The Top 20 Most Popular Stories of 2011

The year 2011 may have been a lot of things, but none dare call it boring.

From the roller-coaster rides seen by gold and diamond prices, to the dramatic fall-off at Pandora, to the history-making hype generated by the Elizabeth Taylor auction at Christie’s, 2011 was full of big news, and sometimes big changes, in the jewelry industry.

As 2011 fades into memory, JCK offers the top 20 news stories of the year, as measured by audience traffic. if you don't subscribe to our daily e-newsletter, you can do so by entering in your email in the box at the upper right hand corner of this page. We wish all our readers a happy and healthy new year.

-JCK senior editor Rob Bates

136 Carat Yellow Diamond Found in Russia

In April, miners in the Siberian province of Yakutia found a 136 ct. yellow diamond.

Elizabeth Taylor Jewelry Auction Set for December

"She is the most beautiful creature on earth that made the jewels looks more valuable,” says commenter Dalaliya. No one will wear them the way she did.”

Pandora CEO Resigns Over Falling Sales

“It is almost like another bubble bursting" in a already strained industry and general economy,” says commenter Mark. “When the owners cash out it is time to take a hard look at the company and it's new management.”

Elizabeth Taylor's Jewelry Collection Set for World Tour

“Some of the world's most beautiful jewelry collected and designed for the world's most beautiful woman,” says commenter Anne Timmons-Harris.

Reese’s Ring: An Ashoka Cut from William Goldberg

Sure, Reese Witherspoon said “yes” to Jim Toth’s marriage proposal because she loves him, but it doesn’t hurt that he popped the question with an Ashoka-cut diamond from William Goldberg!—JCK senior editor Jennifer Heebner

Former Zale CEO Neal Goldberg Dies

Neal Goldberg, who served as CEO of Zale from December 2007 to January 2010, died March 17 at age 51.

Bank Predicts Gold Price Will Triple

“Hopefully, this trend will flush some of ‘outdated’ styles into the melt pile, and encourage people to look for pieces that are unique and well-made, versusmass-produced trends,” says commenter HA_Jewelry. “With the price of gold approaching that of platinum, it seems like a viablealternative.”

Update on the De Beers Class Action Settlement

“I am a part of this class action suit and I have always said, ‘Attorneys get the cash and their clients get some sort of coupon to buy more stuff from the same companies that are in the class action suit,’” says commenter Grahamcracky1948. “The best thing tor all of us to do is to attempt to put an end to these kinds of suits in the first place.”