GradingFeb 02, 2026
IGI to Acquire American Gemological Laboratories IGI is buying the colored gemstone grading laboratory through IGI USA, and AGL will continue to operate as its own brand.
Events & AwardsMar 19, 2014
Couture’s opening act, finally revealed in full
Following a slow unscrambling on social media, Couture officially announced Wednesday that soul singer Janelle Monáe will be the entertainment for this year’s opening night event, scheduled for May 29 at the Wynn Las Vegas.
Janelle Monáe’s second studio album, The Electric Lady, debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 chart when it came out last year. The Kansas City, Kansas-born soul singer will entertain the crowd at this year’s Couture opening night event.
New York--Following a slow unscrambling on social media, Couture officially announced Wednesday that soul singer Janelle Monáe will be the entertainment for this year’s opening night event, scheduled for May 29 at the Wynn Las Vegas.
Born in Kansas City, Kansas, the 28-year-old Monáe moved to New York City at a young age to begin performing, later relocating to Atlanta.
Her debut studio album, The ArchAndroid, came out in 2010, and she followed up with her sophomore effort The Electric Lady last year, an album that has garnered much critical acclaim. In a review published in September 2013, Rolling Stone described the record as weaving together “hiphop soul, Seventies funk, gospel, jazz and rock.”
Monáe has been nominated for, and won, numerous awards throughout her career. She took home Billboard’s Women in Music “Rising Star Award” in 2013 and is a six-time Grammy nominee. In addition, the soul singer voices a character and has a song, “What is Love” featured on the soundtrack of the animated movie Rio 2, which is scheduled to be released in the U.S. in April.
“I’ve been a fan of Janelle’s work for quite some time and am thrilled to have her perform at Couture,” Show Director Gannon Brosseau said. “From her wardrobe to her choreography and, of course, her incredible voice, Janelle is a true performer. I couldn’t think of a better fit for our opening night event.”
The announcement of Monáe as the show’s opening act became apparent on social media Wednesday following several days of suspense. Couture started the week by posting a pixilated photo of the singer on its Facebook page and its Instagram account, @By_Couture, then made the picture a bit clearer each day before finally unveiling a video of Monáe.
The Couture show is scheduled to take place May 29 to June 2 at the Wynn Las Vegas. The opening night event is private and by invitation only.
National Jeweler and Couture, along with the JA New York shows, are owned by Emerald Expositions, a leading owner and operator of business-to-business tradeshows and related publications in the U.S.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CrimeFeb 02, 2026
Ylang 23’s Dallas Store BurglarizedThe Texas jeweler said its team is “incredibly resilient” and thanked its community for showing support.
EditorsFeb 02, 2026
Stars Choose Chokers, Elongated Earrings at 2026 GrammysFrom cool-toned metal to ring stacks, Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights the jewelry trends she spotted at the Grammy Awards.
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 02, 2026
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the fact that the 2026 Olympics are taking place in two different cities.
Weekly QuizJan 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysJan 30, 2026
These Are the Top Brands of 2026, Says YouGovFrom tech platforms to candy companies, here’s how some of the highest-ranking brands earned their spot on the list.
CollectionsJan 30, 2026
Follow the Beat With Etiq’s ‘Khol’ RingThe “Khol” ring, our Piece of the Week, transforms the traditional Indian Khol drum into playful jewelry through hand-carved lapis.
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.
MajorsJan 30, 2026
Arch Crown’s 2026 ‘Tag & Label’ Catalog Is HereThe catalog includes more than 100 styles of stock, pre-printed, and custom tags and labels, as well as bar code technology products.
CollectionsJan 29, 2026
Ghirardelli’s ‘Chocolocket’ Returns for Valentine’s DayThe chocolatier is bringing back its chocolate-inspired locket, offering sets of two to celebrate “perfect pairs.”
AuctionsJan 29, 2026
These Were Bonhams’ Top 10 Jewelry Lots in 2025The top lot of the year was a 1930s Cartier tiara owned by Nancy, Viscountess Astor, which sold for $1.2 million in London last summer.
SourcingJan 29, 2026
Stuller Website to Mark AGTA-Sourced GemstonesAny gemstones on Stuller.com that were sourced by an AGTA vendor member will now bear the association’s logo.
WatchesJan 29, 2026
Audemars Piguet Opens AP House in AtlantaThe Swiss watchmaker has brought its latest immersive boutique to Atlanta, a city it described as “an epicenter of music and storytelling.”
SourcingJan 28, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair to Debut Designer Showcase in TucsonThe new addition will feature finished jewelry created using “consciously sourced” gemstones.
ColumnistsJan 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Setting the Next Generation Up for SuccessIn his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.
SurveysJan 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls Below Pandemic Lows in JanuaryThe index fell to its lowest level since May 2014 amid concerns about the present and the future.
IndependentsJan 28, 2026
Foundrae Heads to Aspen for Latest Store OpeningThe new store in Aspen, Colorado, takes inspiration from a stately library for its intimate yet elevated interior design.
FinancialsJan 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Sales Resilient as LVMH’s 2025 Sales SlipThe brands’ high jewelry collections performed especially well last year despite a challenging environment.
CollectionsJan 27, 2026
De Beers London, GemFair Debut New Collection Highlighting Artisanal DiamondsThe collection marks the first time GemFair’s artisanal diamonds will be brought directly to consumers.
SourcingJan 27, 2026
GemGuide Launches Pricing for Montana SapphiresThe initial charts are for blue, teal, and green material, each grouped into three charts categorized as good, fine, and extra fine.
TechnologyJan 27, 2026
Clientbook Launches Appointment Booking ToolThe new tool can assign the appropriate associate based on the client or appointment type and automate personalized text message follow-ups.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Angolan Diamond Cos. Join NDC as Rio Tinto, Murowa Exit Endiama and Sodiam will contribute money to the marketing of natural diamonds as new members of the Natural Diamond Council.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
Francesca’s To Close All StoresThe retailer operates more than 450 boutiques across 45 states, according to its website.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board MembersThe new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.
CollectionsJan 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates 189 Years of Love StoriesThe jeweler’s 2026 Valentine’s Day campaign, “Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837,” includes a short firm starring actress Adria Arjona.
GradingJan 26, 2026
DCA Updates Colored Gemstone CourseThe new features include interactive flashcards and scenario-based roleplay with AI tools.
