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Industry Snapshot: October 2024 Despite challenges, signs of renewed strength and optimism By Harold Dupuy, FGA, Stuller Inc. (Originally Published October 2024) Quick Links: Retail Market Sales • Jewelry Industry Overview • Precious Metals • Diamond Dilemma • The Economy • In Closing Malaise—a general feeling of discomfort or uneasiness—might aptly describe this year’s business […]

Diamond Debriefing Discover how the diamond industry is redefining its future By Deborah A. Yonick (Originally Published October 2024) The diamond industry stands at a crossroads, with shifting consumer preferences and economic challenges reshaping the market in unexpected ways. Recent reports from the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and insights from industry veterans such as Paul […]

Color Craze Why jewelers should actively promote a broader variety of stones by Deborah A. Yonick (Originally Published September 2024) “The colored stone industry is in the middle of what should be its greatest opportunity.” This statement, shared by Stuart Robertson, president of Gemworld International (publisher of The GemGuide), resonated with the standing-room-only crowd in […]

Daily Diamond Delights Incorporating signature brand elements into a new line of fine fashion jewelry By Deborah Yonick (Originally Posted August 2024) For more than 25 years, designer Barry Verragio has built the Verragio brand in the heart of New York City, crafting unique engagement rings and wedding bands in distinctive bridal collections. Known for […]

Industry Snapshot: June 2024 Despite ongoing diamond concerns, positive trends show signs of recovery By Harold Dupuy, FGA, Stuller Inc. (Originally Published June 2024) Quick Links: Retail Market Sales • Jewelry Industry Overview • Diamond Challenges • The Economy • In Closing What is normalization? It’s been so long that I’m not sure the average […]

Tucson Takeaways High prices are steering jewelers and consumers toward alternative gemstones By Deborah A. Yonick (Originally Published May 2024) In February, Tucson plays host to the largest, longest-running gathering of gem and mineral shows on the planet. This annual event brings together everyone from collectors and hobby enthusiasts to curators, scientists, and gem and […]

Industry Snapshot: March 2024 Jewelers need to stay agile in a rapidly changing environment By Harold Dupuy, FGA, Stuller Inc. (Originally Published March 2024) Quick Links: Retail Market Sales • Jewelry Industry Overview • The Diamond Quandry • The Economy • In Closing The past year presented several challenges, yet the jewelry industry, on the […]

Post-Pandemic Positivity Pantone’s spring 2024 color palette radiates optimism By Deborah A. Yonick In its seasonal report, the color institute notes “a new sense of freedom reflected in tones that are evocative yet familiar” and invites us to explore our own creativity and re-envision the future. The latest seasonal palette offers a versatile mix of […]

Tickled Pink The jewelry industry is well positioned to make the most of the buzz surrounding fashion icon Barbie and her timeless jewelry styles By Deborah A. Yonick (Originally Published September 2023) It might feel like the attack of the 50-foot woman with Barbie larger than life in our pop culture today. The iconic doll, […]

Industry Snapshot: September 2023 This year’s peak season will likely bring numerous challenges to the industry By Harold Dupuy, FGA, Stuller Inc. (Originally Published September 2023) Quick Links: Retail Market Sales • Jewelry Industry Overview • The Diamond Dilemma • Bridal • The Economy • In Closing Retail Market Sales After a 34-month streak of […]

Forseeable Fashions Utilizing AI technology to analyze consumer interest in several jewelry trends By Deborah A. Yonick (Originally Published October 2023) Many jewelers often feel like they need a crystal ball to predict the styles that will be popular with tomorrow’s customers. However, they may have a new tool at their disposal: artificial intelligence (AI) […]

The Great Escape Le Vian identifies escape, renewal, passion, brilliance, and bold individuality as themes inspiring its latest collections By Deborah A. Yonick (Originally Published August 2023) Our post-pandemic posture wants to get out, explore new things, and express to the world our unique personality. Le Vian reflects these emotions and the energies influencing jewelry […]

Red Hot Red hues dominate Pantone’s fall/winter color palette By Deborah A. Yonick (Originally Published June 2023) Pantone’s seasonal forecast for fall/winter 2023/2024, as revealed during New York Fashion Week in February, reflects a desire to communicate the joy of creativity and design into our lives, says the Pantone Color Institute. Leatrice Eiseman, executive director […]

Engaging in Color Recent consumer surveys find growing interest in color gemstones for engagement and wedding rings By Deborah A. Yonick (Originally Published May 2023) Color gemstone engagement and wedding rings are no longer a small niche market, but a growing category that young consumers are eager to explore. Based on responses from nearly 12,000 […]

Bring On the Robots Learn how automation can increase efficiency, productivity, and accuracy in your business By Andrea Hill (Originally Published April 2023) If you’re not taking advantage of business automation, you’re missing out on essential efficiency and quality tools that will make your business more competitive. Business automation is the use of technology to […]

Recycling Old Stones Bespoke designers and jewelers are promoting recycled diamonds as affordable and sustainable options By Deborah A. Yonick (Originally Published April 2023) Being socially conscious is a far more important priority for couples today than at any other point in history. Gen Y and Z brides and grooms care about sustainability, natural alternatives, […]

Industry Snapshot: April 2023 A look at the latest industry statistics By Harold Dupuy, FGA, Stuller Inc. (Originally Published April 2023) Quick Links: Retail Market Sales • Jewelry Industry Overview • Economy • In Closing Change is looming. After the massive growth of the 2021 recovery, 2022 provided an unexpected sequel with revenue increases for […]

True Colors Color stability testing reveals interesting color gains By Deborah A. Yonick During routine color stability testing of sapphires, experts at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in Carlsbad, California, observed an unusual gain of orange or yellow coloration to a padparadscha-like color or even to pure orange. These latest observations underscore how identifying […]

Color Matters Pantone’s spring palette embodies new vision forward By Deborah A. Yonick Popular colors on fashion runways for spring 2023 reflect our experiences of the past few years—from chaos to quiet—in Pantone’s latest palette that brings together energizing, bright hues with calming, natural tones inspiring self-expression, experimentation, unexpected combinations, and quirky contrasts. In its […]

Live from Expo 2022 Amy Elliott on Forecasting Consumer Trends Hosted by Andrea Hill Jewelry expert for the Bridal Council and author of the JCK blog All That Glitters, Amy Elliott has her finger on what excites consumers. Learn about the jewelry choices they’re making now, the qualities they’re looking for in both what they […]

Planning Ahead A look at the products, colors, and styles expected to trend in 2023 Although the economy is in flux, many consumers are still comfortable spending money and some of it will be on jewelry. What will they be looking for? MJSA Journal recently checked in with Amy Elliott, a contributing editor at JCK […]

Precious Forecasting Experts predict 2023 could be a volatile year for precious metals markets By Shawna Kulpa With inflation rates high worldwide and the possibility of a global recession looming in 2023, many experts are predicting that precious metals markets will have a volatile year. However, they also expect things to become less rocky as […]

The Need for Sustainability Despite a slowing economy, focusing on sustainable efforts can create value and build resilience Even with the threat of a slowing economy in the new year, should companies still prioritize investments in sustainability? According to a recent McKinsey report, the answer is a resounding yes. The report notes that even “in […]

Let’s Get Phygital Creating a unified shopping experience across physical and digital channels You are likely familiar with the term omnichannel, but do you know what a phygital experience is? It’s a term to describe the essence of omnichannel: Phygital emphasizes the blurring of the line between physical and digital channels to create one consistent […]

Dealing with the Labor Shortage Why attracting, developing and retaining talent should be a top agenda item for business owners in 2023 “No one wants to work anymore” is the oft-used refrain heard from some businesses struggling to find and keep employees. But we know that that’s not actually true, as evidenced by the continued […]

Preparing for a Possible Recession Keeping a close eye on cash flow is critical to navigating economic uncertainty Whether the country falls into a recession next year or not, forecasters expect 2023 to be a challenge—which is all the more reason to prepare for a recession. That way, “you’ll have a game plan if it […]

A Look Ahead Where we stand and where we go from here By Shawna Kulpa Ask anyone in business what they think about these days, and the Jan-Brady-esque reply will likely be either “Inflation, inflation, inflation” or “Recession, recession, recession.” In 2021, as the U.S. emerged from COVID-19 lockdowns and the economy rebounded, jewelry sales […]

Nature Calls Featuring hues illustrative of nature, Pantone’s spring color palette rejuvenates By Deborah A. Yonick Hues illustrative of nature topped Pantone’s spring fashion color palette for 2021, as spied in ready-to-wear fashions launched during New York Fashion Week, which was conducted virtually in September. The season’s palette pops with a sunny yellow hue called […]

Industry Snapshot Industry resilience will be tested as the year comes to a close By Harold Dupuy, FGA, Stuller Inc. (Originally published October 2022) Quick Links: The Recovery Is Over • Jewelry Sales Overview • Metal Markets • Diamond Industry • In Closing The first half of 2022 jewelry industry performance was robust but with […]

Rock Steady Designers and suppliers are playing it safe, expanding their top-performing collections By Amy Elliott Editor’s Note: Guest columnist Amy Elliott was on the scene at the JCK and Couture shows in June with the volume on her trend radar turned up to 11. Below, she shares the categories, metals, and stones that readers […]

Industry Snapshot Despite a challenging economy, moderate growth is possible By Harold Dupuy, FGA Quick Links: Jewelry Sales Overview • The Economy • Diamond Industry • In Closing In the first quarter of 2022, jewelry industry sales continued the above-average growth experienced last year. That is the good news. On the other side of the […]

Power Dressing Designers aim to inspire confidence with empowering new styles By Deborah A. Yonick For many consumers, jewelry is more than just sparkly baubles meant to accessorize an outfit. Instead, they view jewelry as another form of communication and use it to express their personalities and passions. It can also be used to imbue […]

In Demand A benchmark study shows pearls are this year’s go-to gem By Deborah A. Yonick If you haven’t heard that pearls are the go-to gem of 2022, you must be living in an oyster. Pop culture, particularly social media, is all about pearls. Pinterest forecasted through its community data that pearls and pearlescent details […]

Industry Snapshot Early sales figures set the stage for continued growth By Harold Dupuy, FGA Quick Links: Jewelry Sales Overview • The Economy • The Metal Markets • U.S. Consumers • Diamond Industry • In Closing There is light at the end of the pandemic tunnel. While the Omicron variant rapidly appeared, it is now […]

For Good Reason Sustainability is key in sustaining diamond sales By Deborah A. Yonick Next to food and clothing, fine jewelry ranks as the third most frequently purchased category based on sustainability considerations among consumers. In fact, sustainability considerations are on par with price and design for jewelry consumers worldwide, according to De Beers’ 2021 […]

Jewelry for Every Man Exploring the current surge of interest in men’s jewelry By Deborah A. Yonick Men wearing jewelry is not a new phenomenon. But the attention men’s jewelry has been getting lately is quite spectacular, thanks in no small part to a host of young male celebrities donning jewelry, including pearls, with confidence. […]

What’s Ahead Amy Elliott on catching the “Next Big Trend” By Shawna Kulpa Do you always feel like you’re behind the eight ball when it comes to jumping on board with fashion trends? If so, don’t feel bad; it’s just the nature of jewelry and the fashion cycle. With fashion, a style is spotted on […]

The Winds of Change Consumer cultural trends and their influence on fine jewelry design By Deborah A. Yonick According to the Plumb Club’s Industry & Market Insights 2021 study, fine jewelry design in the coming year is expected to be influenced by key consumer cultural trends, including social responsibility, activism, the blurring of gender and […]

Stop Chasing Rainbows How jewelers can best reach out to LGBTQ+ consumers By Deborah A. Yonick Although the jewelry industry has done a good job of embracing its members that hail from the LGBTQ+ community, it hasn’t always done a great job reaching out to the larger community of LGBTQ+ consumers. Some might even say […]

A look at the industry’s post-pandemic recovery progress By Harold Dupuy Quick Links:COVID-19 • The Economy • Precious Metals • Jewelry Sales • Online Sales • Jewelry Imports • Inflation • In Closing The post-pandemic recovery has exceeded most expectations. Many factors assisted the rapid recovery: the federal government stimulus programs, increasing personal income, increasing […]

Lab-grown diamonds growing market By Deborah A. Yonick Lab-grown diamonds aren’t going anywhere. These laboratory creations have demonstrated steady growth driven by consumer demand that has organically developed over the past decade. And according to industry experts, that growth is only going to continue. In its long-term outlook for the diamond industry through 2030, global […]

Pantone spring color pallete rejuvinates By Deborah A. Yonick Hues illustrative of nature topped Pantone’s spring fashion color palette for 2021, as spied in ready-to-wear fashions launched during New York Fashion Week, which was conducted virtually in September. The season’s palette pops with a sunny yellow hue called Illuminating, warm golden Marigold, refreshing Mint green, […]

FURA Gems launches marketing council to grow color stone market By Deborah A. Yonick FURA Gems, the Dubai-based precious gemstone producer, has a plan and $2 million to undertake an ambitious marketing program for emeralds, rubies, and sapphires that it’s banking will benefit the color stone industry at large. Earlier this summer, it launched the […]

A positive outlook for fourth-quarter jewelry sales By Deborah A. Yonick If multiple surveys and reports are any indication of how fine jewelry will fare this holiday season/fourth quarter amid COVID-19, people will be buying a lot of fine jewelry for themselves and their loved ones to wear with their sweats. And it’s already happening: […]

A look at the latest jewelry industry statistics By Harold Dupuy, DPA The saying “we live in unprecedented times” has never been more appropriate. Three months ago, I erroneously thought that COVID-19 would be a thing of the past by now. However, I and many others were wrong. On the flip side, some positive business […]