Author: Ruchi Singla

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…

Jewelers Mutual Group announced that Dana Lorberg has joined its board of directors, effective October 1, 2024. Scott Murphy, President and Chief Executive Officer at Jewelers Mutual, highlighted Lorberg’s strengths in these areas. “We are excited to welcome Dana to our board of directors,” said Murphy. “Her extensive expertise in finance, technology and strategy makes her a vital addition to our board. Dana’s contributions will be invaluable as we look toward a future focused on innovation, growth and expansion.”Board Composition and Strategic InitiativesLorberg joins Jewelers Mutual’s board, which includes Alex Barcados, Constance Bayne, Susan Doyle, John Green, Patti Griffin, Dione Kenyon…

New York-based Eshli Fine Jewelry has partnered with Gemfields to produce a range featuring Zambian emeralds sourced from the Kagem mine. The collaboration underscores both companies’ focus on responsible sourcing and quality, presenting pieces made with traceable emeralds.Emphasis on Responsible SourcingGemfields, a leader in responsibly mined coloured gemstones, owns the Kagem mine in Zambia, a key source of emeralds. Eshli Fine Jewelry, a family-owned business focused on natural gemstones, aligns with Gemfields in its commitment to sustainability, sourcing emeralds directly from Kagem as part of a traceable supply chain.“By sourcing our emeralds from Kagem in Zambia, we ensure that they are…

The Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) has announced the recipients and nominees for the 2024 Rock the Jewels Awards, recognizing individuals and companies for their influence on creativity, resilience, and contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the jewelry industry.This year’s top honors celebrate achievements ranging from cultural impact to allyship and rising talent, reflecting the coalition’s mission to advance inclusivity within the jewelry sector.Rock the Jewels Award: Eddie PleinEddie Plein, a recognized leader in custom grills, received BIJC’s Rock the Jewels Award. His work in the field has expanded the boundaries of jewelry design, bridging the art form with…

Jewelers of America (JA) has announced the nominees for the 2025 GEM Awards, which will recognize leading figures in Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation. The winners will be announced at the GEM Awards ceremony on March 14, 2025, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. This annual event recognises individuals and brands for their contributions to the fine jewelry and watch sectors.GEM Award for Jewelry DesignThe Jewelry Design category nominees are Sophie Bille Brahe, Beth Hutchens of FoundRae, and Selim Mouzannar.GEM Award for Media ExcellenceThe Media Excellence nominees include Sam Broekema, Paige Reddinger, and Trace Shelton, all…

The Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) Foundation has announced that it has awarded $63,000 in scholarships to a select group of recipients for the 2024-2025 academic year. These scholarships, divided among six categories, aim to support the educational and professional aspirations of individuals in the jewelry industry. The funding addresses a variety of career paths within the field, from retail leadership to technology roles, and from design to community engagement.Retail and Leadership DevelopmentThe Helene Fortunoff Women in Retail Scholarship, dedicated to the memory of Helene Fortunoff—one of WJA’s founding members and an influential leader in jewelry retail—was awarded to Heather Ingraham of 1916…

In a cross-border case of diamond investment fraud, Canadian citizen James Gagliardini has been sentenced to 56 months in U.S. federal prison for orchestrating a $21 million scheme through his company, Paragon International Wealth Management Inc. From 2013 until its shutdown in 2018, Paragon misled around 200 investors, many elderly, into spending significant sums on pink diamonds that were promoted as high-value investments. Telemarketing tactics were used to gain trust, but many investors received neither promised returns nor diamonds.Paragon International: Inside the Diamond Investment SchemeFounded in Toronto, Paragon International promoted itself as a diamond investment firm focused on colored stones. Under…

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has issued its final Personal Financial Data Rights Rule, aimed at simplifying the sharing of consumers’ financial data between banks and other financial services providers. The rule requires banks to share data related to various financial products, including bank accounts, credit cards, prepaid cards, mobile wallets, and payment applications, without imposing fees on consumers for data sharing. By facilitating broader access to financial information, the rule is intended to make it easier for consumers to switch banks and access alternative payment solutions.The National Retail Federation (NRF) welcomed the rule, emphasizing its potential to offer merchants…

Gem Legacy Adventures, the for-profit partner of the nonprofit organization Gem Legacy, has announced the dates for its 2025 trip to Northern Tanzania and Southern Kenya. The trip, scheduled for July 25 to August 4, will allow participants to visit artisanal colored gemstone mines, experience local cultures, and take part in a service project supporting one of Gem Legacy’s initiatives.With only 12 spots available, the trip is open to both members of the jewelry industry and the general public. The itinerary includes visits to gemstone mining operations and a safari through national parks in both countries. The trip also includes a…

A new monthly event, the NYC Jewelry and Vintage Show (NYCJAVS), is launching in New York City on October 26, 2024. Organized by KIL Promotions, the show will take place in the Chelsea arts district at 545 West 23rd Street and will feature vintage jewelry, fashion, art objects, accessories, and watches. The event will continue on a monthly basis with additional dates on November 29-30, December 13-14, 2024, and January 25, 2025, at the Metropolitan Pavilion.Monthly Showcase of Vintage Jewelry and FashionThe NYC Jewelry and Vintage Show is set to offer a regular showcase of vintage design, featuring items from vendors…

Signet Jewelers Limited has announced an executive leadership change with Oded Edelman, the company’s Chief Digital Innovation Officer and President of Digital Banners,  stepping down from his role.His departure is scheduled for February 1, 2025, but could occur earlier, depending on the company’s discretion after December 1, 2024. This move follows the signing of a Transition and Separation Agreement between Edelman and the company on October 20, 2024. Edelman will remain in place to assist with transition-related responsibilities until his departure.New Leadership in Digital BannersSignet Jewelers has appointed Corinne Bentzen as the new President of Digital Banners, effective November 4, 2024.…

The National Retail Federation (NRF) has released its holiday sales forecast for 2024, projecting steady growth for the winter season. According to the NRF, retail spending for November and December is expected to rise by 2.5% to 3.5% over last year’s figures, reaching between $979.5 billion and $989 billion. This forecast follows $955.6 billion in sales reported during the same period in 2023.Economic Conditions Behind Spending IncreasesNRF President and CEO Matthew Shay indicated that a stable economy is supporting the growth expectations. He noted factors such as a solid labor market and higher wages as contributors to ongoing consumer spending. These…

The Grown Diamond Trade Organisation (GDTO) has announced a key achievement in the lab-grown diamond sector: reaching the production of 50,000 GDTO Jewelry Reports. This milestone signifies the growing impact of GDTO’s efforts to support ethical, sustainable, and transparent practices in the lab-grown diamond industry.Standardising Sustainability in Lab-Grown DiamondsGDTO’s Jewelry Reports, designed to highlight the ethical and environmental benefits of lab-grown diamonds, provide a unique selling point for retailers. These reports offer consumers comprehensive insights beyond the standard grading of Color and Clarity. Each report includes a sustainability survey that allows diamond growers, manufacturers, and retailers to display transparent sustainability ratings…

Jewelers of America (JA) has announced the election of Sheryl Jones, President of Sheryl Jones, Inc., to its Board of Directors, following an election  during Jewelers of America’s Annual Membership meeting on September 23, 2024.Sheryl Jones Joins the JA BoardSheryl Jones brings over two decades of experience to the Jewelers of America board. Her career in the jewelry industry began in 2000, following her transition from a senior communications role at MTV. Jones’s experience spans private client services and wholesale operations. She initially opened her retail space on New York’s 47th Street, before relocating to Rockefeller Plaza. Her designs have also…