SourcingFeb 23, 2026
Designer Eddie Sakamoto, a Humble Artist, Dies at 72Sakamoto, who died in mid-January following a sudden illness, is remembered for his humility and his masterful, architectural designs.
Brought to you by
Diamonds + Technology: A Perfect Match
Technology and diamonds go hand-in-hand, revolutionizing the ability to provide accurate, detailed reports for jewelers and consumers.
Brought To You By Rare & Forever
Most consumers probably wouldn’t consider the diamond industry to be synonymous with cutting-edge technology, but actually, part of what makes this centuries-old industry so successful is its ability to evolve.
Historically, there are many examples of technology enhancing diamonds, and the diamond industry as a whole. For instance, advanced laser technologies are used to cut diamonds and inscribe serial numbers and personal inscriptions. Additionally, high-frequency seismic reflection technology is used to explore the possibility of diamonds beneath the earth’s crust. Even Blockchain technology is making its mark on the industry, by enabling a diamond to be traced from its origin, through every step in its journey to the customer.
But perhaps one of most significant technology adoption to date–impacting the diamond consumer in particular–is that of Artificial Intelligence. A.I. and machine learning are revolutionizing the industry, by providing more accurate, consistent diamond grading.
Rare & Forever, a brand of natural diamonds that are hand-selected for their highest quality and consistency, are graded with the most advanced A.I. technology. By leveraging a proprietary screening process to identify the Brown, Green, and Milky (BGM) hues that devalue a diamond and detract from its sparkle, Rare & Forever empowers consumers with grading information that is based on factual data rather than on subjective human opinions.
"By elevating the consistency and accuracy in diamond grading, AI is delivering more authentic and transparent transactions with consumers,” said Chris Croteau of Rare & Forever Diamonds. “And when a jeweler can offer customers a superior diamond buying experience, everybody wins.”
For today’s jeweler – who constantly fights to meet margins, hire skilled staff and stand out from the competition – Rare & Forever diamonds deliver a differentiator by offering a new and better way to sell diamonds, thereby shifting the diamond business back to local diamond experts – the businesses customers trust – providing customers access to the highest quality diamonds that are prescreened for imperfections and graded with A.I. technology. Purchasing from a local small business, rather than a large online retailer, ensures that the customer receives diamond education from a knowledgeable, trustworthy source, and establishes a relationship for future jewelry purchases, repairs and cleanings.
What’s more, Rare & Forever diamonds offer an Upgrade for Life Program that guarantees buyers the value of their purchase and facilitates upgrade purchases. Purchases also come with the satisfaction of knowing Rare & Forever donates to Diamonds Do Good® and C.U.R.E so customers know their diamond is making a difference.
Progress in technology means progress in the diamond industry. While the technology being embraced in the industry today has already yielded amazing benefits, as history has proven, the best is surely yet to come!
Rare & Forever is helping hundreds of jewelers across the country tell a new, powerful story at the diamond counter. Find out how you can join the Rare & Forever Family of Retailers Today!
Visit: https://become.rareandforever.com/learn-more/ or call 1-877-620-1333
Visit: https://become.rareandforever.com/learn-more/ or call 1-877-620-1333
More on Grading
The Latest
Events & AwardsFeb 23, 2026
NYCJAOS Announces Four-Day Spring ShowThe April event will feature a new VIP shopping day requiring a special ticket.
TrendsFeb 23, 2026
Dua Lipa Is Bulgari’s New AmbassadorBulgari chose the British-Albanian singer-songwriter for her powerful and enduring voice in contemporary culture, the jeweler said.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
Policies & IssuesFeb 20, 2026
Supreme Court Rules Against Most of President Trump’s TariffsIn a 6-3 ruling, the court said the president exceeded his authority when imposing sweeping tariffs under IEEPA.
Weekly QuizFeb 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsFeb 20, 2026
Peter Smith: Happiness, Cavemen, and Jewelry SalesSmith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.
MajorsFeb 20, 2026
Jewelers Vigilance Committee Names Julie Yoakum Board ChairJVC also announced the election of five new board members.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
CollectionsFeb 20, 2026
Boucheron’s ‘Faisceaux’ Brooch Heads to V&A MuseumThe brooch, our Piece of the Week, shows the chromatic spectrum through a holographic coating on rock crystal.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Co-Founder ‘Mama Ann’ Bailey Dies at 100Raised in an orphanage, Bailey was 18 when she met her husband, Clyde. They opened their North Carolina jewelry store in 1948.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Material Good Opens Third Location Material Good is celebrating its 10th anniversary as it opens its new store in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston.
Events & AwardsFeb 19, 2026
The Original Miami Beach Antique Show Returns in MarchThe show will be held March 26-30 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
AuctionsFeb 18, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Head to AuctionThe estate of the model, philanthropist, and ex-wife of Johnny Carson has signed statement jewels up for sale at John Moran Auctioneers.
PodcastsFeb 18, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
MajorsFeb 18, 2026
Select Jewelry Inks Agreement to Distribute Lightweight Gold JewelryIt will lead distribution in North America for Graziella Braccialini's new gold pieces, which it said are 50 percent lighter.
Policies & IssuesFeb 18, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Looks for Executive DirectorThe organization is seeking a new executive director to lead it into its next phase of strategic growth and industry influence.
Events & AwardsFeb 18, 2026
DCA to Host Gemstone Selling Education Session at IJO EventThe nonprofit will present a live, two-hour introductory course on building confidence when selling colored gemstones.
TrendsFeb 17, 2026
A Bit of Jewelry for the Year of the HorseWestern wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.
SourcingFeb 17, 2026
Colored Gemstone Experts Talk Tariffs, Trends in TucsonAlthough the market is robust, tariffs and precious metal prices are impacting the industry, Stuart Robertson and Brecken Branstrator said.
CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused AwardThe “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
