James Avery, a family-owned retail jeweler that has been in business since 1954, has announced the opening of its newest store in the San Antonio area of Texas.

Donna Distefano Ltd., the Manhattan-based jewelry design company known for its commitment to environmentally sensitive sourcing, has announced a new business partnership with Marissa Harvey, a former Tiffany and Co. vice president.

Citing the down economy, Arthur Groom, a New Jersey retailer and developer of an emerald treatment, has become the latest victim of the financial crisis, filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Wednesday.

With some exceptions, department stores and big-box retailers that sell fine jewelry saw modest sales increases in January, with several retailers, including Saks, Neiman Marcus and J.C. Penney Co., pinpointing jewelry as one of the better performers.

Watch and jewelry revenues fell 13 percent for LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton in 2009, although the luxury conglomerate cited some fourth-quarter improvement and record revenues overall in December as it reported its year-end results.

Online jewelry auctioneer Bidz.com has announced the launch of its own private-sale shopping site that will feature not just designer jewelry and accessories but clothing, shoes and housewares as well.