback Kyler Murray for one specific reason. He spoke highly of the quarterback in a recent television appearance earlier this week.Murray was one of the crown jewel moves of the offseason for the Vikings. At the very least, he will bring experience to the quarterback position. […] The post NFL Legend Reveals What Kyler Murray Would Finally Give Vikings appeared first on HEAVY.
Cartier Owner Richemont Posts Sales Beat on Strong Jewelry Performance
Sales at the luxury group rose 20%, bolstered by its jewelry business and despite a volatile market for the sector.
Skip Pyrex: The Antique Dishware You Can Find At Thrift Stores That's A 'True Collector's Jewel'
The Le Creuset Dutch Oven Terrine is unique. Shaped like a duck and no longer in production, this piece is a rare and interesting twist on plain cookware.
Why gold never tarnishes has finally been explained
Gold may have a secret self-defense system that helps it resist tarnishing. Researchers discovered that atoms on gold surfaces reorganize themselves into patterns that block oxygen from reacting with the metal, suppressing oxidation by up to a trillion-fold. Beyond explaining why gold jewelry stays bright for generations, the finding could help scientists create more powerful gold-based catalysts for manufacturing and clean energy.
CT restaurant team launches statewide catering business. Food called ‘absolutely incredible.’
One customer said her guest raved about the food and went on to say the the cannoli bar was ‘the perfect final touch—truly the crown jewel of the night.’
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Meet Marblehead Custom Jewelry
The following is an interview with Steven Manchini, co-owner and jeweler of Marblehead Custom Jewelry. Marblehead Custom Jewelry is a local studio located at 66 Washington St. Specializing in custom jewelry design, in-house gemstone cutting and expert repairs, the team works closely with clients to bring meaningful, personal designs to life. With everything done under one
Terri’s Treasures: Lapidary artist turns lifelong passion into business
Sarasota jeweler handles every step of the process, from raw stone to finished piece
Five Science Fiction Versions of The Odyssey
The Odyssey by the poet Homer is one of the jewels in the crown of Greek culture. It has, in the thousands of years since its composition, also become a cornerstone of world literature and, hence, has found its way into speculative subgenres great and small. For this is a story of gods and monsters, […]
Vault Businesses Now Let You Store Diamonds and Dine Too
From London to Singapore, secure operations offer 24/7 services to a new generation of watch, jewelry and gold bullion buyers.
Eat, Sip, Shop: New businesses bring unique products, services to Bethlehem’s Main Street
Whether you’re shopping for toys, games and puzzles or jewelry, home decor and pet treats and accessories, a variety of new retailers on downtown Bethlehem’s Main Street have you covered.
A day in the life of Nicky Hilton between London and New York
Nicky Hilton, socialite and cofounder of custom jewelry brand theo grace, splits her time between London and NYC. Here's a day in her life.
Seattle’s Pioneer Square lands a new retailer
A bespoke diamond jewelry company opened a store in Pioneer Square. The CEO is optimistic about its future in downtown Seattle.
New NJ businesses include a restaurant that offers açaí bowls, wraps
Vitality Bowls in Wayne has açaí and grain bowls, wraps and smoothies. Minassian Jewelers is in Cresskill. A new Ace Hardware is in Cedar Knolls.
Proposals to keep 'Crown Jewel' sports free on streaming services
The government is proposing new legislation to prevent streaming and catch-up rights to some of the world's biggest sporting events - including the World Cup - being put behind a paywall for UK viewers.
Check out these 6 new stores, eateries coming to east Louisville
From jewelry stores to coffee shops, several new businesses are setting up shop in the East End of Louisville.
Business News: Basel Returns To Watch Calendar With April Basilia Watch & Jewelry Show
Baselworld is defunct, but Basilia aims to fill a gap for accessible watch and jewelry brands, but no details yet on who might participate among 400 exhibitors.
Scoop: Adler's next generation keeps jewelry business alive
Two Adler siblings have launched their own jewelry ventures.
Mistral courts U.S. business with cheaper, not the smartest, AI
Hot off its first corporate showcase in Paris, the crown jewel of France’s AI industry is making a play for American banks, businesses and tech bros.
UNT Health Fort Worth continues work as ‘crown jewel’ of patient safety education
How many people in the hospital system die because of “medical errors”? The definitive answer is elusive because calculations are opaque. The definition
Britt Jewelry in Cleveland
Providing unique, custom-made pieces with top-notch service Some of us may have a tendency to think a jewelry store is primarily a place to walk in, see something we like, and buy it. While that is often true in today’s times, a full service jewelry store with an expert jeweler offers many more amenities. […]
Jewelers Building owners plan $25M renovation in bid to lure new tenants
If the investments help bolster the rent roll, it could nudge other landlords to follow suit — ultimately helping restore vital property tax revenue in the central business district.
Skeletons in the closet: Inside the unraveling of the California Academy of Sciences
For years, insiders sounded the alarm about mismanagement. Now, after mass layoffs, a ballooning deficit, and a director’s resignation, one of San Francisco’s crown jewels is fighting for its life.
Semiconductor decoupling. Powell's politics. Industrializing Ogaden. Free trade and the Magna Carta.
Thank you for opening your Chartbook email. Feliks Topolski, 1907-1989 8th Army’s Front, Italy 1944 Semiconductor decoupling Source: FT One thing that Jerome Powell deeply understood is that chairing the Fed under current conditions is a deeply political job. “Powell has successes and mistakes to his name. But he stands out as having thought more carefully about the Fed’s democratic legitimacy than any chair since Paul Volcker,” said Paul Tucker, a former deputy governor at the Bank of England, referring to the Fed chair who successfully fought the great inflation of the 1970s and early 1980s. … While Powell was at the Treasury in the early 1990s, he watched Alan Greenspan build relationships within the government. That convinced Powell he needed to follow the former Fed chair’s lead and spend more time in Congress than his predecessors Yellen and Bernanke. “The accountability for the Fed runs through Congress,” said Claudia Sahm, a former Fed official who is now chief economist at New Century Advisors. “That’s not just about having people on speed dial — it’s answering questions, explaining policy and getting feedback.” Source: FT Ethiopia’s PM Abiy and Nigerian business tycoon, with Chinese engineering, are driving industrialization in Ogaden/Somali region of Ethiopia. - Michael Masri’s reporting for Africa Report if fascinating. Ethiopia has launched a cluster of large industrial schemes in the Somali region, laying foundation stones for a urea plant and an oil refinery in Gode while opening the first two phases of the Ogaden LNG project. Abiy Ahmed framed the push as part of a broader strategy to link energy, agriculture and industry. “These projects embody more than industrial growth,” he said. “They represent our shared responsibility to harness opportunities, strengthen co-operation and promote peace.” The Gode urea plant, backed by Dangote Group and Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), is designed for 3m tonnes a year. Dangote owns 60%, while EIH holds 40%. Officials say Dangote’s equity totals about $2.5bn, while the state provides land and implementation oversight. Gas from the Calub fields will be piped 108km to the site. Construction is slated for 40 months, with operations targeted for 2028. Ethiopia imports most of its fertiliser, spending more than $1.2bn a year for 1.5m–2m tonnes. Usage was roughly 1.7m tonnes in 2023, almost half of it urea, and demand for 2024–25 is put above 2.4m tonnes. If delivered on time, the Gode plant could cover domestic needs and allow exports to neighbours. Brook Taye, chief executive of EIH, called the venture “a significant milestone in the journey toward industrial self-sufficiency”. Dangote told the groundbreaking crowd that the complex would be integrated with gas supply and a polypropylene unit to support local inputs. He pointed to Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), with a capacity of more than 5,000MW, and noted his group’s cement operations and expansion plans. The Gode refinery is being developed by Golden Concord Group of China. It is designed to process 3.5m tonnes a year of crude and condensate from the Hilala field, with associated storage. Backers say it will ease foreign-exchange pressure from fuel imports and anchor further industrial activity, including a proposed steel smelting site in Dire Dawa. GCL’s chair, Zhu Gongshan, cast the project as “a key step in Ethiopia’s path to energy sovereignty”, underscoring the Beijing–Addis ties. Financing details are still being finalised, but the refinery is central to the government’s energy-security narrative. Source: The Africa Report Dangote’s Ethiopian vision: Dangote began with cement. His crown jewel, Dangote Cement, dominates Nigeria’s market and has 10 operations in other nations in Africa. The formula has been consistent: identify sectors with chronic shortages – cement, fertiliser, sugar – commit massive local investments, and scale up to serve regional demand. Ethiopia was a natural extension of that model. In 2015, Dangote launched the Mugher Cement Plant outside Addis Ababa at a cost of $600m, with an annual capacity of 2.5 million tonnes. The investment gave him a firm foothold in one of Africa’s fastest-growing construction markets. But success came with risks. In May 2018, violent unrest led to the killing of Dangote’s country manager and temporary shutdowns at Mugher. While other investors might have retreated, Dangote doubled down. Today, he is preparing to spend $400m to expand Mugher’s capacity to 5 million tonnes, alongside a new grinding unit near Addis Ababa. Cement is just one market Dangote is targeting. Ethiopia’s enormous state-controlled sugar industry, long plagued by inefficiency and debt, has struggled for years to reform. Its Omo Kuraz Sugar Development Project, touted as one of the continent’s largest initiatives, continues to face delays and mismanagement. … The most ambitious venture of all is the planned fertiliser production complex in Gode, Somali region. Publicised on 28 August 2025, the Dangote Group and Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH) deal plans one of the world’s largest single-site urea manufacturing plants. The project costs an estimated $2.5bn and has an estimated capacity of 3 million metric tonnes annually, a rate that would not only render Ethiopia independent, but even a net exporter of fertiliser. EIH, the state wealth fund of Ethiopia, will hold 40%, while 60% is held by Dangote Group. … For Dangote, Ethiopia is a trifecta: Cement demand is projected to grow by 10% annually, its sugar consumption is growing with rapid urbanisation, and fertiliser demand is all but insatiable, given that farming supports the livelihood of 70% of Ethiopians. Source: The Africa Report The stakes for Abiy are high: For Addis Ababa, the $4bn fertiliser project in Ethiopia’s Somali region is no longer simply a manufacturing investment. It is increasingly being framed as a strategic state project tied to food sovereignty, import substitution and the government’s broader attempt to build economic resilience under mounting fiscal pressure. “Becoming self-sufficient in food is our main agenda,” Abiy says during the visit. “Land is needed; we have it. Water is needed; we have it. Human resources are needed; we have it.” The scale is enormous even by African industrial standards. Once operational, the plant is expected to produce three million metric tonnes of urea annually, potentially making it one of the continent’s largest fertiliser complexes. Ethiopian officials say the project now includes a 110km gas pipeline, a 120MW power plant, a polypropylene packaging facility and a two-million-tonne NPK blending plant. For a government grappling with chronic foreign exchange shortages, ballooning import bills and pressure on agricultural productivity, the numbers matter politically as much as they do economically. The decision to anchor the project in Gode is deliberate. Long viewed as peripheral to Ethiopia’s industrial economy, the Somali region is now being repositioned by the federal government as a future irrigation and agro-industrial corridor. Officials argue that the area’s vast land reserves and access to water could eventually support large-scale commercial farming capable of reshaping Ethiopia’s food economy. The government is simultaneously building housing infrastructure for about 5,000 residents near the plant, while officials project broader industrial expansion along the corridor. Abiy goes further, comparing the long-term revenue potential of the Gode development zone with Ethiopia’s flagship state enterprise. “The investments we are making in this Gode area, combined, will generate high revenue for Ethiopia, at par with Ethiopian Airlines,” he says. Source: The Africa Report Feliks Topolski 1907-1982 Topolski’s Chronicle, ‘Nazi Revival’, Vol. 8, Is. 1-2, 1960 HEY READERS, THANK YOU for opening the Chartbook email. I hope it brightens your day. I enjoy putting out the newsletter, but tbh, what keeps this flow going is the generosity of those readers who clicked the subscription button. Photo by Jakub Dziubak on Unsplash If you are persuaded to click, please consider the annual subscription of $50. It is both better value for you and a much better deal for me, as it involves only one credit card charge. Why feed the payments companies if we don’t have to. Subscribe Grim vision of drone warfare by Sylvie Kaufmann For contributing subscribers only. Subscribe The state of the art in Colbert-studies. Jean-Baptiste Colbert was Louis XIV chief minister from 1661 to 1683 and traditionally seen as an architect of absolutism and mercantilism. Alexander Hamilton later cited him as an inspiration in 1782. Now his legacy is disputed. Daniel Dessert, the chief critic, sees Colbert as the orchestrator not so much of an absolutist state as of an elite cabal. Would be great to have a good English-language review of this important debate. Source: lhistoire Didn’t know that the Magna Carta included free trade provisions Fighting for the right to the beach in Oregon in 1967: Source: Research Gate RAF Station – British and Polish Flags, c. 1940-45, The Ingram Collection Feliks Topolski, 1907-1989 ink and wash If you’ve scrolled this far, you know you want to click: Subscribe
Apple's Eddy Cue Is Cannes Lions 2026 Entertainment Person of the Year
Under his leadership, Apple TV has emerged as a crown jewel for the company.
Sprawling new entertainment complex coming to Southern California city, with hotel, venues and ‘Jewel Plaza’
The project would overhaul the city's sleepy, parking lot heavy civic campus from the 1970's into what leaders hope becomes a bustling, action-packed destination.
Business Briefcase
• Patricia Thompson of Way-Fil Jewelry in Tupelo achieved the Advanced Certified Gemologist Appraiser title from the American Gem Society, an association of professional jewelers in North America.
AMNH Presents For the Win: Objects of Sports Excellence
New York, N.Y. - On May 15, the American Museum of Natural History will open For the Win: Objects of Sports Excellence , a special exhibition that celebrates the artistry, history, and cultural impact of the world’s most coveted athletic prizes. The exhibition will open in the Melissa and Keith Meister Gallery, part of the Museum’s Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals, and will showcase more than 70 championship rings, trophies, medals, and jewelry spanning nearly 150 years of sports history. For the Win opens in advance of FIFA World Cup 2026™ and kicks off World Cup, World Cultures: Celebrating the Community and Science of Sport, a series of programs and experiences at the Museum for New Yorkers and visiting fans from around the world.
Science is under attack and Minnesota politicians are asleep at the wheel
U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar recently rolled out some preliminary plans for Minnesota in her campaign for governor with a focus on fraud. Notably absent from her list of priorities: science. Leaders in Washington have gutted our crown jewel — the U.S. research enterprise. Many will argue that state government isn’t responsible for fixing the crisis […]
Detroit Lions sign first-round NFL draft pick Blake Miller
As the crown jewel of the Lions' 2026 NFL Draft class, Detroit has officially signed offensive tackle Blake Miller to a lucrative rookie contract.
Jack Sutton closing luxury jewelry store after 4 decades inside New Orleans’ Canal Place
It's the latest departure from the high-end mall and another blow to Canal Street.
Solopreneurs use AI to enhance marketing and customer outreach
AI enhances marketing for solopreneurs in jewelry and web design by acting as a creative partner and optimizing client follow-ups.
Alex and Ani founder alleges misuse of family’s R.I. business assets
Jewelry designer Carolyn Rafaelian filed a lawsuit to resolve what court files describe as “a family shareholder dispute”.
Woman turns COVID hobby into business, transforming broken car windows into jewelry
"I had a lot of people trying to offer me certain glass, and I had to learn a lot about how specific glass was made."
From jewelers to health tech, CEOs want tariff refunds as earnings take a hit
Philips and Pandora on Wednesday announced their intentions to apply for tariff rebates in the aftermath of President Trump's "liberation day" blitz.
How jewelry brand Gorjana found its place in sports
Partnering with tennis player Jessica Pegula in 2023 “was a huge, eye-opening opportunity,” an exec said, and the brand has since built a roster of pro and college athlete partners.
Queens man says family business, home robbed on wedding day
“They stole my mom’s jewelry, approximately $500,000-$600,000,” Basel Bakr said.
Mayor Mamdani calls for return of crown jewel to India
Mamdani spoke only briefly with King Charles, but sent a very public message about the Koh-i-Noor diamond.
End of an era: Longtime Greenville jewelry business closing doors
Since the 1960s, Geiss & Sons Jewelers has been an Upstate mainstay. Its Spartanburg store closed in 2021, and now the Greenville location is closing
Behold the crown jewel of outrageous gaming laptops
It’s like r/battlestations in laptop form.
‘Native American Business Showcase’ features artists, crafts
In an event featuring talented professionals standing by their glistening jewelry and clothing, the University of New Mexico has once again brought together Native American businesses, organizations and student entrepreneurs in this year’s Native American Business Showcase. Hosted by the American Indian Business Association, the Thursday, April 23 event marks the third annual showcase that has been held at UNM. Executive Director of the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of New Mexico Marvis Aragon opened the event, encouraging entrepreneurship and collaboration among Native small businesses.
Op-ed: Dining politics: How a change in catering companies could be a sign of university-wide financial decision
Food Fair, the crown jewel of Tufts Orientation week, is the first chance for all of the Tufts dining locations to show incoming students what they’ve got, and every spot pulls out all the stops. Kindlevan Café smoothies, Fresh at Carmichael Dining Center salmon and Hodgdon quesadillas all meet in this event that students keep talking about and never see again, yet there’s an unsung hero responsible for the whole thing: Tufts Catering.