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

gia-edu main image.png
Supplier BulletinSep 04, 2025
A Brilliant Future Is Here

Sponsored by GIA

Lucara pink diamond
SourcingSep 04, 2025
Lucara Unveils Unusual 37-Carat Pink Diamond

The Type IIa stone, recovered from Botswana’s Karowe diamond mine last month, features unique coloration.

A street in Carlsbad California
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2025
27 Can’t-Miss Converge Sessions, Events

From sunrise yoga to tariffs talks, these are some events to check out at the upcoming inaugural event.

japac-btyb.png
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key Issues

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

Shot from Breitling new NFL campaign
WatchesSep 04, 2025
Breitling Takes Its NFL Game to the Next Level

Breitling is now the NFL’s official timepiece partner, a move that puts the brand in front of the millions of Americans who watch football.

Weekly QuizSep 04, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Autumn 2025
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2025
The NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Returns in November

NYCJAOS is set for Nov. 21-23 in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.

Fabergé x Gemfields Malaika Egg
SourcingSep 03, 2025
Gemfields Confirms Completion of Fabergé Sale

U.S.-based investment company SMG Capital LLC is the new owner of the luxury brand.

rio-article photo-diamond.jpg
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine Jewelry

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

Claire’s storefront
MajorsSep 03, 2025
These Are the Nearly 300 Claire’s Stores Set to Close

A new court filing details the locations of the stores that will close, as well as the 830 that will remain open.

Stuller’s Tools, Equipment, & Metals and Findings & Metals Catalogs
MajorsSep 03, 2025
Stuller Releases 2 New Catalogs

The new catalogs are “Tools, Equipment, & Metals” and “Findings & Metals.”

Effy Jewelry Multicolor Sapphire Bangle
TrendsSep 03, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Perfect Birthstone

Sapphire’s variety of colors make it the perfect birthstone for September.

Woman with hands crossed wearing jewelry
FinancialsSep 02, 2025
Lab-Grown Diamonds, Lower-Priced Fashion Jewelry Drive Signet Jewelers’ Q2 Sales

The retailer has raised its guidance after seeing total sales increase 3 percent in the second quarter, beating expectations.

Jean-Christophe Bédos Birks
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Birks CEO Jean-Christophe Bédos Steps Down

Niccolò Rossi di Montelera, executive chairman of the board, was appointed as interim CEO.

Harry Winston Ginza Flagship Exterior, Interior
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Harry Winston Opens Its Largest Flagship in Japan

The three-floor space also features the jeweler’s largest VIP salon in Japan and offers an exclusive diamond pendant.

All Hours: Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry x Oak and Luna Campaign Imagery
CollectionsSep 02, 2025
Stephanie Gottlieb Debuts Silver Designs in ‘All Hours’ Collab

The collection is a collaboration between Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry and Oak and Luna, focusing on understated essentials.

Sothebys The Desert Rose orangy pink diamond collectors week
AuctionsAug 29, 2025
Sotheby’s UAE Sale to Feature 32-Carat Fancy Vivid Orangy Pink Diamond

The highlight of a single-owner jewelry and watch collection, it’s estimated to fetch up to $7 million at auction this December.

Calvin Klein watch and jewelry campaign
FinancialsAug 29, 2025
Movado’s Q2 Sales Rebound Despite Tariff Impact

CEO Efraim Grinberg noted a resurgence in the fashion watch market.

Mark Davis Bullseye Necklace
CollectionsAug 29, 2025
Piece of the Week: Mark Davis’ ‘Bullseye’ Necklace

The “Bullseye” necklace, with vintage bakelite and peridot, August’s birthstone, is the perfect transitional piece as summer turns to fall.

Image #1_Resized.png
Supplier BulletinAug 28, 2025
Clientbook Is Helping Jewelers Turn Clienteling Challenges into Wins with Hands-On Training and Coaching

Sponsored by Clientbook

GIA’s new report for lab-grown diamonds
GradingAug 28, 2025
GIA’s New ‘Quality Assessment’ for Lab-Grown Diamonds Is Coming

It will classify lab-grown stones into one of two categories, “premium” or “standard,” in lieu of giving specific color and clarity grades.

Botswana President Duma Boko
SourcingAug 28, 2025
Botswana Declares Public Health Emergency Amid Diamond Sales Slump

President Duma Boko addressed the country’s medical supply chain crisis in a recent televised address.

Afton Robertson-Kanne Borsheims
MajorsAug 28, 2025
Borsheims Names New Jewelry Buyer

Former Free People buyer Afton Robertson-Kanne recently joined the retailer.

Sissy’s Log Cabin Back to School and Bling
IndependentsAug 28, 2025
Sissy’s Log Cabin Donates School Supplies to Memphis Students

The jeweler teamed up with two local organizations for its inaugural “Back to School and Bling” event.

Taylor Swift Engaged
EditorsAug 27, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Is a Fairy Tale for Vintage Diamond Cuts

The singer’s new bling, reportedly a natural old mine-cut diamond, is no paper ring.

11,685-carat Imboo emerald
SourcingAug 27, 2025
11,685-Carat Emerald Recovered From Zambia’s Kagem Mine

Dubbed the “Imboo,” or “buffalo,” emerald, the rough gemstone is part of Gemfields’ latest emerald auction, which is taking place now.

Shopping cart
SurveysAug 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Slips in August Amid Job, Income Worries

Plans for dining out, booking vacations, and buying big-ticket items were down.

Mine + Found Play Collection Prize Bubble Locket, Whistle Pendent, Fortune Dice
CollectionsAug 27, 2025
Mined + Found’s New Collection Gets Playful

The “Play” collection centers on nostalgic toys that have kinetic elements to carry playfulness and wonder into adulthood.

×

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