Designers were recognized in 12 categories, from platinum to pearls, before the evening ended with a new, retail-focused award.
What’s Your Social Media Personality?
Jewelers, is your store playful, inspiring or authoritative on Facebook, Instagram, etc.? Mike Farrell helps you figure it out.

One of the most interesting things (for better or worse) about maintaining a presence on social media is that you can truly be whoever you want. Want to pretend your boring New Jersey self is an exotic African jewel thief? Go for it; nobody’s stopping you.
However, when it comes to using social media for your business, authenticity is key.
You have no idea how much people value interacting with businesses on social channels that don’t act like businesses. They act like real people, with real personalities. But how can you determine which personality is right for your jewelry business?
Unless you’re starting a brand-new company, there’s already going to be a pre-existing view of your brand. Before you try to get your story out there, make sure you understand what people think of your business and why.
This is not to say that your brand’s identity has to stay the same forever. Just as people change and develop over time, your brand’s personality and voice can be adapted. But you do need to be sure of where you’re starting from before you’re able to establish where you’re headed.

Use the above graphic, courtesy of Stephanie Schwab, CEO of social media-focused Crackerjack Marketing, to help determine what the overall positioning/voice of your business will be.
Are you going for an industry thought leader type of approach? Then you would probably choose an authoritative persona, a direct tone, with insider language and an educational purpose. The key is to align your positioning with the values of your customers and prospects.
Your positioning is what will align you with some customers, while potentially alienating you from other customers. Pushing some away is perfectly fine, as it is not feasible to be all things to all people. Just make sure your brand is properly aligned to attract the right followers, prospects and customers.
Also important to consider is that users of most social platforms expect a certain level of informality. Make sure you adjust your content accordingly. On Instagram and Snapchat, even the most professional of jewelers should expect to loosen their belts just a little in order to properly match the expected tone of the network.
The most important thing to remember here is that you're not choosing the voice you want, but the voice you need. The voice that will best resonate with your customers is the voice you need.
Want some advice on the right social media personality for your business? Visit LikeableLocal.com for a free (!) social media consultation.
Mike Farrell is the former community manager at Likeable Local’s New York office. He is now a freelance copywriter. Connect with Mike on Twitter, @mikefarrelldude.
The Latest

The rare turquoise and diamond jewel was the top lot at Bonhams’ June jewelry sale.

This year’s honorees include a Midwest retailer and two multi-store independents, one in New York and the other in New England.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

The deadline to submit is June 16.


The diamond wholesaler is working with the insurance provider to seamlessly offer personal jewelry insurance to RDI retailers’ clients.

As an homage to iconic crochet blankets, the necklace features the nostalgic motif through a kaleidoscope of cabochon-cut stones.

When investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.

Discover the dozen up-and-coming brands exhibiting in the Design Atelier for the first time.

The “Royal Ruby” Collection is a quintet of untreated rubies curated by collector Jack Abraham.

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

Two existing executives have been given new roles.

Meredith Tiderington, an electrical engineering student, was selected for the award.

It will quit assigning the stones specific color and clarity grades in favor of applying “new descriptive terminology.”

From design trends to sustainability, here’s a roundup of can’t-miss education sessions at JCK Las Vegas.

The Jewelers’ Security Alliance offers advice for those attending the annual trade shows.

Her new role is director of strategic initiatives.

The designer is embracing bold pieces with weight to them in “AU79,” a collection she celebrated with a creative launch party.

On an earnings call, CEO J.K. Symancyk discussed what’s working for the company and how it’s preparing for the potential impact of tariffs.

The index partially rebounded after months of decline, due in part to the U.S.-China deal to temporarily reduce import tariffs.

The actress stars in the latest campaign set in Venice, Italy, and is set to participate in other creative initiatives for the jeweler.

The company has joined other labs, including GIA and Lotus Gemology, in adopting the Chinese term for "jadeite jade."

The large stone will be offered at its June sale along with a selection of secondary-type rubies from a new area of the Montepuez mine.

Located in Bangkok, the laboratory is Gemological Science International’s 14th location worldwide.

Those born in June have a myriad of options for their birthstone jewelry.

The diamond industry veteran has been named its senior sales executive.

The company plans to raise the prices of select watches to offset the impact of tariffs.