Columnists

The Smart Lab: The Hottest Digital Marketing Trends For 2025

ColumnistsJan 07, 2025

The Smart Lab: The Hottest Digital Marketing Trends For 2025

Micro-influencers, customer reviews, and shoppable videos are going to be key to getting customers’ attention, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

National Jeweler columnist Emmanuel Raheb
Emmanuel Raheb is the CEO of Smart Age Solutions, a digital ad agency and coveted Premier Google Partner. Contact him at eraheb@smartagesolutions.com.
Get ready because 2025 is here and the digital marketing game for jewelers is evolving faster than ever before.

It’s a total transformation in how customers discover, engage, and buy your jewelry online, fueled by instant gratification and dwindling attention spans.

The days of passive scrolling are done. Now, it’s all about hitting the heart of what your audience cares about if you want to grow sales.

Here are five of the hottest digital marketing trends you need to know to kick off 2025.

1) Sustainability and ethical marketing are deciding factors.
If you think customers aren’t paying attention, think again. 

Today’s shoppers (especially younger ones) demand to know exactly where their diamond came from and whether that gold chain was ethically created. 

If you’re not openly sharing the origin, design process, and story behind each piece, you’re losing sales.

Consumers value relationships and future sales belong to the jewelers who don’t just talk about values but show them. Get personal. 

For example, post an Instagram Reel showing the journey of your jewelry from creation all the way to your showcase.

If you do custom design, show your team at work. 

Highlight collections made from recycled metals. Give your customers the full “backstage pass” to your store, a sneak peek. 

When they trust your values, they’ll trust your jewelry brand and that’s gold.

 “It’s all about making your customers feel seen and understood, not just sold to.” — Emmanuel Raheb 

2) Micro-influencers are your secret weapon.
Let’s face it, the rising star of the mega-influencer has faded.

What really resonates now are micro-influencers, who are real people with 10,000 to 50,000 super-engaged followers who hang on their every word.

These influencers connect on a personal level, bringing authenticity that no polished celebrity endorsement can match. People want reality, not a ruse.

To use this strategy, work with local style experts who are passionate about jewelry and who have a loyal following. Have them feature a new jewelry collection or that one-of-a-kind engagement ring.

A genuine, heartfelt story will trump any “endorsements” from big celebrities. It’s all about making your customers feel seen and understood, not just sold to.

3) Customer reviews and social proof are the real deal.
Let’s be honest. Your customers trust other customers more than they’ll ever trust you, until you give them a reason to. 

User-generated content (UGC) is the heart and soul of your jewelry brand’s credibility.

People want to see your pieces being worn out in the real world on real people in real situations and under natural light. That’s what convinces customers. 

You have to not only sell the dream, but also show the reality.

As an idea, you can start an Instagram campaign that encourages customers to post photos with their new jewelry. Offer a small perk (maybe a future discount or gift card) just for sharing. 

Create TikTok videos showcasing customer testimonials or unboxings, which are always popular.

These aren’t your run-of-the-mill reviews; they’re stories and experiences from people who’ve already said “yes!” to your jewelry store and you. 

That kind of validation is priceless.

 Related stories will be right here … 

4) Shoppable videos turn views into instant sales.
Forget the old “see link in bio” routine. For 2025, it’s all about closing the sale right inside the video instead of sending people elsewhere.

TikTok and Instagram have streamlined the shopping experience so viewers can buy at the exact moment their heart skips a beat.

One second they’re watching a model show off a new holiday collection and the next they’re checking out, all within the app. It’s that fast.

Lean in on this. Produce videos that whisk your audience away to a dreamy dinner party or a festive event, all while highlighting your must-have jewelry styles.

You want to bring your customers into the future they’re imagining for themselves.

Make sure to tag every product on every post and add a time-sensitive call to action, such as “shop now for holiday delivery,” to make it irresistible.

The more fun and frictionless it is for people to checkout, the more they’ll buy.

5) Good storytelling forges emotional bonds.
Let’s be honest, customers can buy jewelry from anywhere. What sets your jewelry business apart is the story you tell. 

They’re not just buying earrings; they’re buying into a moment, a memory, an emotional connection.

When you can convincingly convey the soul of your brand and the craftsmanship behind each piece, you stop being “just another jewelry store” and start becoming a meaningful part of everyone’s lives.

Showcase a custom engagement ring you created and walk them through the process, from the first consultation to that emotional proposal moment. 

Let your customers feel the love, the care, the artistry behind each piece. Stories like these give your brand depth and purpose. People respond to that.

Yes, in 2025 everything with digital marketing has changed, but the core principles have always remained the same: build trust, connect authentically, and make it easy for customers to say, “I’ll take it!”

Remember, your jewelry store isn’t just another business, it’s a destination for memories, emotions, and family. 

When you build trust, you don’t just sell jewelry, you create lifelong relationships with each and every customer. And that’s the most powerful trend of all!

The Latest

Movado Connect 2.0 watches
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury Watches

During its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.

Rosior Pumpkin Ring
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin Ring

Rosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.

Greenwich St. Jewelers Embrace Your True Colors Holiday Campaign
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday Campaign

The “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.

Recipients Collage 2025 - NJ (1872 x 1050 px) (1872 x 1052 px).png
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow Today

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

Alejandro Cuellar
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the Americas

Luxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.

Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Grandview Klein scholarships
Events & AwardsNov 26, 2025
Grandview Klein Presents 4 Scholarships in Namibia

The company gave awards to four students at the Namibia University of Science & Technology, including one who is a Grandview Klein employee.

Margaret “Maggie” Hoisik
IndependentsNov 25, 2025
Pearl Stringer Margaret Hoisik Dies

She is remembered as an artist who loved her craft and was devoted to her faith, her friends, and her family.

roseco-catalog.png
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line Catalog

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

Finestar manufacturing
SourcingNov 25, 2025
Finestar Opens Diamond Manufacturing Facility in Johannesburg

It joins the company’s other manufacturing facilities globally, including in India, Botswana, and Namibia.

State Property Toadstool Pendant
TrendsNov 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Polka Dots

The polka dot pattern transcends time and has re-emerged as a trend in jewelry through round-shaped gemstones.

Stock image of gavel and books
CrimeNov 25, 2025
Former Arizona AG Official Charged With Trafficking Stolen Jewelry

Vanessa Hickman, 49, allegedly sold a diamond bracelet that was mistakenly sent to her home.

GIA executives John Koivula, Kathryn Kimmel, Susan Jacques, Tom Moses, Alice Keller, James E. Shigley
Events & AwardsNov 25, 2025
GIA Awards Susan Jacques With Its Highest Honor

GIA’s former president and CEO was presented with the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.

20251124_MNQ social media etiquette header.jpg
Recorded WebinarsNov 24, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Social Media Etiquette

Social media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.

Breitling house of brands
WatchesNov 24, 2025
Breitling Reveals Plans for Gallet, Universal Genève

In 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.

Cynthia Erivo in Muse’s Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo Collection
CollectionsNov 24, 2025
Muse Debuts a Wicked 'Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo' Sequel

The second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.

J.R. Dunn Jewelers employees
IndependentsNov 24, 2025
J.R. Dunn Jewelers Names New President

Second-generation jeweler Sean Dunn has taken on the role.

Amber Pepper
MajorsNov 21, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Names New CEO

Amber Pepper’s main focus will be on digital innovation and engaging younger consumers.

Origin De Beers Group logo
SourcingNov 21, 2025
De Beers’ Branded, Traceable Diamonds Roll Out to 19 Retailers

Called “Origin by De Beers Group,” the loose, polished diamonds are being sold in a total of 30 stores in the United States and Canada.

Melissa Kaye Rocky Infinity Emerald Necklace
CollectionsNov 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Melissa Kaye’s ‘Rocky Infinity’ Necklace

The lariat necklace features a 4.88-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald in 18-karat yellow gold.

Phillips auction of The Vanderbilt Sapphire brooch
AuctionsNov 20, 2025
Vanderbilt Jewels Shine at Phillips Sale, Pink Diamond Withdrawn

A 43-carat sapphire brooch from the Vanderbilt collection was the top lot of the Geneva sale.

Rebecca Rau Jewels Green Flame Necklace
CollectionsNov 20, 2025
Rebecca Rau Jewels Debuts With ‘Then & Now’ Collection

Rau is a fourth-generation art and antique dealer from M.S. Rau gallery whose first jewelry collection merges artifacts with modern design.

Purvi Shah
Policies & IssuesNov 20, 2025
RJC Names New Executive Director

Former De Beers sustainability leader Purvi Shah will take over the role in February 2026.

La Joux-Perret manufacturing facility in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland
WatchesNov 20, 2025
LVMH Takes Minority Stake in Citizen Group-Owned Movement Maker

La Joux-Perret is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and makes solar quartz as well as mechanical watch movements.

Julia Griffith
GradingNov 20, 2025
Julia Griffith Joins SSEF as Head of Education

She previously taught at Gem-A and is the founder of The Gem Academy.

Helena Bonham Carter in Larkspur & Hawk Once Upon a Time Campaign
CollectionsNov 19, 2025
Larkspur & Hawk Celebrates 25 Years With Helena Bonham Carter Campaign

The British actress and her daughter modeled pieces from the brand’s new “Palette” capsule for its “Once Upon a Time” holiday campaign.

Google reviews on a phone screen and a laptop
TechnologyNov 19, 2025
Google Has a New Form for Reporting ‘Review Bombing’ Attacks

Plus, the tech giant shares the steps retailers should take if they believe they’re a victim of a review extortion scam.

Shaftel Diamonds logo and jeweler’s bench
IndependentsNov 19, 2025
Houston Jeweler Keith Shaftel Retires, Next Generation Steps In

Danny and Gaby Shaftel are now Shaftel Diamonds’ CEO and chief operating officer, respectively.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy