Author: Ruchi Singla

A recent analysis by Citigroup highlights a divergence in U.S. luxury spending trends, with jewelry sales increasing while other categories, including leather goods and apparel, experience declines. The findings are based on credit card transaction data from Citi’s base of over 10 million U.S. customers. Jewelry Sees Sustained Growth Among the luxury categories analyzed, jewelry was the only one to see increases in both average transaction value and the number of purchasing customers. In May 2025, luxury jewelry spending rose 10.1% year over year, continuing a trend that began in September 2024 with consistent monthly year-on-year increases. A subset of…

The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has announced the judging panel for the 2025 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards, following the official opening of competition entries. The panel includes five professionals from various areas of the jewelry industry, chosen for their experience in retail, design, manufacturing, and lapidary. “Once again, AGTA is fortunate to have a group of judges with extensive industry experience for this year’s Awards,” said John W. Ford, Sr., CEO of AGTA. “I encourage every designer and gem dealer, regardless of experience level, to participate. The competition offers opportunities for increased visibility within the industry.” AGTA…

Cast, the San Francisco-based jewelry brand co-founded by Rachel Skelly and Eric Ryan in 2021, has ceased operations, closing its three Northern California stores and taking its website offline. Skelly has since reacquired the company’s intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, and the brand name, and has indicated plans for a potential relaunch. Company Closure and Transition Skelly announced the closures in a video posted to Instagram, stating, “I’m not done!… I’m going to recast Cast.” She cited market challenges affecting early-stage brands: “Sadly, after a chapter of incredible growth, we faced the same headwinds so many early-stage brands are navigating—especially…

Jewelry technology company Gemist has raised $6 million in seed funding to scale its full-stack software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform tailored for the fine jewelry industry. The funding round was led by Entrada Ventures, with additional participation from The Artemis Fund and Collide Capital, bringing the Los Angeles-based firm’s total funding to $9 million. Digitising Custom Jewelry Sales Founded in 2021 by CEO Madeline Fraser, Gemist provides jewellers with a customisable digital platform that enables consumers to design, visualise, and purchase bespoke jewelry online or in-store. Initially launched as a direct-to-consumer brand in 2019, the company pivoted to a business-to-business model in…

Seven men from California have been indicted in connection with the 2022 theft of an estimated $100 million worth of jewelry, gold, gemstones, and luxury watches from a Brink’s truck. Named as the largest jewelry theft in U.S. history by DOJ, the shipment was stolen while en route between two jewelry trade shows in California. Details of the Incident On July 11, 2022, a Brink’s truck carrying 73 bags of jewelry and related goods from an international jewelry show in San Mateo was targeted at a rest stop in Lebec, California. According to court documents, 24 bags were removed from…

Signet Jewelers reported a 2.0% year-on-year increase in revenue for the first quarter of Fiscal 2026, with total sales reaching $1.54 billion. Same store sales rose 2.5%, marking a recovery from an 8.9% decline in the same period last year. The company cited changes to its pricing and product mix across its largest brands—Kay, Zales, and Jared, which saw sequential sales increases. Gross margin rose by $26 million to $598.8 million, primarily due to higher product margins and more efficient use of fixed costs. The gross margin rate increased by 100 basis points to 38.8%. Profitability and Operational Efficiency Despite…

The Jewelry Symposium (TJS) returned for its 2025 edition from May 17–20, bringing together more than 100 professionals for a three-day programme focused on advancing jewelry manufacturing technologies, addressing labor shortages, and exploring key issues such as traceability and sustainability. Focus on Workforce Challenges The event opened with a roundtable discussion among 48 industry professionals concerning the ongoing shortage of skilled labor in the fine jewelry sector. The session served as a platform for addressing a concern widely acknowledged across the trade, particularly as experienced craftspeople retire and fewer new entrants take their place. “We are encouraged by the positive…

New research from ecommerce provider ESW highlights a significant sensitivity among U.S. consumers to pricing changes driven by tariffs. According to ESW’s “Impact of Tariffs on Purchasing Decisions” study, 60% of American consumers are unwilling to absorb price increases above 10% resulting from tariffs. The findings reflect increasing consumer sensitivity to pricing, amid ongoing geopolitical and economic developments affecting global trade. ESW’s data indicates that beyond discounts and promotional offers, consumers increasingly expect free shipping, loyalty incentives, and clear communication regarding pricing in exchange for continued engagement. Generational Shifts in Spending Habits The study highlights divergent generational responses to inflationary…

A jewelry store in Simi Valley, California, has reported the theft of approximately $2 million in merchandise and cash after intruders gained access through an adjoining business. According to the store owner and local police, the suspects entered 5 Star Jewelry and Repair by breaching the roof and a shared wall with Dr. Conkey’s Candy & Coffee. Entry Through Shared Structure Security footage from Dr. Conkey’s Candy & Coffee shows a masked individual crawling along the floor, apparently to avoid motion sensors, before disabling a security camera by spray-painting the lens. According to candy shop owner Ted Mackel, the suspects…

India’s Gem & Jewelry Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) has announced a new partnership with the INSTORE Jewelry Show, set to take place September 28–29 in Rosemont, Illinois. As part of the collaboration, GJEPC will introduce a dedicated Indian pavilion aimed at showcasing jewelry from select Indian manufacturers to U.S. retail buyers ahead of the holiday season. Focus on Holiday-Ready Inventory The Indian pavilion will feature a selection of products from GJEPC member companies, aimed at U.S. retailers planning their fourth-quarter inventory. The pavilion will include a range of styles and categories, with a focus on manufacturing capabilities, detailed craftsmanship, and…

The Jewelers’ Security Alliance (JSA) has released its 2024 Annual Crime Report, revealing that U.S. jewelry businesses experienced $142.5 million in crime-related losses last year—a 7% increase over 2023—even as the number of criminal incidents declined. The report documents 1,420 crimes in 2024, down 12.4% from 1,621 in 2023. The rise in losses is attributed to a concentration of high-value burglaries and increasingly sophisticated criminal tactics, targeting established businesses across the country. Burglaries Drive Losses with Advanced Methods On-premises burglaries accounted for the largest share of total losses, with reported losses rising 108% year-on-year to $80.7 million. The JSA reported…

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

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…

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 Demand According to the organisers, the new show responds to exhibitor demand for a high-end estate jewelry…

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.…

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 Members Two 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…

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…

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 Understanding According to the survey, 84% of respondents reported being aware of the availability…

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 Continuity The 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…

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 Transition Following 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…

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…

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 Year For 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…

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 Tunneling According 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…

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 Efforts The 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…

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…

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 Orders The 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…

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 Holdings The collection joins…

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 Structure The 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…

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 Causes First- 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…

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 Control The 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…