Author: Ruchi Singla

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…

GN Diamond, a supplier of natural diamonds to over 5,500 retail jewelry stores, reports a continued resurgence in demand for marquise, emerald, elongated cushion, and radiant diamonds. While round and oval diamonds remain the most popular choices, recent sales trends indicate increasing consumer interest in these alternative shapes.As a major diamond supplier, GN Diamond has visibility into broader market trends that individual retailers may not see. The company tracks sales data across its network of jewelry stores, helping retailers identify shifts in consumer preferences.Market Shifts in Diamond DemandThe renewed interest in marquise, emerald, cushion, and radiant cuts comes as lab-grown diamond…

The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has announced the winners of the 2024 Spectrum & Cutting Edge Buyer’s Choice Awards. Selected by AGTA GemFair Tucson attendees, the awards recognize standout jewelry and gemstone designs from the broader Spectrum and Cutting Edge Award winners. The results were revealed during the Spectrum Awards Gala on February 8, 2025, at the Tucson Convention Center.2024 Buyer’s Choice Award WinnersAGTA GemFair Tucson attendees selected one winner from the Spectrum division and another from Cutting Edge.Spectrum Buyer’s Choice Award WinnerMatthew Tuggle of Tuggle Designs received the Spectrum Buyer’s Choice Award for his piece, the “Whisper of the…

At a time when store closures are increasingly common in the jewelry industry, stories of business continuity stand out. Windsor Jewelry, a 106-year-old retailer in downtown Indianapolis, has been acquired by local business leaders Fernanda Beraldi and Ed Broecker. The purchase, finalized on February 1, keeps the business open following the retirement of former owner Greg Bires. The store will retain its current team and service offerings while undergoing planned updates.Business to Continue with Existing Team and ServicesLocated at 16 N. Meridian St. in the Guaranty Building, Windsor Jewelry specializes in engagement rings, custom designs, fine jewelry, and watches, along with repair…

Two individuals have been charged with conspiracy to receive stolen property in connection with an alleged fencing operation based in Manhattan’s Diamond District. According to an unsealed indictment, Dimitriy Nezhinskiy and Juan Villar are accused of purchasing and reselling luxury goods stolen from residences and businesses across multiple states.The indictment was announced by John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, along with officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the New York City Police Department (NYPD), and the Nassau County Police Department (NCPD). Nezhinskiy was arrested in New Jersey and Villar in Manhattan, with…

The Independent Jewelers Organization (IJO) held its second annual NextGen Jewelers Workshop from January 18-20, 2025, in Savannah, Georgia.The event hosted 57 attendees from 33 IJO retail stores, IJO headquarters, and seven supplier sponsors for three days of industry-focused discussions and training.Focus on Business RelationshipsThe workshop focused on the importance of relationships in business operations. IJO President Stephen Barnes emphasized this in his remarks, stating:“This year, we wanted to build on some of the foundational principles we explored last year. “We chose to focus on relationships and how important they are in growing our businesses. Building strong relationships with customers,…

Stuller has announced the return of its Bench Jeweler Workshop, scheduled for March 28-29, 2025, at the company’s headquarters in Lafayette, Louisiana. The event will feature hands-on training, demonstrations, and educational sessions covering a range of industry skills.“This workshop offers an opportunity for bench jewelers to stay ahead of the latest industry advancements,” said Tiffany Adams, executive director of merchandising at Stuller. “With sessions tailored to meet diverse skill levels, attendees can customize their experience by selecting from a variety of classes and demonstrations.”Sessions and TrainingThe workshop will include expert-led sessions on:These sessions will cover both traditional and modern techniques…

Platinum Guild International USA (PGI USA) has launched the digital Platinum Source Book, an online resource to help manufacturers, designers, retailers, and service providers find platinum-related products and services. Part of PGI USA’s Platinum Learning Center, the Source Book serves as a directory for industry professionals.Categories and FeaturesThe Platinum Source Book allows users to search by category or company name to locate suppliers of platinum materials and services. The directory includes:Industry AccessibilityPGI USA Senior Vice President Kevin Reilly noted the organization’s goal in creating this resource:“We are regularly fielding inquiries for recommendations for a myriad of platinum-related products and services.…

The NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Objects Show (NYCJAOS) will return for its second annual edition from 5–7 April 2025 at the Metropolitan Pavilion in Chelsea, New York. Organised by KIL Promotions, the event follows the rebranding of the former NYC Jewelry & Object Show.Event Details and Exhibitor Line-UpThe three-day event will be open to the public from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday, with Monday’s session closing at 4:00 pm. A dealer and press preview will take place on 4 April.NYCJAOS will feature more than 100 exhibitors, including antique galleries, jewelry designers, and makers of luxury objects. The…