At Converge 2025, Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff attended sessions on DEI, tariffs, security, and more. Here are her top takeaways.
Martin Katz is Being Sold Online for the First Time
A selection of 30 pieces from the high-end jeweler will be available beginning today as part of a dedicated online trunk show on luxury e-tailer Moda Operandi.

The high-end jewelry designer, who specializes in one-of-a-kind and red carpet pieces, sells directly to clients at his Beverly Hills salon and wholesales exclusively at the Bergdorf Goodman department store in New York.
But starting today, 30 select pieces of Martin Katz jewelry will be available for purchase on luxury web retailer ModaOperandi.com for one of its limited-time online “trunk shows.”
“The online space has been growing and becoming more appealing for the luxury consumer over the years,” Katz said. “I have had my eye on it, but nothing really made sense or felt right for my brand until I was approached by Moda Operandi. Their brand, vision and consumer were the perfect match, so it is really exciting for me.”

Each Martin Katz piece for sale on the site is one-of-a-kind, signed and numbered. The jewels start at $16,000 retail and top off at $796,000 for a pair of kite-shaped 10.62-carat emerald drop earrings that Katz recently finished.
“I cut the stones to match,” Katz explained. “They are something very special and not to be seen again.”
The designer wanted to offer customers a diverse array of pieces in his first digital fore, as he gauges the tastes of the Moda Operandi client.
“I decided to include some pieces that speak to my whimsical artistry and use of rare stones,” Katz said. “Also included are some stylized basics, like diamond earrings, some with added accent colors. I have a few very important pieces to show the depth of what we do in jewels.”
Moda Operandi CEO Deborah Nicodemus stated, “(Katz) has an extraordinary talent to unlock the beauty of precious gems through his designs. Martin Katz’s collection will resonate with our client as she truly values creativity and designers with an eye for perfection.”
The Martin Katz trunk show will be available for purchase on ModaOperandi.com through May 26.
Despite Katz’s relative exclusivity, the designer says he is keeping an open mind when it comes to future digital retail options.
“I am always open to exploring opportunities that are new and exciting,” he said. “For me, it really comes down to if it is a fit for the brand and if it makes sense for an independent jeweler like myself.”
In addition to digital trunk shows, Moda Operandi allows consumers to pre-order apparel and accessories directly after debuting on runways, and also stocks certain items for immediate purchase via its online “boutiques.”
Officially, Katz made his online debut last Friday via one of these boutiques, when 10 of the designer’s jewels, separate from the 30-piece trunk show, premiered on Moda Operandi as part of a regional edit geared toward Eid, the Islamic holiday beginning June 25 this year and concluding June 28.
The Latest

Six people were shot last week at an Oakland cash-for-gold shop as employees exchanged gunfire with individuals trying to rob the store.

The jeweler has expanded its high jewelry offering, which launched last year, with new pieces featuring its cube motif that debuted in 1999.

With their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.

Ben Bridge Jeweler and Lux Bond & Green were a part of the pilot program.


Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares eight of her favorite jewelry looks from the 77th annual Primetime Emmy Awards, held Sunday night.

It’s predicting a rise in retail sales this holiday season despite economic uncertainty and elevated inflation.

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

It included the sale of the 11,685-carat “Imboo” emerald that was recently discovered at Kagem.

The newly elected directors will officially take office in February 2026 and will be introduced at the organization’s membership meeting.

Associate Editor Lauren McLemore headed out West for a visit to Potentate Mining’s operation hosted by gemstone wholesaler Parlé Gems.

Fordite is a man-made material created from the layers of dried enamel paint that dripped onto the floors of automotive factories.

Gilbertson has worked as a researcher, jeweler, lapidary artist, appraiser, and business owner throughout his decades in the industry.

A decision likely won’t come until January 2026 at the earliest, and the tariffs remain in effect until then.

Located in the revamped jewelry hall at the retailer’s New York City flagship, this opening is Tabayer’s first shop-in-shop.

The new, free app offers accessible educational content, like games and podcasts, for U.S. retailers.

As the gold price rises, the manufacturer is offering a 100 percent payout through Sept. 30 for gold clean scrap.

Jacob & Co. partnered with the German technology company on two pairs of headphones, one set with diamonds and the other with sapphires.

Guillermo del Toro’s 2025 “Frankenstein” will feature 27 jewels and objects from the storied brand, including pieces from its archives.

The Waldorf Astoria New York’s grand reopening this past summer means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event.

Anglo plans to merge with Teck Resources Ltd. to form Anglo Teck. The deal changes nothing about its plans to offload De Beers.

The 9.51-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, which set two world auction records at Sotheby’s in 2014, is estimated to fetch up to $30 million.

The industry veteran joins the auction house as it looks to solidify its footprint in the jewelry market.

The nonprofit awarded four students pursuing a professional career in jewelry making and design with $2,250 each.

The Texas-based jeweler has also undergone a brand refresh, debuting a new website and logo.

The two organizations have finalized and signed the affiliation agreement announced in May.

The single-owner sale will headline Sotheby's inaugural jewelry auction at the Breuer building, its new global headquarters, this December.