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Kin & Pebble – Shifting Metal Prices Are Influencing Jewelry Buying Trends

Reading Time: 3 minutes Key takeaways • Fluctuating precious metal prices are shifting jewelry buying trends toward affordability and more accessible materials. • Kin & Pebble is responding by offering a broader range of options, including stainless steel, which provides durability and a clean aesthetic at diverse price points. • The focus remains on providing retailers with flexible, personalized designs that meet changing customer needs without compromising on style or quality. As precious metal prices continue to fluctuate, many jewelry retailers are seeing a shift in how customers approach purchasing. For many customers, affordability is even more crucial in decision-making than it has been in the past. This is especially evident in the notable price swings gold and silver have seen over the past year, making it more challenging to offer pieces that feel both meaningful and accessible. At Kin & Pebble, this shift is showing up in both product interest and conve...

AI Is Quietly Becoming a Jeweler’s Best Assistant

Reading Time: 4 minutes Key Takeaways: • Sales professionals should view themselves as entrepreneurs with the autonomy and responsibility to control their own destiny and career outcomes through their daily decisions. • Consistent self-evaluation and staying ahead of industry trends are critical for maintaining a competitive edge and identifying necessary areas for training and development. • Prioritizing excellence, problem-solving, and providing value to customers leads to greater long-term financial success and professional satisfaction than focusing solely on money. Artificial intelligence still sounds futuristic, but in jewelry retail it has already become practical — and increasingly necessary. SJN research shows AI-powered tools influencing pricing accuracy, personalization, and online conversion in measurable ways. Recommendation engines now drive a meaningful share of online jewelry sales, analyzing browsing behavior, purchase history, and customer patterns to s...

American Gem Society Announces Confluence 2026: A Virtual Half-Day Event for Jewelry Professionals

Reading Time: 3 minutes Key takeaways • The American Gem Society will host Confluence 2026, a virtual half-day educational event for jewelry professionals, on April 22, 2026. • Featured sessions include practical training on generative AI tools in design, communicating sustainability practices, and leveraging the Natural Diamond Council’s learning platform. • Registration is free for AGS members and offers insights into retail trends and economic factors shaping the jewelry market. (LAS VEGAS, NV) — The American Gem Society’s Confluence will take place online on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 10:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m. PST. Designed to help jewelry professionals learn, connect, and stay ahead without leaving their store or office, this virtual educational conference offers practical, timely training tailored to today’s industry. Confluence 2026 brings together these leading voices in the jewelry industry. Michael Magee, Sr. Subject Specialist, Jewelry Manufacturing Arts R...

Accredited Gemologists Association Scholarship and Grant Applications are open!

Reading Time: 2 minutes Key takeaways • The Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA) has opened applications for its global scholarship and grant programs to support education and advancement in gemology. • The AGA Gemological Scholarship Program, awarded based on merit and financial need, is accepting applications until May 15, 2026. • The AGA Gemological Research Grant offers up to $10,000 in funding for approved projects, with an application deadline of June 15, 2027. The Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA) is pleased to announce that applications are now open for its scholarship and grant programs. These initiatives are designed to support individuals worldwide pursuing education and advancement in gemology.  AGA awards educational scholarships to qualified candidates based on both merit and financial need. Individuals committed to a career in gemology and seeking assistance to further their education are strongly encouraged to apply .   The AGA Gem...

New York Gemstone Association (NYGA) Donates $10,000 to AGTA

Reading Time: 3 minutes Key takeaways • The New York Gemstone Association (NYGA) donated $10,000 to the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) to support promotional efforts for natural-colored gemstones and pearls. • The donation reflects a rare collaborative move between jewelry associations, highlighting AGTA’s vital role in ethics, education, and professionalism within the trade. • Leadership from both organizations emphasized a shared mission to protect and promote the gemstone industry through strategic partnership and synergy. (DALLAS) – The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) is the recipient of a $10,000 donation from the New York Gemstone Association (NYGA) to support its promotional efforts in the colored gemstone industry. The donation is a rare move among jewelry associations and reflects AGTA’s powerful initiatives and enhanced promotional efforts over the past few years. From left: Adam Gil, Treasurer, NYGA, Afshin Alan Hackman, President, NYGA, John W. Fo...

Jewelers of America Announces Recipients of 2026 GEM Awards

Reading Time: 5 minutes Key takeaways • Jewelers of America announced the winners of the 24th annual GEM Awards, held on March 13, 2026, in New York City. • Mark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers received the Lifetime Achievement Award for their commitment to relationships and the jewelry community. • Key category winners included Sylvia Furmanovich for Jewelry Design, Thomas Waller for Media Excellence, and Jessica McCormack for Retail Innovation. (New York, NY) – Jewelers of America (JA), the national trade association for businesses serving the fine jewelry marketplace, and the GEM Awards Committee announce the winners of the 24 th annual GEM Awards. The sold-out event took place on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Cipriani 42 nd Street in New York City. Mark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers received the GEM Award for Lifetime Achievement. Ana Khouri was presented with the GEM Award for High Jewelry Excellence by Linda Evangelista. The winners in the Jewelry Design, Media...

Natural Diamonds Dazzle on the Red Carpet at the 98th Academy Awards

Reading Time: 5 minutes Key takeaways • Desert diamonds emerged as the standout trend of the 98th Academy Awards, featured in high-profile pieces by TAFFIN, De Beers London, and Premier Gem. • Closely cropped diamond necklaces, including torques, chokers, and collars, were a defining styling choice for stars like Jessie Buckley, Elle Fanning, and Kylie Jenner. • Diamond brooches made a significant return to the red carpet, worn by numerous actors including Jeremy Pope, Channing Tatum, and Shaboozey, demonstrating modern versatility. (NEW YORK) – The 98th annual Academy Awards took place Monday, March 15th at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California, effectively ending awards season with an unforgettable evening. The world’s most notable actors showcased the season’s most classic, refined, and distinctive diamond jewelry looks. Below, A Diamond is Forever highlights the standout trends from the event. Desert diamonds Once again, Desert diamonds were front and center, ...