EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025EditorsDec 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.
The “Lil’ Buddies,” Harwell Godfrey’s pet rock-inspired, googly-eyed opal pendants, were one of several memorable pieces of jewelry we saw this year.
It’s been a busy year for the jewelry industry, full of notable career shifts, tariff turbulence, big discoveries, and of course, heaps of beautiful jewelry.
From Los Angeles to Italy to Montana, our team traveled the world this year to tour new stores, visit mines, and attend global industry events.
Of all the experiences we’ve had and stories we told, there are a few moments that deserve to be revisited.
With all the nostalgia in the air, the National Jeweler editors thought the best way to do so is in yearbook style.
From classic superlatives like Teacher’s Pet and Most Athletic to modern-day recognitions like The Vibe Killers, we’re going back to high school to recap the biggest headlines and trends of 2025.
The Trendsetter
Desert Diamonds
From Los Angeles to Italy to Montana, our team traveled the world this year to tour new stores, visit mines, and attend global industry events.
Of all the experiences we’ve had and stories we told, there are a few moments that deserve to be revisited.
With all the nostalgia in the air, the National Jeweler editors thought the best way to do so is in yearbook style.
From classic superlatives like Teacher’s Pet and Most Athletic to modern-day recognitions like The Vibe Killers, we’re going back to high school to recap the biggest headlines and trends of 2025.
The Trendsetter
Desert Diamonds
Ashaha’s 18-karat white gold fancy brown and white diamond necklace
Jade Ruzzo’s 18-karat yellow gold “Drum Head” ring with champagne diamonds
Emily P. Wheeler’s “Champagne Ombré” fringe earrings with brown and white diamonds in 18-karat yellow gold
White diamonds are so last year, according to De Beers Group.
In 2025, the diamond miner and marketer released its first “beacon” program in 16 years.
Called “Desert Diamonds,” the initiative emphasizes designs using warm white, champagne-, brown- and amber-colored diamonds.
The move overlapped with Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year, “Mocha Mousse,” resulting in some beautiful warm-toned diamond jewelry throughout the year.
Teacher’s Pet
Harwell Godfrey’s Lil’ Buddies
These opal pendants inspired by pet rocks are getting an A+ from us this year.
Who could say no to those big googly eyes?
The one-of-a-kind pendants are from designer Lauren Harwell Godfrey’s “1975” collection, released this year in celebration of her 50th birthday.
The pieces feature nostalgic motifs inspired by the iconic symbols of the groovy era.
Most Likely to Thrift Their Outfit
Vintage-Inspired Engagement Rings
The pieces feature nostalgic motifs inspired by the iconic symbols of the groovy era.
Most Likely to Thrift Their Outfit
Vintage-Inspired Engagement Rings
The “Adele” ring from Single Stone showcases a 1.07-carat old European cut diamond
A Stephanie Gottlieb engagement ring with an M color, oval-shaped diamond in a bezel prong vintage-inspired setting
The “Cori” ring from Single Stone featuring a 3.18-carat antique cushion brilliant-cut diamond of O-P color, VS2 clarity
Over the past few years, the interest in vintage and antique jewelry has exploded, notably in bridal.
Several celebrities who got engaged this year debuted rings with old-world influence, from Zendaya’s ring with a Georgian cut-down setting to Taylor Swift’s ring, which reportedly features an antique-cut diamond.
The Vibe Killers
Tariffs and the gold price
In April, President Donald Trump announced higher tariffs on goods from all the United States’ trading partners, including countries like India (50 percent tax on imports), Switzerland (now 15 percent), Thailand (19 percent), Vietnam (20 percent), and Botswana (15 percent).
As if that wasn’t enough, gold soared to record highs in 2025, and silver followed along with it. As of press time, gold was nearly $4,360 an ounce, while silver was nearly $66 an ounce.
The one-two punch came on the heels of a complicated couple of years, particularly for the diamond industry because of the ongoing sanctions on Russian diamonds.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection kicked off the year by announcing that beginning in April, diamond importers would have to list the country in which their goods were mined.
While that requirement was indefinitely postponed not long after it was announced (a story that should be familiar to anybody who followed the tariffs saga), news emerged this week that starting Jan. 1, the European Union will require more proof from polished diamond importers that their gems did not come from Russia.
Most Likely to Make Waves
Ocean-Inspired Designs
Karina Choudhrie unicycling “Starfish” pendant with 2 carats of diamonds, 1.38 carats of rubies, and 2.24 carats of sapphires in 18-karat yellow gold
Renna “Jumbo Lobster Clasp” necklace with green, blue, and yellow beryl beads totaling 240 carats and 0.30 carats of diamonds with the jumbo “Lobster Clasp”
Bea Bongiasca “Clownfish” earrings from the “Tarallo” collection in sterling silver with “Savanna Orange” enamel and black and white details
Zahn-Z “Beluga Spout” ring featuring a 1.70-carat elongated cushion-cut gray spinel set in 14-karat yellow gold
Francesca Villa “Secret Dreams” pendant in titanium and 18-karat yellow gold with diamonds, tsavorite, blue sapphires, yellow sapphires, and enamel
Tiffany & Co. “Sea Turtle” brooch from the “Sea of Wonder” Blue Book in 18-karat yellow gold and platinum with more than 8 carats of diamonds and sapphires. (Image courtesy of Tiffany & Co.)
From Tiffany & Co.’s 2025 Blue Book to a major Buccellati exhibition, jewelry that channeled the color, wildlife, and power of the sea showed up and showed out this year.
Some designers like Renna, Karina Choudhrie, and Pippa Smalls debuted collections featuring fish, turtles, starfish, and dolphins.
Meanwhile, Zahn-Z and Bea Bongiasca used colors, patterns, and shapes from the water, marine life, and plants in the ocean in their collections this year.
We hope the motion of the ocean continues into 2026.
Most Athletic
An MVP’s Sapphire Tennis Necklace
Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto wore this sapphire necklace at the 2025 World Series.
Since the close of the Paris Olympics in summer 2024, we’ve been in need of a standout athlete jewelry moment, and the Los Angeles Dodgers delivered.
Pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto wore a gorgeous blue sapphire tennis necklace to the World Series this year. In Game 7, he induced the double play that secured the team’s win against the Toronto Blue Jays and subsequently was named MVP.
California retailer Happy Jewelers made the piece, which features more than 30 carats of natural blue sapphires set in 14-karat white gold.
Most Likely to Skip Breakfast
The Jewelry Eaters
Sometimes thieves panic under pressure. We’ve all been there, right?
In March, a man in Florida allegedly stole almost $800,000 worth of diamond jewelry from a Tiffany & Co. in Orlando and then ate it during a traffic stop.
More recently, in New Zealand, a man was charged with theft for allegedly ingesting an entire Faberge egg locket in an Auckland jewelry store.
Both pieces were eventually recovered and returned to their respective retailers.
Most Popular
London Jewelers
The New York-based jewelry retailer will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year, a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.
London Jewelers was the subject of a special feature in this year’s Retailer Hall of Fame, which ran alongside profiles for the three 2025 inductees.
At next year’s Gem Awards, London Jewelers owners Mark and Candy Udell will receive the 2026 Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement.
Most Likely to Make a Comeback
Claire’s
Claire’s filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in August as it battled declining mall traffic and increased competition, and the retailer began looking for a buyer.
It marked the second filing in seven years for the struggling chain of accessories stores that has catered to generations of kids, tweens, and teens.
Stores began to close, and nostalgic fans of the brands took to TikTok to express their sadness at the loss of an icon.
The mall staple may have been down, but it was not out.
Later that month, Claire’s signed an agreement to sell its business operations and intellectual property in North America to private equity firm Ames Watson for $140 million.
The acquisition was completed by September, and a significant portion of Claire’s stores were saved.
Most Likely to End Up as a Screenplay
The Louvre Heist
Nothing brings people together like a thrilling heist.
In October, a group of masked thieves broke into the Louvre Museum in broad daylight and, in less than 10 minutes, made off with eight historic jewels from the museum’s Apollo Gallery.
News of the brazen robbery at the famous Paris museum shocked the world, and French authorities have been searching for the stolen artifacts ever since.
Although none of the jewels have been recovered yet, a total of five people have been charged in connection with the heist.
We want to extend a big thank you to all our readers; we loved keeping you informed in 2025.
To keep up with all the jewelry news in 2026, subscribe to our free daily newsletter.
Happy holidays and Happy New Year!
-- Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow, and Associate Editor Natalie Francisco contributed to this report.
More on Editors
The Latest
Policies & IssuesFeb 20, 2026
Supreme Court Rules Against Most of President Trump’s TariffsIn a 6-3 ruling, the court said the president exceeded his authority when imposing sweeping tariffs under IEEPA.
ColumnistsFeb 20, 2026
Peter Smith: Happiness, Cavemen, and Jewelry SalesSmith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.
MajorsFeb 20, 2026
Jewelers Vigilance Committee Names Julie Yoakum Board ChairJVC also announced the election of five new board members.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
CollectionsFeb 20, 2026
Boucheron’s ‘Faisceaux’ Brooch Heads to V&A MuseumThe brooch, our Piece of the Week, shows the chromatic spectrum through a holographic coating on rock crystal.
Weekly QuizFeb 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Co-Founder ‘Mama Ann’ Bailey Dies at 100Raised in an orphanage, Bailey was 18 when she met her husband, Clyde. They opened their North Carolina jewelry store in 1948.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Material Good Opens Third Location Material Good is celebrating its 10th anniversary as it opens its new store in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston.
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.
Events & AwardsFeb 19, 2026
The Original Miami Beach Antique Show Returns in MarchThe show will be held March 26-30 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
AuctionsFeb 18, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Head to AuctionThe estate of the model, philanthropist, and ex-wife of Johnny Carson has signed statement jewels up for sale at John Moran Auctioneers.
PodcastsFeb 18, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
MajorsFeb 18, 2026
Select Jewelry Inks Agreement to Distribute Lightweight Gold JewelryIt will lead distribution in North America for Graziella Braccialini's new gold pieces, which it said are 50 percent lighter.
Policies & IssuesFeb 18, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Looks for Executive DirectorThe organization is seeking a new executive director to lead it into its next phase of strategic growth and industry influence.
Events & AwardsFeb 18, 2026
DCA to Host Gemstone Selling Education Session at IJO EventThe nonprofit will present a live, two-hour introductory course on building confidence when selling colored gemstones.
TrendsFeb 17, 2026
A Bit of Jewelry for the Year of the HorseWestern wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.
SourcingFeb 17, 2026
Colored Gemstone Experts Talk Tariffs, Trends in TucsonAlthough the market is robust, tariffs and precious metal prices are impacting the industry, Stuart Robertson and Brecken Branstrator said.
GradingFeb 17, 2026
Dr. George Rossman, Former GIA Governor, Dies at 81Rossman, who advised GIA for more than 50 years, is remembered for his passion and dedication to the field of gemology.
CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused AwardThe “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
