Author: Ruchi Singla

The Jewelers of America (JA) and the Diamond Council of America (DCA) have launched a relief fund to assist jewelry retailers and manufacturers whose businesses were affected by the recent wildfires in the greater Los Angeles area. The fund is designed to assist jewelry businesses recovering from physical damages caused by the wildfires.Donations can be made online, by check, or through an invoiced payment request.Donation and Application DetailsThe relief fund, managed by the Diamond Council of America, operates as a 501(c)(3) charitable entity. Donations may be tax-deductible under federal regulations.Eligible recipients include full-time retail jewelry stores and fine jewelry manufacturers whose…

The Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA) has announced that its 2025 Tucson Gemological Conference and Gala will take place on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, in Tucson, Arizona. This annual event offers educational sessions and an evening of networking and celebration for the gemological community.Conference HighlightsThe 2025 conference will feature six presentations on significant topics in gemology, led by industry experts. Speakers include:These presentations will focus on advancements in gemological science, new applications of technology, and insights into gemstone origins.AGA Gala and AwardsThe event will close with the AGA Gala, featuring dinner, cocktails, dancing, and networking. The gala will also celebrate the…

The National Retail Federation (NRF) has reported promising economic conditions as the U.S. transitions into 2025. According to NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz, the U.S. economy ended 2024 on solid footing, supported by a resilient labor market, steady economic growth, and declining inflation.Economic Growth and Key IndicatorsGross domestic product (GDP) growth for 2024 was estimated at 2.7% over 2023, supported by consumer spending and wage growth above inflation levels. The NRF forecasts GDP growth for 2025 between 2% and 2.5%, though this remains uncertain given potential changes in trade, immigration, regulation, tax, and federal spending policies.Key economic indicators cited by…

Registration is now open for JCK 2025, one of the jewelry industry’s most prominent global trade shows. Organised by RX, the event will take place from June 6–9, 2025, at the Venetian Expo and Venetian Resort in Las Vegas. It will bring together professionals from across the jewelry sector for networking, trend discovery, and educational sessions.Luxury, a curated portion of the show, will begin on June 4 and 5, with access limited to invitation-only attendees. Starting June 6, it will open to all JCK badge holders. Certain sections of the event, including the AGTA GemFair™, GEMS Pavilion, and Hong Kong…

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Champlain Port of Entry recently intercepted multiple shipments of counterfeit Tiffany & Co. jewelry between December 2024 and January 6, 2025, during inspections at the Cargo Facility of the Champlain Port of Entry. If the items had been authentic, they would have carried an estimated Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $29,989.Efforts to Combat CounterfeitingThe counterfeit items were identified during routine inspections aimed at curbing the importation of fraudulent merchandise. CBP officers conducted detailed examinations to confirm the infringement of trademarks registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and recorded through…

Jewelers for Children (JFC) has launched a Round-Up Program to make charitable giving simpler for retailers and customers. The program enables customers to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar at checkout, with the additional amount, between $0.01 and $0.99, donated to JFC. It uses existing point-of-sale (POS) systems for easy integration.Nick Gurney, General Manager of Jewel360, emphasised the ease of use, stating, “Jewelers for Children is one of the most impactful charities in the industry, which made them our number one choice when deciding who to partner with for our initial round-up donation offering,” stated Nick Gurney, General…

The Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association (IDCA), a New York City-based trade organisation representing jewelers, diamantaires, and color stone dealers, has announced its newly elected Board of Directors and Executive Committee for 2025. The elections were finalised during the INCAs December 6, 2024, meeting.Leadership for 2025The following individuals have been elected to the IDCA Executive Committee for 2025:These appointments reflect the association’s ongoing leadership structure and focus on supporting its objectives in the jewelry industry.Newly Elected DirectorsSix new members have joined the IDCA Board of Directors for 2025:The addition of these directors brings a range of expertise to the Board,…

Registrations are now open for The Jewelry Industry Spring (JIS) Show, which will take place from 9–11 March 2025 at the Miami Beach Convention Centre. This trade-exclusive event focuses on immediate and seasonal sourcing needs, aligning with key retail periods such as Mother’s Day, the wedding season, and graduations.The show will feature over 300 exhibitors, offering a broad selection of products, including fine jewelry, diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, fashion jewelry, and equipment.Exhibitor Highlights and Dedicated PavilionsJIS Spring 2025 will include dedicated pavilions to help buyers navigate the exhibition effectively. These pavilions will feature:Prominent brands attending include A.V. Diamonds, BA Gold, Heera Moti,…

A high-profile robbery in Queens, New York, ended in the swift apprehension of two suspects thanks to the victim’s foresight in using Apple AirTag technology. The theft, involving $500,000 worth of jewelry, took place in broad daylight outside a local pizzeria and underscores the growing role of technology in crime prevention and recovery.The IncidentOn a recent afternoon, 50-year-old Sandro Angiolini was attacked outside Rosa’s Pizza on 21st Street in Queens. As Angiolini exited his car, a black SUV pulled up, and three men emerged to ambush him. According to witnesses, the suspects forcibly wrestled a silver suitcase from Angiolini, punching and…

Edward N. DeCristofaro, president of LDC Inc. in Providence, Rhode Island, has been elected chair of the MJSA board of directors. DeCristofaro previously served as MJSA board chair from 2012 to 2014, during which time the organisation relocated its headquarters to Attleboro, Massachusetts. He has remained an active member of the board as an officer at large since then.Since becoming the sole owner of LDC Inc. in 2003, DeCristofaro has led the company’s operations and introduced proprietary manufacturing processes. His industry affiliations include serving on the boards of the Jewelers Board of Trade and memberships in the Twenty-Four Karat Club of…

The Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) Foundation has announced the 2024 recipients of its Ella Klein Internship program, Jamie Dunton and Gabriella Botelho. Sponsored by Julius Klein Diamonds (JKD), the program offers participants hands-on training to help prepare them for careers in the diamond and jewelry industries.Practical Training for Aspiring ProfessionalsThe Ella Klein Internship is organised by the WJA Foundation in collaboration with JKD. This initiative provides selected participants with opportunities to gain experience in the diamond trade through direct engagement with industry professionals. Mark Klein, Vice President of JKD, stated, “Investing in education and training is essential for success in this…

A new study from the National Retail Federation (NRF), conducted in collaboration with the Loss Prevention Research Council and sponsored by Sensormatic Solutions, highlights a significant rise in retail theft and violence since the pre-COVID era. The report, titled The Impact of Retail Theft & Violence 2024, outlines the challenges retailers face as they address increasing threats to their operations, employees, and customers.Rising Theft and Financial LossesThe study reports a 93% increase in shoplifting incidents from 2019 to 2023, with a 90% rise in related dollar losses. Retailers surveyed experienced an average of 177 shoplifting incidents per day in 2023, though…

Bedford Jewelers, a long-standing jewelry store in the Great Road Shopping Center, has reopened under a new name and leadership, ensuring the continuation of a family business established in 1954.The store, now called Cormier Fine Jewelry, is managed by Kyle Cormier, the great-grandson of the original founders, Althea and Arthur Bishop.The reopening marks a significant transition for the business, which was initially scheduled to close following the retirement of Shirley O’Connor, Cormier’s grandmother, who had been running the store for decades.From Closure to RevivalThe decision to reopen followed a strong community response during the store’s going-out-of-business sale in mid-October. Cormier,…

The Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) announced the winners of the 2024 Rock the Jewels Awards, held on November 21, 2024, at the Elsie Rooftop in New York City. The 2024 award winners included:Focus on Education and the Next GenerationThe event highlighted BIJC’s flagship program, the Future Jewelers Academy, which provides high school students with hands-on experience in jewelry design, gem-setting, casting, and bench work, preparing them for industry careers. The program, initially launched in collaboration with the Brooklyn STEAM Center, has expanded to Baldwin High School with support from the Natural Diamond Council.“This year’s Rock the Jewels Awards not only…

The U.S. watch and jewelry market recorded a notable rise in October 2024, with sales increasing by 8.8% compared to the same month in 2023, according to data released by the U.S. Department of Commerce. This marks one of the largest monthly gains in over two years, signalling a continuation of the sector’s recovery.Revised September Figures Show Stronger MomentumSeptember’s watch and jewelry sales growth was initially reported at 8.4%, but the U.S. Department of Commerce has revised the figure upward to 10.3%. This adjustment makes September the strongest month for sales growth since April 2022, further emphasising the recent resurgence in…

Diamonds Do Good (DDG) has announced the recipients of its 2025 Diamonds Do Good Awards, recognising individuals and organisations in the jewelry sector for their contributions to social impact, innovation, and community empowerment. The awards will be presented during DDG’s annual gala on Thursday, June 5, at the Venetian Hotel’s San Polo Ballroom in Las Vegas, NV.Honorees and Award CategoriesQuotes from Diamonds Do Good“Diamonds Do Good honors leaders who understand the vital connection between a successful business, social purpose, and community care,” said Kathy Corey, President of Diamonds Do Good. “These honorees exemplify values our organization and the natural diamond…

The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has officially launched the Dick Greenwood Memorial Scholarship in Gems Science in collaboration with the University of Arizona (UA). This initiative recognises the contributions of Dick Greenwood, a gemstone dealer and two-time AGTA Board President, known for his leadership and support of newcomers to the jewelry industry.The scholarship, funded through donations and managed by a newly formed AGTA Foundation, will provide full-year tuition coverage for qualified students in UA’s Geosciences Department. The first recipient will be selected for the 2025–2026 academic year.Honoring a Leader in the Gem TradeDick Greenwood, the late owner of A. F.…

Phillips will feature a selection of notable pieces at its December 13 New York Jewels sale, led by a 43.15-carat yellow diamond ring. This Old European brilliant-cut fancy yellow, VS2-clarity diamond is the event’s top lot, with an estimated sale price of up to $850,000. The ring is part of a larger catalog of nearly 150 jewelry pieces.Cristina Rodrigo, head of the sale, highlighted the appeal of antique-cut diamonds, which are gaining interest among collectors.“The auction features exceptional pieces from important makers, such as René Boivin, Suzanne Belperron, and Jean Schlumberger, alongside stunning offerings in the colored-gemstones and diamond categories,” said…

Columbia Gem House has announced the successful completion of its “Pebbles to Pines” fundraiser, raising $10,000 to support the National Forest Foundation’s (NFF) Reforestation Program. This initiative aims to restore critical areas in Oregon, Arizona, Montana, and other regions across the United States, reflecting the gemstone wholesaler’s commitment to environmental stewardship.The fundraiser, conducted through a raffle, raised $7,750 from ticket sales. Columbia Gem House contributed an additional $2,250 to reach its $10,000 goal, funding the planting of 10,000 trees.Collaboration with MJSAThe Pebbles to Pines campaign was held in conjunction with the MJSA Responsibly Sourced Design Challenge, an annual competition where designers…

A robbery at Kim Tin Jewelry, a family-owned store in South Sacramento, California, resulted in the tragic death of the owner’s wife. The incident occurred just before 11:45 a.m. on Friday, with authorities stating that a group of four to six suspects smashed glass cases and fled the scene in two separate vehicles. The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the suspects were inside the store for less than a minute.Ongoing InvestigationCrime scene investigators are working to piece together the events leading to the tragic outcome. Authorities noted that incidents of this nature are rare in the area, though smaller crimes…

Haltom’s Jewelers, a family-owned business that has operated in downtown Fort Worth since 1893, has announced it will be closing all three of its locations, bringing its 131-year history to a close. Current owners Jack and Ladye Ann Miller, who have operated the business since 1983, making the decision that they are ready to move on to the next chapter of their lives after decades in retail.A Legacy of Quality and ServiceHaltom’s Jewelers focused on high-quality products, specializing in 14-karat and 18-karat gold, fine diamonds, and luxury watch brands such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Tag Heuer. Jack Miller attributed the…

A fatal robbery at Kim Tin Jewelry in Sacramento’s Little Vietnam Plaza has left the community shaken.On Friday morning, six masked suspects stormed the store, smashed display cases, and fired shots as they fled, leaving one employee fatally injured. The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the incident, which unfolded in less than a minute and involved a dramatic exchange of gunfire.Details of the IncidentAuthorities confirmed that the robbery occurred around 11:45 a.m. at the Stockton Boulevard location. Witnesses described the suspects using crowbars to break into the store’s cases before grabbing merchandise and attempting to flee. During their escape,…

Brilliant Earth has announced the opening of its first street-level showroom in New York City. Located at 255 Elizabeth Street in Nolita, the new showroom expands the ethical fine jeweler’s retail presence to four locations in the New York Metropolitan area.Beth Gerstein, co-founder and CEO of Brilliant Earth, highlighted the significance of the location:“We are committed to serving our customers where they live and shop, ensuring that our personalized and joyful shopping experience is always within reach. Opening our doors in this vibrant Nolita neighborhood, particularly during the holiday season, is an exciting step forward for us, and we look forward…

The National Retail Federation (NRF) and Prosper Insights & Analytics have released new research projecting a record-breaking shopping weekend this Thanksgiving, with an estimated 183.4 million consumers planning to shop in-store and online from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday. This figure surpasses the 2023 record of 182 million shoppers and reflects a continued growth in consumer activity, up by 18.1 million people compared to 2019.Katherine Cullen, NRF Vice President of Industry and Consumer Insights, stated: “Even though holiday shopping continues to pull forward, some of the busiest shopping days of the year are during the five-day Thanksgiving weekend,” NRF Vice President…

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has announced the return of its holiday next-day services for the ninth consecutive year. The offer, available exclusively to U.S. retailers, aims to provide faster turnaround times during the busy holiday season.From now until Dec. 18, retailers submitting stones directly to GIA’s New York or Carlsbad laboratories can benefit from complimentary next-day service on selected reports. For those shipping their stones, the offer ends one day earlier, on Dec. 17.Eligible Reports and Complimentary MaterialsThe services covered under this offer include:As part of the promotion, retailers will also receive a loose diamond display case and a…

The Reciprocity Jewels exhibition, part of NYC Jewelry Week, will return from November 19-21, 2024, at Berimbau Midtown in New York City. This year’s event focuses on ethical sourcing and sustainability, showcasing designs created in collaboration with artisanal miners from Peru’s Madre de Dios region in the Amazon.Featuring over 20 international jewelry designers, the exhibition aims to spotlight the importance of transparency and accountability in the jewelry supply chain. Each showcased piece incorporates gold directly traceable to the miners who produced it. The miners, recognised for their mercury-free techniques and reforestation initiatives, have achieved Fairmined certification, a globally respected standard for…

The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA) has announced its 63rd ACE IT Winter Conference, scheduled for February 1-2, 2025, at the Tucson Convention Center in Tucson, Arizona – coinciding  with the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) GemFair.The aim of this partnership, according to NAJA Executive Director Gail Brett Levine, is to enable attendees to connect classroom learning with practical applications on the GemFair floor. “Access to the AGTA’s GemFair allows us to integrate what we learn in the classroom and apply it during the show,” said Levine.Educational Focus and OpportunitiesThe conference includes workshops, presentations, and networking opportunities designed to…

Registration has officially opened for The Jewelry Symposium (TJS) 2025, scheduled to take place from May 17 to May 20 at the Detroit Marriott Troy in Michigan. Formerly known as the Santa Fe Symposium, this annual event is dedicated to advancing jewelry manufacturing technology and enhancing industry knowledge through expert-led presentations and discussions. In addition to registration, TJS will offer scholarships for students and early-career jewelers, sponsored by Studio 2015.Expanded Program Reflects Growing Industry InterestNow in its third year, TJS 2025 will feature an expanded three-day program, allowing time for more presentations. Linus Drogs, Chairman of the TJS Board, said, “We’re excited…

The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has announced the winners of the 2024 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards, marking the competition’s 40th year. Held from October 31 to November 1, 2024, at the Omni Frisco Hotel in Dallas, the event brought together 375 entries, showcasing a range of colored gemstones and design innovations across multiple categories.Entry and Category TrendsJohn W. Ford Sr., AGTA’s CEO, noted that the Evening Wear category received the most submissions, with 75 entries, and Men’s Wear also saw an increase. A newly introduced Engagement Ring category drew 21 entries, indicating growing interest in colored gemstones for…

On November 13, 2024, the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) will host its annual “Future of Forty” Gala at Guastavino’s in New York City. The event will highlight the organization’s ongoing mission to empower women in the jewelry and watch industries through education, networking, and career development support. “Our vision has always been to provide women with the tools, education, and networks they need to succeed, while also developing a community that uplifts and supports each other,” stated Susan Chandler, WJA President and Chief Merchandising Officer for CiWzen Watch America. “The Future of Forty Gala allows us to honor the legacy of our…