Jewelry companies are well-represented among STORES magazine’s 2008 Hot 100 Retailers list. Tiffany, Blue Nile, Finlay Enterprises, and Birks & Mayors were considered among the fastest growing retailers in 2007.

An official delegation of Russian buyers will visit the International Colored Gemstone Association International Gem Show Dubai, Oct. 13-15.

Reston, Va.—U.S. retail e-commerce growth rates rebounded slightly in April (up 15 percent) after a soft March, but slowed again in May (up 12 percent) and June (up 11 percent), compared with the same periods last year, according to ComScore Inc.

New York—Swim and resort-wear were the objects of attention at a recent runway show held by TMG Style LA, but gold also got top billing, as models at the show were decked out in gold jewelry and accessories from more than 30 designers.

New York—Adalah-NY, the group responsible for the protests outside Lev Leviev's store on Madison Avenue, continued their campaign against the billionaire diamantaire at the JA New York Summer Show.

Dallas—Richard W. Hughes, gemological administrator for the American Gem Trade Center Gemological Testing Center (AGTA GTC), will be leaving his position for a new opportunity in Thailand, effective Aug. 31.

Hayward, Calif.—West Coast department store chain Mervyns LLC received court approval to continue to conduct business as usual despite its Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing.