MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsApr 19, 2016
Market Roundup: What Buyers Wanted in Chicago
Based on the activity at the April Smart Show, many retailers still are shopping for price-point jewelry, especially when it comes to diamond fashion.
At the recent Smart Show in Chicago, Michael Bungert of Uneek Jewelry said that the company’s Lace band collection, which is lighter and crafted in 14-karat gold, was a top seller. Pictured here is the company’s “Branscombe” open lace diamond band in 14-karat white gold.
Chicago--Based on the activity at the April Smart Show, many retailers still are shopping for price-point driven jewelry, especially when it comes to diamond fashion pieces.
The show opened Saturday in Chicago for education sessions, with buying activity kicking off on the show floor Sunday and ending Tuesday.
A number of exhibitors reiterated a sentiment that has been a theme at jewelry trade shows as of late--that retailers are buying price-point jewelry.
Michael Bungert of Uneek Jewelry said many retailers were looking for “price-point fashion jewelry,” especially fashion-forward diamond jewelry that’s geometric in shape or form, in the $500 to $2,500 range at retail.
The brand’s “Lace” collection, launched in Las Vegas last year and featuring openwork filigree and scattered accent diamonds, is “one of the hottest collections” that the company has debuted, he added.
“It’s feminine. It’s frilly. And we deliberately made it lighter in (metal) weight and lighter in diamond weight,” to keep the prices down, Bungert said. He also said they are finding that the collection has appeal outside the bridal market, with many of the rings selling as right-hand rings.
Uneek also launched its stackable rings without any diamonds and those too have been doing well for the company. Those pieces were launched in response to market demand, and without the diamonds in them, they too became price-point pieces, Bungert said.
When it comes to stone shapes, rounds still reign, with ovals increasing in popularity. Bungert said that of all the fancy cuts, ovals are “by far creating the most excitement.”
RELATED CONTENT: 6 Takeaways on the Current Bridal Market
For Alan Nacht of Bernard Nacht and Co., the popularity of bridal was nothing new, and the buyers at the Smart Show that came to the booth still were looking at estate and vintage bridal, especially pieces with intricate designs and details such as filigree and milgrain, Nacht told National Jeweler.
Buyers were shopping for bridal on the lower end of the price spectrum, generally picking up pieces in the range of $1,250 to $2,500 at wholesale.
Additionally, Nacht said they had been doing well with color at the show, especially with yellow sapphires and some peridot, in more traditional, classic ring styles.
At Frederic Duclos, Karen Duclos said that rose gold still is doing very well for them, especially when mixed with other metals, as well as the brand’s newest, updated
sterling silver pieces that mimic a wire wrapping look because it’s “fresh” and updated, she said.
“Stores generally want to do some two-tone and some all-silver selections,” she said. “They rarely want to take all of one or the other.”
The fact that most of the pieces from Frederic Duclos retail for less than $500 allows jewelers to look more for the styles they want than to focus on price, Duclos said.
World Trade Jewelers, meanwhile, launched new additions to its Svelte collection to continue offering price-point fashion jewelry for buyers, with its slim open lines and wearable shapes. Styles like bar necklaces and ear climbers were doing well at the show.
The company also has launched a new line of jewelry featuring diamond clusters designed to look like bigger stones and offering a bigger look than the traditional Svelte pieces. While Svelte will remain its core line, Adriene Pernice said, these new pieces with a bigger look have been very well received so far.
Over at the Eva Stone booth, meanwhile, Rafael Szyszko said that they are very happy with how their first Smart Show had been going as of Monday afternoon.
When it came to what had been hot at the booth so far, Szyszko said that many buyers were really liking their pieces with rough diamonds, as well as the brand’s textured, structural rings.
“Stores generally want to do some two-tone and some all-silver selections,” she said. “They rarely want to take all of one or the other.”
The fact that most of the pieces from Frederic Duclos retail for less than $500 allows jewelers to look more for the styles they want than to focus on price, Duclos said.
World Trade Jewelers, meanwhile, launched new additions to its Svelte collection to continue offering price-point fashion jewelry for buyers, with its slim open lines and wearable shapes. Styles like bar necklaces and ear climbers were doing well at the show.
The company also has launched a new line of jewelry featuring diamond clusters designed to look like bigger stones and offering a bigger look than the traditional Svelte pieces. While Svelte will remain its core line, Adriene Pernice said, these new pieces with a bigger look have been very well received so far.
Over at the Eva Stone booth, meanwhile, Rafael Szyszko said that they are very happy with how their first Smart Show had been going as of Monday afternoon.
When it came to what had been hot at the booth so far, Szyszko said that many buyers were really liking their pieces with rough diamonds, as well as the brand’s textured, structural rings.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, VirginiaThe retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA MuseumThe new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
