The alleged thieves used crow bars and sledgehammers to smash into jewelry stores across the state.
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s Next
Was 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
Hosted by JA’s Amanda Gizzi and National Jeweler’s Michelle Graff, the first episode features two very special guests—Sherry Smith, vice president of coaching strategy and development at the Edge Retail Academy, and Edahn Golan, who got his start as a jewelry journalist before transitioning into a full-time industry analyst and co-founding data platform Tenoris.
Smith and Golan shared what they know about jewelry sales for both large and independent jewelry retailers in 2025—including how natural diamonds performed in comparison with lab grown—and made some predictions for 2026.
The full episode is available to view above or on the National Jeweler YouTube channel.
You can subscribe to the My Next Question podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
The Latest

Ahead of the holidays, Smith urges jewelers to take a hard look at who’s buying jewelry, what they’re purchasing, and who’s stopped buying.

In the new consumer-facing campaign, four fashion and lifestyle creators share the stories behind their natural diamond pieces.

Experience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.

FGI President John Orrico is also leaving the company after more than 13 years.


The 2026 edition will feature presentations on alternative materials and design trends, as well as pop-up activations on the show floor.

It is the last fully operational diamond mine in Canada following the recent closures of Ekati and Diavik.

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

These jewels stood out at Bonhams’ sale of the cat-loving tech entrepreneur’s collection of objects depicting the feline form.

The fine jewelry brand has expanded the collection that debuted at Couture with four new designs based on its most popular styles.

The AGTA president was elected for a two-year term on the board of directors.

The partnership, a pledge to protect Africa’s Okavango River Basin, has been extended for an additional five years.

The new facility, its first outside of Thailand, will boost its manufacturing capacity by 50 percent.

The special-edition “Dream” pendant, our Piece of the Week, was created to mark Hearts On Fire’s 30-year milestone with 30 diamonds.

Dubai Jewelers in Springfield, Virginia, was once again the target of an armed robbery.

YouGov’s 2026 U.S. Most Recommended Brands report’s out, and a fast-fashion giant is sitting at No. 1 while Rolex is just shy of the top 5.

Proceeds from its jewelry raffle will benefit an organization working in India to combat silicosis, a lung disease affecting stone cutters.

The rings, crafted by Jason of Beverly Hills, celebrate the hockey team’s Stanley Cup win with design elements that honor its traditions.

This roundup of birthstone jewelry for October features vibrant tourmalines and opals with personality.

President Duma Boko spoke at back-to-back events in the city last week, touting Botswana’s stability and the diamond “bounceback.”

The catalog showcases 112 new, one-of-a-kind pieces amid highlights from the jeweler’s historic archive.

Its Montepuez Ruby Mining operation in Mozambique, which is not yielding enough high-quality rubies, has taken a $125 million hit.

Those surveyed were worried about the present and the future, with write-in responses mentioning high oil and gas prices.

The event will take place on the evening of Oct. 26 in New York City.

She is remembered for her joie de vivre, upbeat personality, genuine interest in other people, and love of the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Online bidding is open now for Julien’s sale of items owned by the “Walk On By” singer, whose final album comes out this fall.

The founder and executive chairman of Stuller Inc. is being honored for his impact on the jewelry industry at the 25th annual Gem Awards.




















