Author: Ruchi Singla

Jewelers of America (JA) has unveiled the winners of its 34th annual CASE Awards thes annual competition dedicated to highlighting creativity and quality in jewelry design. With over 120 entries across eight distinct categories, the categories were divided between JA retail members and JA supplier members, with awards segmented by retail value: Jewelry up to $2,000, $2,001 to $5,000, $5,001 to $10,000, and $10,001 to $50,000. Judging Criteria and Panel JAA’s panel of design experts evaluated the entries based on overall design, marketability, originality, and quality of manufacture. The judging panel comprised industry experts, including Brecken Branstrator of GemGuide, writer…

On August 8, 2024, six major organizations from the jewelry industry hosted the 4th Annual ‘Mega Mixer’ in Downtown Los Angeles. The event, held at the Elevate nightclub, brought together around 250 members and their guests, offering a space for networking and collaboration. The event was organized by the Diamond Club West Coast, Inc. (DCWC), Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association (IDCA), Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA LA Chapter), 24 Karat Club, GIA Alumni Association, and Polygon. These organizations represent a cross-section of key stakeholders in the jewelry sector, bringing together manufacturers, gemologists, and other professionals. Networking and Building Industry Relationships Attendees…

Saks Fifth Avenue has introduced its first high jewelry collection, Saks Fifth Avenue High Jewelry, expanding the retailer’s luxury jewelry portfolio. The collection emphasizes rare diamonds, blending modern design with classic styles. This launch aligns with Saks’ broader strategy to elevate its luxury offerings while delivering personalized services to its clientele. Key Features of the Collection The Saks Fifth Avenue High Jewelry collection features over 200 pieces across various jewelery categories, including solitaire diamonds ranging from 10 to 100 carats in a range of shapes, cuts, and colors. The collection includes a 100-carat pear-shaped diamond necklace, large solitaire rings, and…

Lab-grown diamond retailer Grown Brilliance has expanded its presence in the market by acquiring the assets of two prominent e-commerce rivals, Clean Origin and Aether Diamonds.  Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. Consolidation in the Lab-Grown Diamond Market The purchase of Clean Origin and Aether Diamonds by Grown Brilliance reflects the increasing trend of consolidation in the lab-grown diamond sector. Tejas Shah remarked on this development, suggesting that further mergers and acquisitions could occur, driven by ongoing price trends in the market. The acquisition also bolsters Grown Brilliance’s retail footprint. Clean Origin’s six brick-and-mortar stores will be rebranded…

Brilliant Earth has promoted two executives, Pamela Catlett to Chief Brand Officer and Sharon Dziesietnik to Chief Operations Officer, as part of its efforts to strengthen its position in fine jewelry and continue its trajectory of growth. Leadership Appointments Pamela Catlett, who joined Brilliant Earth in 2023, has been named Chief Brand Officer. In this role, Catlett will lead the company’s brand strategy, overseeing retail expansion and omnichannel development. Her background includes high-profile positions at companies like Under Armour and Nike, as well as experience advising executives on brand growth and leadership strategies. Sharon Dziesietnik, who has been with Brilliant…

Stuller has earned certification as a ‘Great Place to Work,’ a prestigious accreditation granted by the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and leadership. This recognition highlights the positive work environment at Stuller and acknowledges the contributions of its 1,500 employees. Statements from Stuller Leadership Commenting on the achievement, Stuller President Danny Clark said, “Receiving the Great Place To Work certification is a tremendous honor and a testament to the incredible culture we’ve cultivated here at Stuller. What truly makes Stuller a great place to work is the dedication, passion, and positive spirit that each of our 1,500 employees…

The U.S. government has issued updated guidelines allowing the import of certain diamonds and diamond jewelry from Russian sources, provided the purchases were made before the sanctions were implemented on March 1, 2024. The guidelines, released by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), aim to clarify regulations for diamond importers and jewellers. OFAC’s New Licenses for ‘Grandfathered’ Diamonds OFAC introduced General License No. 103 and General License No. 104 to clarify the handling of diamonds purchased before the sanctions took effect. These guidelines apply to diamonds of Russian or unknown origin, providing direction on…

Clements Jewelers, a family-owned jewelry store based in Madisonville, Kentucky, has announced that it will be closing its doors after 89 years of business.  The closure is set to take place by late September 2024, a decision prompted by challenges competing with larger retailers and online shopping platforms. Struggles with Retail Competition and Rising Costs In a statement shared on Facebook, the store’s owners expressed the difficulty of remaining competitive in today’s retail environment, citing the rise of online shopping and big-box retailers. “After 89 years, we have tried our best, but competing with larger retailers and online shopping isn’t…

Sarine Technologies Ltd reported its financial results for the first half of 2024, achieving a net profit of $1.02 million – a 7% year-on-year increase, despite a 7.8% decline in total revenues to $21.9 million. Sarine’s profitability benefited from cost reduction strategies and growth in recurring revenue streams, which helped offset the decline in equipment sales tied to the natural diamond market. Market Context: Natural Diamonds and Lab-Grown Diamonds The broader diamond market experienced considerable challenges in H1 2024, with demand for natural diamonds weakening, especially in China. In the U.S., the growing popularity of lab-grown diamonds (LGD) has disrupted…

The Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) Foundation has announced the appointment of Kathy Hillelson, a second-generation diamantaire and CEO of OWL Financial Group, to its board. Hillelson has over 15 years of experience in both diamonds and finance. Career and Industry Involvement As CEO of OWL Financial Group, Hillelson expanded the company’s global presence and offered financial solutions for the diamond trade. In addition to her role at OWL Financial Group, she continues to oversee global diamond trading operations at her family business, Blue River Gems Inc. Hillelson is also involved in the jewelry industry through her memberships in the World…

Jewelers for Children (JFC) has announced that Saturday, September 21, 2024, will mark this year’s celebration of JFC Day – a day dedicated to uniting the jewelry industry in support of children facing severe challenges, including life-threatening illnesses, abuse, and neglect. The event encourages participation from all sectors of the industry, including suppliers, retailers, and consumers, to raise awareness and funds for a variety of worthwhile children’s charities. Nationwide Retailer Support JFC Day has gained increasing support from retailers across the United States, many of whom organise in-store promotions to highlight the industry’s contributions to charitable causes. The event is…

Jewelers Mutual Group, the Wisconsin-based jewelry insurance company, has selected Raleigh, North Carolina, as the site for its new technology hub, following a competitive evaluation process that included 15 potential locations.  Raleigh was chosen over Dallas, Texas, due to factors such as the availability of skilled workers, local educational resources, and business conditions. The company plans to invest approximately $5.9 million in this project, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Job Creation and Economic Impact The new hub will create 200 jobs, with positions primarily in engineering and technology, offering an average annual salary of…

The second annual INSTORE Show concluded on August 12, 2024, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. Held from August 11 to 12, the event coincided with the Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference (August 9–10), with the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA) co-locating for the first time. The show featured networking, educational seminars, and buying opportunities for independent retailers, exhibitors, and industry professionals. INSTORE’s Cram Day Conference on August 10 included seminars on lab-grown diamonds, hosted by the GIA Alumni Collective. The Bench Pressure Challenge, a returning event, attracted interest from attendees. 2024 America’s Coolest Stores Celebrated…

Brilliant Earth has revised its financial outlook for fiscal year 2024 following a decline in sales during the second quarter.  The company, specializing in bridal and fine jewelry, reported a 4 percent drop in net sales for Q2, citing challenges within the industry and broader macroeconomic conditions. Q2 Financial Performance For the quarter ending June 30, 2024, Brilliant Earth reported net sales of $105.4 million, a decrease from $110.2 million in the same period the previous year. The company’s first-half net sales also declined, totalling $202.8 million, down 3 percent year-over-year. Despite the dip in sales, the company managed to…

The Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) will host a webinar titled “Ethical Practices and Responsible Sourcing” on August 20.  Featured Speakers Monica Stephenson, founder of ANZA Gems and co-founder of Moyo Gems, along with Christina Miller, will lead the session. Stephenson has significant experience, having served as president of Ethical Metalsmiths and holding positions on various advisory boards, including the Women’s Jewelry Association, Gem Legacy, and BIJC. Christina Miller also brings expertise in advancing sustainable practices in the sector. Focus: Responsible Sourcing and Ethical Practices The webinar will address key topics in today’s jewelry industry, particularly around transparency and sustainability. …

This year’s JA New York Fall Show, scheduled for October 27-29, 2024, will feature several new initiatives, including enhanced learning experiences and a new pavilion in collaboration with Jewelers of America (JA).  The partnership with JA will include a 1600 square foot pavilion that will highlight JA’s services, benefit partners, and advocacy efforts. Within this space, there will be an 800 square foot area dedicated to JA supplier members and a 400 square foot section for ten designer fine jewelry makers. “JA New York and Jewelers of America share a long history of supporting and championing jewelry designers, and their…

Moijey Fine Jewelry & Diamonds has concluded its 2024 Moijey ‘Mine to Finger’ 3D Jewelry Program as part of the Montgomery County Public Schools’ (MCPS) Summer RISE program. Participating students used Moijey’s 3D jewelry design software to create custom gemstone jewelry pieces with the aim of inspiring creativity and imparting practical skills in jewelry design and business management. The program was inspired by the book “My Crystal Powers,” written by Moijey Fine Jewelry & Diamonds’ President and CEO, Dan Moijueh. Each student received a copy of the book to deepen their understanding and interest in gemstones and jewelry design. This…

In a carefully planned heist, burglars tunneled through the walls of several stores to access Marquise Jewelry in Schaumburg, stealing $1.5 million worth of merchandise. The Incident Burglars broke through the walls of multiple stores overnight to reach Marquise Jewelry at Woodfield Mall. Owners Asma Anwar and Shazad Malik arrived at their store on Friday morning to find their shelves emptied by the burglars. “Everything was gone. They did not leave us anything,” said Anwar. “This was a well-planned burglary.” Discovery and Investigation Schaumburg police were alerted to the crime by a construction worker who entered a vacant store next…

A new survey conducted by Worth, in collaboration with Boston Consulting Group (BCG), provides an in-depth look at the values, spending habits, and investment preferences of wealthy millennials. The “Millennial Mindset Report” challenges several preconceived notions about this demographic, offering valuable insights for the jewelry industry. Demographics and Income The survey includes responses from 1,989 U.S. millennials aged 28-43 with household incomes over $250,000, or $350,000 in high-cost cities, and net worths exceeding $1 million. Around 33% of these individuals have net worths of at least $3 million. Despite societal advances towards gender income parity, wealthy millennial men still dominate…

Berkshire Hathaway’s retail division, encompassing notable jewelry chains such as Borsheims, Helzberg Diamonds, and Ben Bridge Jeweler, reported a 4.5% year-on-year decrease in sales for the second quarter, reaching $4.74 billion.  The decline was primarily attributed to reduced foot traffic and smaller purchase sizes. Additionally, the division’s pretax earnings dropped 23% to $336 million. Retail Segment Performance The decrease in revenue was not uniform across all segments of Berkshire Hathaway’s retail division. While the jewelry chains experienced a downturn, the most significant impact was observed in the home-furnishings business. Moreover, there was a notable reduction in the sale of used…

The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has announced the establishment of the Alfie Norville Women in Excellence Award for the upcoming 2024 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards.  This award, sponsored by Allan Norville and the Norville family, will recognize female designers in several categories: Bridal Wear, Classical, Engagement Rings, Evening Wear, Business/Day Wear, and Men’s Wear. Women entering these categories can indicate their eligibility for the award on their entry forms. Background and Legacy of Alfie Norville Allan and Alfie Norville, known for their real estate development work in Tucson, Arizona, were also prominent figures in the jewelry industry.…

New York-based jewelry brand Verragio has filed a lawsuit against The Art of Jewels and Fine Art LLC, accusing the San Francisco-based retailer of copying its engagement ring and wedding band designs. The lawsuit was filed on July 26 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, alleging copyright infringement, trademark counterfeiting and infringement, and unfair competition. Details of the Allegations The Art of Jewels, established in 1990 and billing itself as the “#1 Lab Grown Diamond Marketplace” in the United States, is accused of producing and selling jewelry that allegedly replicates Verragio’s distinctive designs. Verragio, led…

The Accessories Council has announced that the 6th Annual Design Excellence Awards will take place on November 4th, 2024, at The Fifth Avenue Hotel in New York City.  Entries are now open and will be accepted through August 30th, 2024. Expanded Categories for Broader Recognition The Design Excellence Awards, established in 2019, aim to recognize outstanding products across the accessories industry. This year, the event has expanded its category offerings, with new inclusions such as Independent Eyewear (1-2 brands) for both Optical and Sun, and Fashion Jewelry categories under and over $100 (SRP). The Brand Collaboration Award, introduced in 2023,…

The Independent Jewelers Organization (IJO) recently awarded 23 scholarships at its conference in Chicago, held from July 13-16. The scholarships were distributed among three distinct categories, with eight recipients receiving full scholarships and 15 obtaining partial scholarships. Bill Roberts Memorial Scholarship The Bill Roberts Memorial Scholarship, sponsored by IJO Owner and Chairman Jeff Roberts, awarded a total of $5,000 for Gemological Institute of America (GIA) studies. Jeff Roberts initiated this scholarship to honor his father, Bill Roberts, who founded IJO over 50 years ago and emphasized education.  Jeff Roberts stated, “In founding IJO more than 50 years ago, my dad…

Grown Brilliance has introduced its “Melrose” collection, marking the company’s first venture into pink and blue lab-grown diamonds.  This collection takes its name from the brand’s storefront at 8483 Melrose Place, Los Angeles, which opened in December 2023. Inspiration and Design Akshie Jhaveri, the creative director and founder of Grown Brilliance, drew inspiration from the architectural elements of the Los Angeles store. She emphasized the influence of organic shapes, the play of light, and color in the store’s design on the new collection. Additionally, the broader California landscape, including locations such as Catalina, Rodeo, and Del Mar, inspired the names…

The Shop! Association has announced the third annual Shop! MarketPlace trade show and conference, scheduled to take place in Charlotte, North Carolina, from April 8 to 10, 2025.  This event, organized in partnership with SmartWork Media, is the only North American trade show dedicated exclusively to enhancing the in-store retail experience. Event Focus and Audience Shop! MarketPlace is designed to cater to retail design professionals and consumer-packaged goods companies, offering a comprehensive three-day program that includes product sourcing, learning opportunities, and collaborative sessions. The event provides a platform for retailers, brands, design firms, consultants, manufacturers, and suppliers to gain insights…

Tiffany & Co. and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) have announced the creation of the Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award, a new initiative focused exclusively on American jewelry designers.  This initiative aims to elevate jewelry design to the same status as womenswear and menswear within the fashion industry, with a focus on promoting inclusivity. Mentorship and Fellowship Opportunities Selected participants in the program will receive mentorship and immersive experiences within Tiffany & Co., gaining insight into the company’s tradition of innovation and craftsmanship. One designer will be awarded a yearlong fellowship with Tiffany &…

NY-based diamond wholesaler ARAZI has announced a change in its distribution strategy. Effective immediately, the company will discontinue its asset/memo support program for retailers that carry or promote lab-grown diamonds. This decision aims to maintain consumer confidence in natural diamonds in light of falling lab-grown prices. Concerns Over Market Trends Josh Arazi, vice president and creative director of ARAZI, highlighted the company’s concerns regarding the market viability of lab-grown diamonds. Arazi remarked, “With the prices of lab-grown diamonds drastically comparable to CZ’s, ARAZI does not wish to wait until jewelers are competing with gas stations to distance ourselves from such…

The World Diamond Council (WDC) has announced that the deadline for transitioning to its revised System of Warranties (SoW) is rapidly approaching.  On September 21, 2024, the three-year grace period for converting to the new system for rough diamond sales will conclude. Understanding the System of Warranties The System of Warranties is a global mechanism designed by the WDC to ensure that companies relay compliance with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) and SoW Guidelines to the next buyer in the supply chain. This system guarantees the conflict-free origin of traded goods and adherence to responsible business practices, including human…

A diamond dealer from Manhattan, Manashe Sezanayev, 41, has been indicted on charges of grand larceny and fraud, accused of defrauding fellow diamond merchants by swapping genuine diamonds with lab-grown imitations. The allegations suggest a sophisticated scheme involving false inspections and fake Gemological Institute of America (GIA) laser inscriptions. Details of the Alleged Fraud Sezanayev, who operates Rachel’s Diamonds in New York’s Diamond District, is charged with two counts of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, one count of Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree, and three counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Third Degree.…