ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
Brought to you by
Gold Rush 2023 – Here's What You Need to Know Right Now
Gold remains a hot commodity. This supplier knows the metal well and is pushing it to its limits.
Brought To You By Royal Chain Group
You may have noticed some significant swings if you’ve been following gold prices. A recent spike was the result of insecurity in the banking system following the failures of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank. Meanwhile, gold prices don’t seem to have much effect on the consumer, with demand for the metal at levels not seen since the 1980s.
How long the yellow wave will last is anyone’s guess. Nevertheless, you’ll want to be prepared this year with all the new gold looks, whether in chains or trendy fashion pieces. This year, one industry veteran in gold jewelry is celebrating 45 years. New York-based Royal Chain has these hot tips to keep in mind this year with gold.
The Gold Trends to Monitor
Center: 14K charms for permanent jewelry – star (CHR1267), red enamel heart (CHR1260), tag (CHR1270)
Permanent jewelry shows no signs of fading, as more retailers are jumping on this concept to increase foot traffic. The beauty of this concept is it brings shoppers into old-fashioned, brick-and-mortar stores (sorry, e-tailers!). Royal Chain is expanding its selection of spool chains for 2023, adding super cute 14K charms for an extra personal touch. Need help with how to present it in your store? Look out for a new display available at JCK in Las Vegas.
Animal instinct in 14K gold (from left to right): adjustable serpent necklace, 18” (on model) (RC15091-18), graduated butterfly necklace, 26” (on model) (RC15418-26), panther bangle and earrings with enamel (B10022, ER11682)
Jewelry and exotic animals have always had a special relationship, so you can expect animal motifs like panthers, pythons and other creatures to be significant, as Royal Chain debuts pieces inspired by animals in shimmering gold for spring. In addition, earrings are becoming crucial in a retailer’s assortment as more customers are layering multiple styles on the same ear. Big statement hoops, small huggies, dangles, drops, and everything in between are all part of Royal Chain’s vast selection of spring earrings.
Left: Moon-cut bead chain in 14K gold. Right: 14K bracelets with gemstones including blue topaz, peridot, citrine, garnet and amethyst.
Chains have been on the upswing for years and always sell, but how do you innovate in that space? Leave it to Royal Chain to introduce new styles and revive the oldies. Look for the Ice Chain; it sparkles so much like diamonds that retailers were louping it to double-check! Or their new bead chain with a half-moon diamond cutting that is spectacular. Also, spring and summer are perfect for adding color to the mix. Royal Chain is adding genuine gemstones to some of its most popular chain styles for an updated take on the classics. Paperclip and curb chains featuring multi-colored gemstones are perfect for layering on the neck or wrist.
Beyond product, here’s what sets Royal Chain apart from other suppliers:
14K stackable earrings (from left to right): large paperclip huggies (E14762), heart huggie hoops (E14776), endless elongated paperclip hoops (E14739), large bamboo hoops (on model) (ER14443)
EXPERIENCE - Gold remains the core focus of what they do. But, unlike other suppliers, Royal Chain knows how to create a fast-moving product with the best value and get it to retailers quickly.
SELECTION - Royal Chain maintains diverse and relevant jewelry lines, studying fashion and responding quickly to market trends by creating the gold jewelry consumers want most. Their offerings aren’t limited to one manufacturing method. Instead, retailers can choose from various gold jewelry styles to accommodate their needs and customers’ preferences.
TURN AROUND - Turn-around is vital to a jeweler’s success, especially during the prime holiday seasons. Royal Chain lets retailers restock 95% or more of their products within 24 hours.
CONVENIENCE - For decades, Royal Chain customers have used the company’s annual catalog as an in-store tool to help their clients to buy. Today, that printed catalog, boosted by a strong web presence, continues to serve jewelers and their customers nationwide.
More on Trends
The Latest
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned PlatformThe Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.
Weekly QuizMay 28, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
SourcingJun 02, 2026
Leader Appointed for Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’sSotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.
AuctionsJun 02, 2026
Sotheby’s to Auction 10-Carat Blue Diamond, 1960s Harry Winston Necklace A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.
IndependentsJun 02, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
Events & AwardsJun 01, 2026
Design Atelier Brands Have a Big Night at Emotional Couture Design AwardsThe show started by honoring Mildred Marcano, ended with a tearful Beth Anne Bonanno, and recognized a dozen-plus designers in between.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
RapNet Rebranding as Rapaport TradeThe revamped online diamond marketplace will feature pricing intelligence and data-driven tools for more efficient buying and selling.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
Gemfields’ Higher-Quality Emerald Auction Achieves $26.8MThe miner said demand for higher-quality emeralds is stable, but there is notable caution in the market.
CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ DesertThe “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerThe author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.
MajorsMay 28, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Buy The Clear Cut Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.
CollectionsMay 28, 2026
Meet The 17 Newcomers to Couture’s Design AtelierThese up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.
GradingMay 28, 2026
GCAL By Sarine Launches 8X Cushion CutThe lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
5 Security Tips for Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week 2026This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.
ColumnistsMay 27, 2026
What Jewelers Can Learn From Luxury Fashion’s Digital PlaybookHigh-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
Couture’s ‘The Iridescence’ Will Showcase 7 Emerging Jewelry DesignersThe designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.
ColumnistsMay 26, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
12 JCK Talks Sessions to Add to Your Las Vegas ScheduleThe trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
CBG Brings Its Curated Designer Project to Las Vegas ShowThe Curated Designer Project has expanded to highlight eight independent jewelry designers during CBG’s Las Vegas show.
