ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
Brought to you by
Preparing for Proposal Season with High-Quality, A.I.-Graded Natural Diamonds
Rare & Forever is helping to create an enjoyable diamond buying experience for the millions of newly-engaged couples.
Brought To You By Rare & Forever Diamonds
Written By Chris Croteau of Rare & Forever Diamonds
It’s proposal season for the more than 2.5 million couples that are projected to tie the knot this year, the most since 1984. When shopping for an engagement ring, they expect to see a beautiful diamond to celebrate their love.
It’s proposal season for the more than 2.5 million couples that are projected to tie the knot this year, the most since 1984. When shopping for an engagement ring, they expect to see a beautiful diamond to celebrate their love.
“As a fourth-generation jeweler, my priorities are to earn customers’ trust and provide them with beautiful diamonds they can feel good about buying,” said Larry Sanders, Registered Jeweler American Gem Society, IJO Master Jeweler, and President and CEO of Sanders Jewelers.
“The diamonds we offer are a reflection of who we are. We want to be proud of their quality and have a better standard to help customers understand what they are buying.”
While diamond grading, the process of evaluating a diamond and determining its value based on its cut, clarity, color and carat weight, has long been the standard in diamond buying, it’s often wrought with inconsistencies and inaccuracies. It’s because traditional diamond grading is based on human opinion and no two humans are exactly alike. The inherent inconsistencies make it difficult for customers to understand grading reports and challenging for jewelers to earn their trust.
Rare & Forever eliminates the stress from diamond buying, creating a more enjoyable shopping experience. Unlike 99 percent of diamonds that are graded based on human opinion, Rare & Forever diamonds are prescreened for imperfections—like Brown, Green and Milky (BGM) hues that devalue a diamond and detract from its sparkle—and graded with unbiased artificial intelligence (A.I.) technology for greater accuracy and consistency.
“Rare & Forever enables us to offer our customers the best quality diamonds—a difference they can see—and garners the trust they need to feel comfortable and confident in their selection,” says Sanders. “Seeing that a diamond is graded with A.I. technology puts their minds at ease and makes the buying process far easier to understand.”
Rare & Forever diamonds are only offered through authorized Rare & Forever jewelers, local family jewelers customers know and trust. Shoppers can view Rare & Forever diamonds in person or via a virtual visit, receive expert advice and establish a relationship for future jewelry purchases, repairs and cleanings.
Rare & Forever diamonds offer an Upgrade for Life Program that guarantees buyers the value of their purchase and facilitates upgrades. Purchases also come with the satisfaction of knowing Rare & Forever is a proud supporter of Diamonds Do Good, a global non-profit organization supporting programs that develop and empower people in natural diamond communities, and C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association, a local organization that provides emotional, educational, social, and financial assistance to families with children who have cancer or a blood disorder.
For more information on becoming an authorized Rare & Forever jeweler, see https://become.rareandforever.com/learn-more/.
Or visit us at JCK Las Vegas Booth #10075.
Or visit us at JCK Las Vegas Booth #10075.
More on Grading
The Latest
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond MeleeThe supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
