Author: Ruchi Singla

Columbia Gem House (CGH) has announced the return of its annual “Opals for Outback Heroes” online raffle, now in its fifth year. The initiative supports the Lightning Ridge Rural Fire Brigade in New South Wales, Australia, and coincides with the 2025 MJSA Responsibly Sourced Design Challenge. Supporting the Lightning Ridge Community Designers participating in the MJSA Responsibly Sourced Design Challenge have donated jewelry pieces featuring Lightning Ridge opals supplied by Columbia Gem House. The pieces will be raffled online, with proceeds supporting the volunteer fire brigade serving the local mining community and surrounding areas. The Lightning Ridge Rural Fire Brigade…

Platinum jewelry sales continued to grow across major markets in the second quarter of 2025, according to the latest Platinum Jewelry Business Review released by Platinum Guild International (PGI). The increase in gold prices has prompted both retailers and consumers to consider platinum as an alternative material due to pricing differentials. “Despite economic headwinds, platinum jewelry demonstrates enduring value and resilience,” said PGI CEO Tim Schlick. “We are committed to supporting our partners in major markets through collaborations and focused promotions to reinforce platinum’s unique appeal with consumers seeking quality and distinction.” China: Fabrication Increases on Wholesale Demand The Chinese…

The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA) is now accepting applications for its ACE It Appraisal Conference Scholarship, aimed at gemology students seeking to enter the field of jewelry appraisal. The scholarship will cover the conference registration fee for the 65th Annual ACE It Winter Educational Conference, taking place January 31 to February 1, 2025, in Tucson, Arizona. Eligibility and Application Details Eligible applicants include students currently enrolled in gemological programs such as those offered by GIA, FGA, FGAA, FGG, FCGmA, and RGA. Candidates must submit a resume, a photo, and an essay outlining their interest in becoming a gems…

The International Gem & Jewelry Show (IGJS) will return to Jaipur from April 9–11, 2026, with its largest edition to date and an expanded international buyer program tailored for U.S. retailers, manufacturers and designers. Organized by the Gem & Jewelry Export Promotion Council of India (GJEPC), IGJS Jaipur 2026 will feature 150 Indian exhibitors by tripling the number from previous editions and will host 600 international buyers. The show is set within the Jaipur Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which recorded a 317% increase in jewelry exports in the first quarter of FY2025–26. Trade Show Overview IGJS Jaipur is positioned as…

The Natural Diamond Council (NDC) has launched a new accreditation initiative aimed at identifying retailers who meet defined standards in product grading, staff training, customer service, sourcing practices and in-store diamond verification. The Premier Retailer Accreditation is a complimentary program that offers participants a set of benefits and the use of the NDC Premier Retailer Seal. Eligibility Criteria To qualify for the accreditation, retailers must meet the following five standards: The standards aim to support a uniform approach to presenting and selling natural diamonds across accredited retailers. Retailer Benefits Accredited retailers will have access to: Pilot Campaign and Industry Reaction…

The American Gem Society (AGS) presented Al Gilbertson, CG, with the 2025 Robert M. Shipley Award during its Converge event on September 9. The award is the highest honor given by AGS and acknowledges long-term contributions in gemological research, education, and service. AGS CEO Katherine Bodoh said, “Al’s ability to bridge scientific precision with an understanding of diamond beauty has helped elevate our industry. We are deeply grateful for his contributions and proud to honor him.” Contributions to Diamond Grading Gilbertson joined the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in 2000 as a researcher. He is one of the inventors of…

The Jewelers Board of Trade (JBT) has reported a slowdown in the rate of U.S. jewelry business closures during the second quarter of 2025. A total of 174 businesses ceased operations between April and June, down 23% from the same period in 2024. The number of active jewelry companies in the U.S. stood at 22,218 at the end of the quarter. Business Activity Overview Of the 174 closures, 28 resulted from mergers or acquisitions, three were due to bankruptcies, and 143 closed for other reasons. In the same period, 97 new jewelry businesses were registered, up from 83 in the…

Jewelers of America (JA) has announced its lineup of Learning Workshops to be held in conjunction with several state jewelers association conventions this fall. The initiative will bring professional development opportunities to jewelers in Oklahoma, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Georgia through education sessions on current industry topics. Workshop Dates and Locations JA will deliver the Learning Workshops at the following state conventions: These events mark the final three in a total of four Learning Workshops JA is hosting at state association conventions throughout 2025. Educational Focus and Content The Learning Workshops will cover a range of subjects relevant to retail jewelers…

The Atlanta Jewelry Show (AJS) will debut an expanded youth education initiative during its upcoming event on 23–24 August 2025 at the Cobb Galleria, Atlanta, GA. The development includes the launch of Kids Jewelry Camp 2.0 for children aged 7–11, alongside a newly enhanced version of the Next GEM Academy for teens aged 12–17. Expansion of Youth Programming Originally introduced in 2018, the AJS Kids Jewelry Camp was the first programme of its kind within a jewelry trade show setting. Now rebranded and expanded as Kids Jewelry Camp 2.0 and Next GEM Academy (Next Generation Emerging Makers), the initiative has…

Ben Bridge Jeweler has acquired Olympic Manufacturing, a full-service jewelry repair and manufacturing business based in Bellevue, Washington. The move furthers Ben Bridge’s strategy of vertical integration by bringing long-standing manufacturing and repair services under direct company ownership. Founded in 1975, Olympic Manufacturing has partnered with Ben Bridge for over 30 years, providing a range of services including CAD design, in-house casting, laser repair, engraving, and full custom jewelry creation. Its existing staff and operations will remain at their current Bellevue location, continuing to serve both local clients and Ben Bridge’s broader retail network. Expanded Capabilities for Custom and Repair…

Retail management system The Edge has partnered with jewelry and watch insurer BriteCo to incorporate appraisal functionality within its point-of-sale (POS) platform. The integration enables jewelers to generate and manage appraisals from within the POS interface, including during the sales process. The BriteCo appraisal tool is available to retailers at no charge and supports appraisals for both new transactions and independent items brought in by customers. Appraisal Management Features Accessible from the customer record within The Edge, the integrated appraisal software allows jewelers to track in-progress appraisals, import them when ready for processing, and manage completed appraisals within the system…

A recent analysis by Citigroup highlights a divergence in U.S. luxury spending trends, with jewelry sales increasing while other categories, including leather goods and apparel, experience declines. The findings are based on credit card transaction data from Citi’s base of over 10 million U.S. customers. Jewelry Sees Sustained Growth Among the luxury categories analyzed, jewelry was the only one to see increases in both average transaction value and the number of purchasing customers. In May 2025, luxury jewelry spending rose 10.1% year over year, continuing a trend that began in September 2024 with consistent monthly year-on-year increases. A subset of…

The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has announced the judging panel for the 2025 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards, following the official opening of competition entries. The panel includes five professionals from various areas of the jewelry industry, chosen for their experience in retail, design, manufacturing, and lapidary. “Once again, AGTA is fortunate to have a group of judges with extensive industry experience for this year’s Awards,” said John W. Ford, Sr., CEO of AGTA. “I encourage every designer and gem dealer, regardless of experience level, to participate. The competition offers opportunities for increased visibility within the industry.” AGTA…

Cast, the San Francisco-based jewelry brand co-founded by Rachel Skelly and Eric Ryan in 2021, has ceased operations, closing its three Northern California stores and taking its website offline. Skelly has since reacquired the company’s intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, and the brand name, and has indicated plans for a potential relaunch. Company Closure and Transition Skelly announced the closures in a video posted to Instagram, stating, “I’m not done!… I’m going to recast Cast.” She cited market challenges affecting early-stage brands: “Sadly, after a chapter of incredible growth, we faced the same headwinds so many early-stage brands are navigating—especially…

Jewelry technology company Gemist has raised $6 million in seed funding to scale its full-stack software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform tailored for the fine jewelry industry. The funding round was led by Entrada Ventures, with additional participation from The Artemis Fund and Collide Capital, bringing the Los Angeles-based firm’s total funding to $9 million. Digitising Custom Jewelry Sales Founded in 2021 by CEO Madeline Fraser, Gemist provides jewellers with a customisable digital platform that enables consumers to design, visualise, and purchase bespoke jewelry online or in-store. Initially launched as a direct-to-consumer brand in 2019, the company pivoted to a business-to-business model in…

Seven men from California have been indicted in connection with the 2022 theft of an estimated $100 million worth of jewelry, gold, gemstones, and luxury watches from a Brink’s truck. Named as the largest jewelry theft in U.S. history by DOJ, the shipment was stolen while en route between two jewelry trade shows in California. Details of the Incident On July 11, 2022, a Brink’s truck carrying 73 bags of jewelry and related goods from an international jewelry show in San Mateo was targeted at a rest stop in Lebec, California. According to court documents, 24 bags were removed from…

Signet Jewelers reported a 2.0% year-on-year increase in revenue for the first quarter of Fiscal 2026, with total sales reaching $1.54 billion. Same store sales rose 2.5%, marking a recovery from an 8.9% decline in the same period last year. The company cited changes to its pricing and product mix across its largest brands—Kay, Zales, and Jared, which saw sequential sales increases. Gross margin rose by $26 million to $598.8 million, primarily due to higher product margins and more efficient use of fixed costs. The gross margin rate increased by 100 basis points to 38.8%. Profitability and Operational Efficiency Despite…

The Jewelry Symposium (TJS) returned for its 2025 edition from May 17–20, bringing together more than 100 professionals for a three-day programme focused on advancing jewelry manufacturing technologies, addressing labor shortages, and exploring key issues such as traceability and sustainability. Focus on Workforce Challenges The event opened with a roundtable discussion among 48 industry professionals concerning the ongoing shortage of skilled labor in the fine jewelry sector. The session served as a platform for addressing a concern widely acknowledged across the trade, particularly as experienced craftspeople retire and fewer new entrants take their place. “We are encouraged by the positive…

New research from ecommerce provider ESW highlights a significant sensitivity among U.S. consumers to pricing changes driven by tariffs. According to ESW’s “Impact of Tariffs on Purchasing Decisions” study, 60% of American consumers are unwilling to absorb price increases above 10% resulting from tariffs. The findings reflect increasing consumer sensitivity to pricing, amid ongoing geopolitical and economic developments affecting global trade. ESW’s data indicates that beyond discounts and promotional offers, consumers increasingly expect free shipping, loyalty incentives, and clear communication regarding pricing in exchange for continued engagement. Generational Shifts in Spending Habits The study highlights divergent generational responses to inflationary…

A jewelry store in Simi Valley, California, has reported the theft of approximately $2 million in merchandise and cash after intruders gained access through an adjoining business. According to the store owner and local police, the suspects entered 5 Star Jewelry and Repair by breaching the roof and a shared wall with Dr. Conkey’s Candy & Coffee. Entry Through Shared Structure Security footage from Dr. Conkey’s Candy & Coffee shows a masked individual crawling along the floor, apparently to avoid motion sensors, before disabling a security camera by spray-painting the lens. According to candy shop owner Ted Mackel, the suspects…

India’s Gem & Jewelry Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) has announced a new partnership with the INSTORE Jewelry Show, set to take place September 28–29 in Rosemont, Illinois. As part of the collaboration, GJEPC will introduce a dedicated Indian pavilion aimed at showcasing jewelry from select Indian manufacturers to U.S. retail buyers ahead of the holiday season. Focus on Holiday-Ready Inventory The Indian pavilion will feature a selection of products from GJEPC member companies, aimed at U.S. retailers planning their fourth-quarter inventory. The pavilion will include a range of styles and categories, with a focus on manufacturing capabilities, detailed craftsmanship, and…

The Jewelers’ Security Alliance (JSA) has released its 2024 Annual Crime Report, revealing that U.S. jewelry businesses experienced $142.5 million in crime-related losses last year—a 7% increase over 2023—even as the number of criminal incidents declined. The report documents 1,420 crimes in 2024, down 12.4% from 1,621 in 2023. The rise in losses is attributed to a concentration of high-value burglaries and increasingly sophisticated criminal tactics, targeting established businesses across the country. Burglaries Drive Losses with Advanced Methods On-premises burglaries accounted for the largest share of total losses, with reported losses rising 108% year-on-year to $80.7 million. The JSA reported…

Federal prosecutors have charged Edward Carlos St. Mary III, a US-based diamond dealer, with wire fraud for allegedly orchestrating a scheme to fraudulently obtain uncut diamonds worth approximately $3.275 million from an international natural diamond exporter and manufacturer. The charges were unsealed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York on May 24, following St. Mary’s arrest and initial court appearance in the Southern District of Texas. Alleged Misrepresentations and Unauthorized Possession According to the criminal complaint, the scheme began in April 2021 when St. Mary entered into negotiations with the owner of the diamond company…

The Diamond Council of America (DCA) has announced the launch of a newly developed digital learning platform alongside updates to its core educational offerings, aimed at enhancing training for jewelry sales professionals. The non-profit organisation’s revised courses—Beginning Jewelry Sales and Advanced Jewelry Sales—are now hosted on a platform designed to improve navigation and access for learners across experience levels. According to DCA, the changes are part of a broader effort to update its distance education programs, which serve individuals working in jewelry sales across the United States. The revised platform and course materials include expanded content and redesigned layouts to…

The Palm Beach Show Group has announced the debut of the Miami Jewelry & Watch Show, scheduled to take place January 8–11, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Miami.  The event will feature more than 100 international exhibitors and include antique, estate, and vintage jewelry, rare watches, and modern and contemporary designs. The show will be held in Miami’s Brickell district, with access to transport links such as the Brightline and Metromover, as well as nearby accommodations and parking facilities. Market Positioning and Exhibitor Demand According to the organisers, the new show responds to exhibitor demand for a high-end estate jewelry…

The Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) has established the BIJC Education Fund, a 501(c)(3) foundation created to provide education, mentorship, and career development opportunities for youth and underserved communities interested in the jewelry sector. The initiative is intended to help address labor shortages in the industry, particularly in skilled trades such as bench jeweling. The fund’s programs will offer practical training and broaden access to career pathways for individuals who have traditionally faced barriers to entry in the gem, jewelry, and watch professions. Malyia McNaughton, G.G., who previously served as President of BIJC, will now lead the BIJC Education Fund.…

The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA) has announced that applications are now open for its 2025 scholarships, offered in partnership with appraisal software provider Instappraise.  The program provides educational support to both individuals entering the appraisal field and current NAJA members seeking advanced qualifications. Applications are due by June 15, 2025. Scholarship Options for New and Existing Members Two scholarships are available for applicants at different stages of their appraisal careers. The first, available to new or non-member applicants, includes a one-year NAJA membership, access to lessons 1–5 of the NAJA Appraisal Studies Course, and a one-year subscription to…

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the El Paso port of entry have seized a shipment of counterfeit jewelry estimated to have a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $9,222,800, had the items been authentic. The shipment, originating from China, was intercepted on April 9 and was addressed to a private residence in El Paso, Texas. The consignment contained 1,708 pieces of jewelry, including rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces, all resembling the distinctive design of Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” collection. Following collaboration with the trademark owner, CBP confirmed the items were counterfeit. The seizure was formally authorised…

The Plumb Club’s Industry and Market Insights 2025 consumer research reports increased awareness and acceptance of lab-grown diamonds and gemstones among U.S. jewelry consumers. Conducted in collaboration with trend forecaster Paola De Luca (The Futurist) and analytics firm Qualtrics, the study surveyed more than 2,000 individuals between the ages of 25 and 60, each with a household income of at least $75,000 and some level of college education. The findings will be formally presented at the JCK Las Vegas Show on June 7. Growing Awareness and Understanding According to the survey, 84% of respondents reported being aware of the availability…

John Atencio introduced five new jewelry collections at JCK Las Vegas 2025, showcasing a range of designs in gold, sterling silver, pavé diamonds, and natural gemstones. The new collections are being exhibited at Booth #15030 in the Design Collective. Expanded Lines and Design Continuity The Havana collection, originally inspired by Cuban cultural themes, features new styles incorporating pavé diamonds and retaining the collection’s angular geometric design. According to the company, the pieces “bring striking dimension in a full range of styles.” The Orion collection also debuts new diamond-focused pieces. These additions build on the collection’s established use of curved forms…