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

Stock image of gavel
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRS

The couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.

People shopping in winter clothes
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in December

Consumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.

Bonhams US headquarters
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYC

In February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.

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.

Hana Kaneko rings
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter Event

The new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.

Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Brian Patrick Gilbertson
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82

The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.

Costume Designers Guild Award By Bulgari
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild Award

The LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.

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.

Kering logo
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco Group

The luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.

For Future Reference Vintage
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’s

The company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.

Counterfeit Cartier and Audemars Piguet watches
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier Watches

In the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.

Helzberg new store concept rendering
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its Stores

Helzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.

Graphic for the 2025 Year-End Webinar
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year

Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.

Pair of Ippolita Lollatini earrings
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita

The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.

Bulgari CEO Laura Burdese
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEO

Laura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.

Harwell Godfrey Lil Buddies
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review

The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.

Front of Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ brooch
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection

Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.

Audemars Piguet Grosse Pièce
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at Auction

It purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.

Diamond ring in parts
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry Service

The lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.

Terry and Cindy Chandler at AGS Conclave
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and Friends

Chandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.

Rendering of Bob’s Watches JFK airport store
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK Airport

The boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.

JamAlert 1872x1052.png
Supplier BulletinDec 18, 2025
Cell Jammers Are Targeting Your Business. Here's How to Beat Them

Sponsored by Digital Monitoring Products

Fabergé egg pendant near gloved hand
CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé Pendant

The special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.

Ashley Zhang Jewelry Snake Necklace, Renato Cipullo Hematite Blaze Necklace, Vanessa Fernandez Studio Curva Wrap Hoops, Hernsdorf Tears of Aphrodite Necklace, Robinson Pelham Tsar Star Earrings, Marla Aaron Nymphenburg Lock, Lof The Valentine Ring
EditorsDec 17, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: The Best Piece of the Week Picks

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.

Lucy Hale in Jacquie Aiche’s Love and Desire Campaign
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday Campaign

The “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.

SSEF logo
GradingDec 17, 2025
SSEF Announces 2025 Scholarship Winners

Two awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.

Pandora Alexander Lacik and Berta de Pablos-Barbier
MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up Early

Berta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.

×

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