Author: Alastair Smith

The Diamond Dealers Club (DDC) in New York City, in collaboration with the Gem and Jewelry Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) of India, will host the next installment of its ever-popular ‘India Week’ event from August 19-22, focusing on Indian diamond and gemstone suppliers. The event aims to foster international trade relations between Indian suppliers and US-based diamond dealers.Event DetailsThe “Taste of India” event at the Diamond Dealers Club will feature 15-20 suppliers from India, specialising in diamonds, lab-grown gems, and coloured gemstones. Additionally, over 30 US-based DDC diamond dealers will participate. The event promises an open trading environment with no…

JCK Industry Fund has announced its 2024 grant recipients, allocating a total of $341,000 to nine organisations. This year’s funding marks an increase from the previous year, continuing the fund’s tradition since its inception in 1997. To date, the fund has disbursed over $7 million to various programs aimed at enhancing the industry’s long-term viability.”In our ongoing commitment to the industry, spanning the past 25 years, we are continuing to champion the pivotal endeavors of the organizations that are advancing our industry’s interests. From consumer confidence to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)…

The American Gem Society (AGS) 2024 Conclave in Austin, Texas, showcased significant contributions within the gem and jewelry community, with several awards distributed during the event. This gathering served as a platform to recognise commitment and service in the gem and jewelry sectors.Acknowledgement of ContributionsThe Sallie Morton Award was awarded to Jewelers Mutual Group for their long standing support and partnership with the AGS since 2008. Amanda Coleman-Phelps, CGA and Chair of the International Guilds Council, highlighted their role in educational initiatives for members, stating, “Jewelers Mutual Group exemplifies the pinnacle of support to AGS and its members.”Andy Martin, CEO…

Diamond prices experienced a notable decline in September, with the market facing challenges from increased competition from synthetic diamonds and a slowdown in retail sales. Despite a decrease in production, there was a mismatch as polished inventories remained high, not aligning with sales expectationsRapNet Diamond Index (RAPI™) InsightsThe RAPI™ for 1-carat diamonds saw a significant drop of 5.2%, marking it as the most challenging month since the Covid-19 downturn peak in March 2020. Other categories also faced declines:The RAPI, which focuses on D to H colors and IF to VS2 clarities, indicated a 6.8% decrease for 1-carat, D-L, SI1-SI2 items…

Emerging in the 1500s, the rose cut diamond has a flat bottom and a domed, peaked top, which resembles a rose bud. The rose cut harkens back to a time when diamonds were assessed by eye and cut by hand. Found most often in jewelry from the Georgian and Victorian Periods (1714-1900), the rose cut’s distinctive and unusual outline is spurring a revival amongst modern brides.The rose cut diamond’s popularity peaked in the 1700’s and was, quite literally, out-shined by the more brilliant cuts that resulted from emerging modern technological advances in diamond cutting. Rose cuts are reminiscent of the…

During the recent conference of the Independent Jewelers Organization (IJO) held in Cleveland, OH, Owner and Chairman Jeff Roberts introduced a significant change to the organization’s leadership. Stephen Barnes has been appointed as the new President of IJO.Roberts expressed his meticulous search for the right candidate, stating, “For several years I have met with, interviewed and talked with several candidates for this position I wanted to fill, but no one possessed the qualities I was seeking – until recently.” He further elaborated on Barnes’s qualifications, emphasizing his experience in running a profitable retail jewelry store and his expertise in succession…

After 108 years of serving the jewelry industry, Modern Jeweler is suspending publication. We’d like to thank all the people who worked hard over the years to make every issue worth reading. We’d also like to thank the retailers and manufacturers who shared their time and expertise with our readers each month. We hope to find a buyer who believes in the future of the jewelry industry as much as we do. But even if we don’t and the August issue of Modern Jeweler is truly the last, we are sure that the jewelry industry’s strong community and generosity of spirit will ensure its…