Author: Ruchi Singla

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 PossessionAccording to the criminal complaint, the scheme began in April 2021 when St. Mary entered into negotiations with the owner of the diamond company in India. The…

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 better…

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 DemandAccording to the organisers, the new show responds to exhibitor demand for a high-end estate jewelry and watch event in…

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. McNaughton is…

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 MembersTwo 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 Instappraise.com. The total scholarship…

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 on April…

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 UnderstandingAccording to the survey, 84% of respondents reported being aware of the availability of lab-grown diamonds…

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 ContinuityThe 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 and geometric structure.Petite…

New York-based jewelry manufacturer Sasha Primak has acquired Ada Diamonds, a company specialising in lab-grown diamond jewelry.The acquisition comes amid ongoing growth in the lab-grown diamond segment, which analysts project will reach $20 billion globally by 2027. In the United States, lab-grown diamonds now represent approximately 50% of all engagement ring center stone sales.Operational TransitionFollowing the acquisition, Ada Diamonds has relocated operations to Sasha Primak’s flagship facility at 529 5th Avenue in Manhattan. The company’s showrooms in Austin and San Francisco have closed as part of the transition. Ada Diamonds will continue operating through its concierge service model.David Primak, COO…

Charles & Colvard, Ltd has announced it will be delisted from the Nasdaq Stock Market. According to a company statement, it received a staff determination letter from Nasdaq notifying it that trading of its common stock would be suspended due to non-compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(1). This rule requires timely filing of periodic reports, and the company had not filed its Forms 10-Q for the quarters ending September 30 and December 31, 2024.The company stated that it does not intend to appeal Nasdaq’s decision. It cited cost considerations related to maintaining its Nasdaq listing and compliance obligations as factors in…

Movado Group has reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and full fiscal year, outlining the effects of trade-related costs, internal governance issues, and consumer trends on its operations. The U.S.-based watch and accessories group—whose brand portfolio includes Movado, Coach, Tommy Hilfiger, Lacoste, Hugo Boss, and Calvin Klein—will introduce price increases on select products to offset higher import tariffs and has restated past financials following identified irregularities at a regional subsidiary.Financial Performance for Fiscal YearFor the fiscal year ending January 31, 2025, Movado Group reported net sales of $653.4 million, representing a 2 percent decline year-over-year (2 percent on a…

A jewelry store in Los Angeles’ Downtown District was burglarized this week, with suspects gaining entry through a tunnel drilled from an adjacent building. The store, Love Jewels, located on Broadway in the city’s jewelry quarter, reported the theft of merchandise valued between $10 million and $20 million.Entry Gained Through TunnelingAccording to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), the burglary took place around 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, 2025. Investigators said the suspects broke through several layers of concrete from a neighboring property. Security footage reviewed by the LAPD showed the suspects entering the store through the hole created…

A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025, proposing a coordinated national response to the growing issue of organised retail crime (ORC). Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada), along with Representative Dave Joyce (R-Ohio) and several co-sponsors from both parties, are backing the bill, which has received support from leading retail industry associations.Proposed center to Coordinate Federal EffortsThe legislation would establish a federal Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center to support collaboration between federal, state and local law enforcement and the retail industry. The center would focus on…

Stuller held its 2025 Bench Jeweler Workshop at its headquarters in Lafayette, Louisiana, drawing bench jewelers and industry professionals from across the United States. The multi-day event focused on skills development, product knowledge, and peer engagement through structured workshops and demonstrations.The program included sessions on stone setting, laser welding, and CAD/CAM technology. Participants received hands-on instruction in current bench techniques, with sessions led by industry professionals.“This event is all about supporting jewelers in growing their skills and businesses,” said Jacob Dupuis, Stuller’s senior director of sales. “It’s great to see so many professionals come together, learn from each other, and…

Signet Jewelers has informed its suppliers that it will not accept cost increases resulting from the latest U.S. tariffs on global imports. In a letter to vendors, CEO J.K. Symancyk stated that pricing must remain consistent with current agreements for all outstanding and in-progress orders.Policy Applies to All Current and In-Process OrdersThe directive applies to a wide range of purchase categories, including all asset purchase orders currently in production or previously placed for future shipment. It also includes memo inventory held by Signet, as well as memo items in process or secured for future import. Orders fulfilled through drop-shipping and…

A collection of more than 40 natural coloured diamonds, assembled by Ronald Winston over a period of 60 years, is now on public display at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. Known as the Winston Fancy Color Diamond Collection, the exhibition features a range of rare stones, with the 2.33-carat “Winston Red” diamond as its centrepiece.The collection is now housed in the museum’s Winston Gallery, part of the Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals. The gallery shares its name with Ronald Winston’s father, jeweller Harry Winston.Addition to the Smithsonian’s Gem HoldingsThe collection joins the Smithsonian’s gem…

The Natural Diamond Council (NDC) has launched the Diamond Learning Center, a new free digital platform designed to provide accessible education on diamonds for jewelry professionals and enthusiasts. Accessible at diamondlearningcenter.org, the site aims to improve knowledge of the differences between natural diamonds, laboratory-grown diamonds, and simulants. The platform is mobile-compatible and designed for independent use.Content and Learning StructureThe Diamond Learning Center includes more than 25 short videos addressing frequently asked questions, as well as four self-paced educational modules covering:Users receive certificates upon completing each module. A “Train the Trainer” section provides workshop materials and facilitator guides for in-store and training…

The British Academy of Jewelry (BAJ) held Jewelry for a Cause, a charity event on Thursday 13 February, at its recently acquired Camden Town campus. The event featured work by students from the BA (Hons) Jewelry Design and Production course and welcomed over 100 attendees, including industry professionals, students, staff and members of the BAJ community.Designing for Charitable CausesFirst- and second-year students collaborated in mixed-year groups to design and present both statement ‘hero’ pieces and affordable charity items, each priced under £5. The project involved designing jewelry in support of selected charitable causes. Groups also produced short films documenting their design…

The American Gem Society (AGS) has introduced two professional development initiatives aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of retail and supplier-side jewelry professionals.Jewelry Evaluation Advisor (JEA): Focus on Intake and Quality ControlThe Jewelry Evaluation Advisor (JEA) program provides training for retail and supplier associates in handling jewelry intake and maintaining quality control. The curriculum covers:Participants who complete the JEA program, along with the AGS 101 course, are awarded the JEA designation.Kevin Mays, CGA, Chair of the AGS Education Committee, stated:“The JEA began as a vision from the American Gem Society’s Education Committee just two years ago. This course is…

A collaborative effort between the Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA), Stuller, and GCAL by Sarine has resulted in the development of Certified Hybrid Diamond Master Sets.By combining natural and lab-grown diamonds, these sets offer an alternative to traditional all-natural master sets, which have become less available and more costly.The AGA Board of Governors has unanimously approved these hybrid master sets for use in the Certified Gemological Laboratory (CGL) program. GCAL by Sarine has been authorized as an approved grading laboratory for certifying the sets. Under the AGA-CGL program, gemological laboratories of appraisers and jewelers must meet specific equipment and training standards,…

The Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) has announced that Alan Zimmer, President and CEO of REEDS Jewelers, will receive the Stanley Schechter Award at its annual luncheon on March 14, 2025. The event will take place at the Pierre Hotel in New York City.Recognizing Industry LeadershipThe Stanley Schechter Award is given to individuals who demonstrate leadership, integrity, and a commitment to upholding ethical standards in the jewelry industry. The award, established in 2002, honors the legacy of Stanley Schechter, founder of Honora Industries, who dedicated over 50 years to promoting ethics and integrity in the trade.Sara Yood, JVC’s President, CEO &…

The Jewelry Symposium (TJS), an annual international event dedicated to the advancement of jewelry manufacturing technology, has awarded five scholarships for its 2025 edition. The scholarships, supported by C&J Jewelry, Dougherty Charitable Fund, Mano Acero Jewelry, Stuller, and TechForm Advanced Casting, have been granted to two emerging designers, two fine jewelry apprentices, and one young jewelry professional.Addressing Industry Workforce ChallengesLinus Drogs, Chairman of the Board at TJS, highlighted the increasing number of high-quality scholarship applications and emphasized the importance of developing new talent in the industry. “Given the attrition of skilled workers happening in our industry, we could not be happier…

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation have awarded the eighth annual Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design to Eleanor H. Yeh, a 2024 graduate of GIA’s London campus. Yeh was recognized for her hand-rendered jewelry design, which was selected from 14 finalists representing GIA schools worldwide.The announcement took place on February 7 during the GIA Alumni Collective celebration in Tucson, Arizona. GIA President and CEO Susan Jacques, along with Larry French, Chief Officer for North American Strategies of the Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation, presented the award.Award-Winning Design and Selection ProcessAn independent panel of judges,…

Jewelers of America (JA) has introduced a new sales tool aimed at equipping jewelry store associates with clear information on natural and lab-grown diamonds. The resource, titled Counter Intelligence: Just the Facts about Natural & Lab-Grown Diamonds, is designed to help retail staff address customer inquiries, helping customers understand key differences when making purchasing decisions.Overview of the CounterIntelligence GuideThe guide is a full-color, laminated brochure intended to serve as a reference tool at jewelry store counters. Sponsored by Synchrony, the resource presents objective insights on the similarities and differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds. Topics covered include diamond value, the importance…

Chris Ploof, designer and founder of Chris Ploof Designs, has launched a new vertical shorts video series on YouTube in collaboration with Engagement101. Titled Conversation with Chris Ploof, the six-part series covers Ploof’s background as a jeweler, his approach to sustainability, and advice for men shopping for wedding bands.The series includes behind-the-scenes footage from Ploof’s Central Massachusetts studio, where he works with modern metals such as Damascus steel, mokume gane, and meteorite. The first five episodes are now available on YouTube, with the final episode of Season 1 scheduled for release at the end of March 2025.Digital Storytelling in JewelryThe videos…

New York diamond dealer Manashe Sezanayev, owner of Rachel’s Diamonds in Manhattan’s Diamond District, has pleaded guilty to grand larceny after swapping natural diamonds with lab-grown substitutes, resulting in losses exceeding $400,000 for two merchants.Sezanayev is expected to receive five years of probation and has already paid $200,000 in restitution, according to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. One of the stolen diamonds has been returned.Details of the CaseProsecutors outlined two incidents in which Sezanayev misled sellers by substituting their natural diamonds with lab-grown stones altered to look identical.Legal ProceedingsSezanayev was initially charged with two counts of second-degree grand larceny, one…

The Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) has announced that Botswana’s Minister of Minerals and Energy, the Honorable Bogolo Kenewendo, will be the keynote speaker at its annual luncheon on March 14, 2025, at the Pierre Hotel in New York City.Minister Kenewendo will join JVC President, CEO, and General Counsel Sara E. Yood, Esq. in a discussion on Botswana’s role in the diamond market and the impact of its increasing direct diamond sales.Implications for the Diamond Supply ChainThe agreement, finalized in 2023, increased Botswana’s share of rough diamond supply and expanded its independent sales. The shift is expected to affect global diamond…

Stuller has announced a partnership with LaserStar Technologies, adding the company’s laser welding systems to its product lineup. This follows Coherent-Rofin’s exit from the jewelry sector, providing jewelers with an alternative supplier for laser welding technology.LaserStar Technologies provides laser welding systems used in jewelry manufacturing and repair.Expanded Product Offering and SupportStuller is introducing a selection of LaserStar welding equipment for different jeweler needs. “We are thrilled to welcome LaserStar into our product lineup,” said Tiffany Adams, executive director of merchandising at Stuller. “Their innovative technology enhances our selection, allowing us to offer even more solutions that meet the evolving needs…

Thailand-based gemstone manufacturer Navneet Gems & Minerals has launched a new wholesale collection of unheated Montana sapphires, sourced from the Rock Creek mines. The collection includes 1-3 carat stones in commercial to fine qualities and was introduced at the recent GJX Tucson show.“Montana sapphires are very popular right now, especially in the North American market, thanks to their ethical sourcing, unique colors and recognition as high-quality gems,” said Navneet Agarwal, Director of Navneet Gems & Minerals.Characteristics and SourcingMontana sapphires from the Rock Creek mines, operated by Potentate Mining, are known for their range of colors, including blues, teals, greens, pinks, oranges,…

Jewelers Mutual Group has integrated Gemological Institute of America (GIA) diamond grading reports into its Jewelry Appraisal Solution, an update designed to streamline the jewelry appraisal process. The appraisal software now connects with GIA’s Report Results API, allowing jewelers to retrieve grading data automatically by entering a report number.The integration also incorporates pricing data from Gemworld, a recognized authority in gem pricing and market insights. This update reduces manual data entry and the risk of human error.How the Integration WorksJewelers using the Jewelry Appraisal Solution can now:This feature provides a more automated and structured approach to appraisals.Industry PerspectivesJewelers Mutual’s Chief Operating…