From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
‘Disruptive’ jewelry focus of MJSA keynote
A consumer trends expert who has worked with Rio Tinto and Coca-Cola will deliver the speech at the association’s New York expo, scheduled for March 8 to 10.
Attleboro, Mass.--Wearable technology and other so-called disruptive jewelry trends will be the topic of the keynote speech at MJSA’s Expo New York, scheduled for March 8 to 10.
Delivered by Ben Smithee, a consumer trends expert who has worked with brands including Rio Tinto Diamonds and Coca-Cola, the presentation will focus on the new era of technology-driven production and consumption, in which, among many other innovations, jewelry can monitor its wearer’s health and be made using 3D printing.
Smithee’s speech, The Cyborg Consumer: From Wearable Tech to 3D Printing, is scheduled for March 9, 10:30 a.m. to noon.
It one of a number educational sessions included in the Expo, which will take place at the Hilton New York. Registration is available on the MJSA website.
Additional highlights of the educational program are as follows.
-- Antoinette Matlins, a gemologist and author who has been a guest on ABC’s Good Morning America, NBC’s Today and CBS’s This Morning, will give attendees lessons on How to Buy and Sell Colored Gems (March 8, 10:30 a.m. to noon) and How to Identify Enhanced Gems and Synthetics (March 9, 1 to 3 p.m.)
-- David Geller of JewelerProfit, will offer insight into how to properly price and profit from custom design and repair work, ensuring all costs are covered and margins remain high (March 8, 1 to 2:30 p.m.)
-- An At the Bench Live session with Blaine Lewis will show how to set marquise, pear-shaped and other sharp-angled gems that are coming back into fashion (March 8, 3 to 5 p.m.)
-- Market Smarter with Chris Ciunci, founder of TribalVision marketing company will explain how to develop a strategic plan, generate leads and boost revenue (March 9, 3:30 to 5 p.m.)
MJSA Expo New York also will offer three special educational events. Additional information about those and the Expo in general can be found on the MJSA website.
“Attendees have told us that the educational program is a vital part of the Expo experience, and they rely on it to keep them informed and inspired,” said MJSA President and CEO David Cochran. “This year’s program has been developed to not just meet but exceed those expectations, covering everything from the latest revolutionary technologies to crucial technical and marketing practices.”
The Latest

The big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.

Marie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.


Ilana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.

It was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

The approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.

The men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.

The bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.

The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.

The industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.

Inspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.

The company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.

The jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.

Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”

Those born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.

The platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.

Jim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.

When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.

The “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.

The jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.

Up for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.

The Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.

The organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.

Saks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.






















