Author: Abidemi Fadekemi

The MJSA Education Foundation has launched a fundraising campaign supported by a matching challenge from National Chain Group, which will match donations up to $5,000. The campaign includes four sponsorship levels, designed to suit different levels of contributions, each offering specific acknowledgements.Foundation’s RoleAs a 501(c)3 subsidiary of MJSA, the Foundation focuses on supporting career and training opportunities in jewelry making and design. Recent initiatives include starting the industry’s first Mentor & Apprenticeship Program, recognised by the U.S. Department of Labor, and accepting applications for scholarships from aspiring jewelry professionals.“To continue to thrive, the jewelry industry needs a well-trained workforce and…

In a significant move that could have ramifications across the gemstone industry, the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has announced a policy to exclude lab-grown gemstones from its trade shows starting from the AGTA GemFair Tucson in 2025. This decision marks a notable change for exhibitors and attendees of these events. AGTA, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is recognized for its expertise on natural colored gemstones. This policy reflects its dedication to promoting natural gemstones within the industry.“Considering how disruptive lab-grown diamonds have been in the market, the AGTA [board of directors] decided to take a stance on man-made gemstones at its…

JCK has named Sugar Ray Leonard,as the keynote speaker for its 2024 show. The event is scheduled from May 31 to June 3 at The Venetian Expo & The Venetian Resort, including the JCK Talks conference program, available to all attendees.The keynote, “The Power to Win!” by Sugar Ray Leonard, is set for June 1 in the San Polo Ballroom, Level 3 of the Venetian, sponsored by Platinum Guild International. Leonard, celebrated for his achievements across five weight divisions, an Olympic Gold Medal, and his induction into the Hall of Fame, will discuss principles of success, drawing from his experiences…

The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) has released its 2023 Holiday Shopping Forecast, predicting a 3.8% increase in retail sales during the October-December period, despite the prevailing economic conditions. he Annual Holiday Shopping Intentions Survey conducted by ICSC reveals that 90% of consumers, approximately 235 million, plan to shop this year.Consumer Spending TrendsConsistent Spending Amid Economic ChallengesTom McGee, President and CEO of ICSC, stated, “We expect a positive holiday shopping season this year as consumers continue to spend in spite of economic headwinds.” The survey indicates that 80% of shoppers expect to spend the same or more than they…

A 23-year-old customer was inadvertently locked inside a large vault in Manhattan’s Diamond District for nearly 10 hours before being released unharmed. The incident occurred at DGA Securities’ vault located inside 580 Fifth Avenue The World Diamond Tower at 580 Fifth Avenue.The Lock-InThe customer was accessing his lock box inside the room-sized steel vault on Tuesday night when a timed mechanism unexpectedly activated, locking him inside. Police were alerted to the situation around 8:45 p.m. and, along with FDNY personnel, worked tirelessly through the night in an attempt to free the individual.Rescue EffortsRescue teams managed to penetrate about 30 inches…

Worthy and CIRCA Jewels, two major players in the pre-owned fine jewelry and luxury watch market, have announced their merger to form a unified platform valued at over $100 million. This strategic move aims to create a leading destination for buying and selling pre-owned luxury items, enhancing both companies’ capabilities and market reach.Leadership and VisionSteven Schneider, CEO of Worthy, highlighted the significance of this merger, stating, “We will take the best from both businesses to create the global, premier pre-owned luxury jewelry platform with significant scale, reach, and choices for our wholesale buyers and sellers.” Schneider emphasized the potential to…

The Ethical Gem Suppliers group is thrilled to announce the inaugural Ethical Gem Fair, set to take place in Brooklyn on the 19th, 20th, and 21st of October 2023.Event Details:The Ethical Gem Suppliers group is a collective of gemstone suppliers dedicated to promoting transparency and responsible sourcing within the gemstone supply chain. Their commitment to ethical practices is evident in their various initiatives, which include:This event promises to be a landmark occasion for all stakeholders in the jewelry industry, offering a platform for suppliers and buyers who prioritize ethical and sustainable practices. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of…

Jewelers of America (JA), the national trade association representing businesses in the fine jewelry marketplace, has ushered in a new era of leadership. The association recently elected a new Chair, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors. These pivotal changes were formalized during Jewelers of America’s annual general meeting on October 2, 2023, and the subsequent Board of Directors meeting on October 3, 2023.Coleman Clark, President of B.C. Clark, has been elected as the new Chair. The Executive Committee will comprise Matthew Rosenheim of Tiny Jewel Box as Chair-Elect, Steve Padis of Padis Jewelers and Elise Greenberg of Greenberg’s Jewelers as…