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Reading Time: 3 minutes Key takeaways • The 41st World Diamond Congress will feature a panel focused on shifting the industry from a defensive stance to an offensive one by improving consumer engagement at the retail level. • The session aims to bridge the communication gap between industry experts and consumers by translating complex diamond concepts into compelling, human-scale stories. • Experts will demonstrate how AI, digital platforms, and educational tools can be leveraged to deliver consistent and persuasive messaging to the next generation of natural diamond buyers. (SINGAPORE) – Initiated and organized by the International Diamond Manufacturers Association, the 41st World Diamond Congress will feature a panel discussion entitled FROM DEFENSE TO OFFENSE: Winning the Consumer Conversation in the Last 18 Inches, with John Pollard, Senior Director of Education, the International Gemmological Institute; Jacques Voorhees, Innovator in AI Tools for E-Commerce; A...

Reading Time: 3 minutes Key takeaways • The American Gem Society has opened its 2026 recertification exam, which is mandatory for all active designees and credentialed members who earned their credentials before December 1, 2025. • The annual exam is designed to ensure members maintain current knowledge of gemology, ethics, and industry practices, serving as a mark of professional excellence and consumer trust. • Eligible members must complete the recertification exam by the deadline of September 22, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific to avoid potential non-renewal of their credentials. (LAS VEGAS, NV) – The American Gem Society (AGS) annual recertification exam is now open to all AGS designees and credentialed members. Annual recertification is a cornerstone of AGS membership, distinguishing Society members as professionals who maintain the most current knowledge of gemology, jewelry industry practices, and ethics. All active designees and credentialed members wh...

Reading Time: 5 minutes Key takeaways • Brandee Dallow has been appointed as the next Chief Executive Officer of the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA), effective July 6, 2026. • Dallow brings extensive industry experience from leadership and volunteer roles at major organizations like De Beers, Rio Tinto Diamonds, and the Women’s Jewelry Association. • Her role will focus on strengthening engagement, expanding global collaboration, and advancing ethical business practices across the ICA’s network of nearly 700 industry leaders representing 47 countries. (NEW YORK, NY) – The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) is pleased to welcome Brandee Dallow as its next Chief Executive Officer, effective July 6, 2026. Dallow will work closely with the Board of Directors and membership to strengthen engagement, expand collaboration, and build upon ICA’s long-standing role as the leading international voice for the colored gemstone se...

Reading Time: 3 minutes Key takeaways • The 2025 Jewels for Children Raffle raised a record $29,750 to support art and music therapy at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. • Nine independent, family-owned Richmond jewelers donated luxury pieces valued between $3,500 and $5,000 each for the collection. • Since its inception in 2009, the annual raffle curated by Cheryl Fornash has raised over $225,000 for local nonprofit organizations. (RICHMOND, VA.)   The Jewels for Children Raffle, a fine jewelry collection curated by Cheryl Fornash on behalf of some of Richmond’s finest jewelers, raised more than $29,750 for the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU during the Children’s Hospital Foundation Ball in November 2025. Pictured from left are Rose DeRatto of Dransfield Jewelers; Maggie Smith of Dransfield Jewelers; Nathan Johnson of Charles Schwarzschild Jewelers; Jane Sternheimer of Charles Schwarzschild Jewelers; Robin Salzburg of Lustre by Adolf; Cheryl Fo...

Reading Time: 2 minutes What does it take to build a jewelry empire from a modest storefront into one of South Florida’s premier luxury destinations? In this inspiring episode of Pearls of Wisdom, host Guy Pineda sits down with Ed Dikes and Danni Dikes of Weston Jewelers to explore the remarkable story behind their family-owned business and its upcoming 25th anniversary milestone. Founded in 2001, Weston Jewelers began as a small 1,096-square-foot store and has since grown into a thriving luxury jewelry destination with multiple locations and an ambitious flagship project planned for Las Olas in Fort Lauderdale. Ed shares how perseverance, vision, and a willingness to keep moving forward helped the company navigate challenges ranging from launching just before the events of September 11 to the sleepless nights that come with building a growing business. Listeners will also hear from Danni Dikes, who transitioned from a successful career in broadcast journalism to becom...

Reading Time: 2 minutes In this inspiring episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Podcast, hosts Guy Pineda and Elesa Dillon sit down with Mark Loren, the visionary founder of Mark Loren Designs in Fort Myers, Florida. With more than four decades in the jewelry industry, Mark shares how a passion discovered at a watchmaker’s bench evolved into an award-winning career built on artistry, innovation, and meaningful client relationships. Mark reflects on his journey from Chicago to Florida, where he transformed a trade shop into a thriving custom jewelry design gallery recognized with more than a dozen Spectrum Awards. Throughout the conversation, he reveals how inspiration can come from everyday life, from architecture and chandeliers to nature, and how embracing technologies like CAD, laser welding, and engraving has elevated both creativity and craftsmanship without losing the timeless traditions of jewelry making. Beyond beautiful designs, Mark emphasizes the true value of sto...

Reading Time: 3 minutes Key takeaways • GN Diamond reported strong demand for natural diamonds at JCK Las Vegas 2026, with round diamonds leading at 62% of the market and oval shapes following in second place. • Fancy and elongated shapes like pear, marquise, emerald, and radiant cuts are gaining popularity due to their modern aesthetic and visual size advantages. • Retailers are showing renewed confidence in the natural diamond category, driven by consumer interest in heritage, rarity, and long-term value for the second half of 2026. (PHILADELPHIA) – GN Diamond reports strong demand for natural diamonds at JCK Las Vegas 2026, with elongated and fancy shapes emerging as standout performers across the show floor. While round diamonds continue to lead overall sales, accounting for approximately 62% of the market, oval shapes are maintaining a strong second-place position. Pear, marquise, emerald, elongated cushion, and radiant cuts are also seeing notable gai...