Events & Awards

Market Roundup: What Buyers Wanted in Chicago

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.

20160419_Smart-Show-Article.jpg
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.

Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

LIM-401 2024 National Jeweler Supplier Bulletin- iD100 Web and Eblast FINAL (1).jpg
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

Wolf CEO Simon Wolf
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. Expansion

Simon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.

Iowa jeweler Herman Ginsberg
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99

A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.

gia1d100 btyb.jpg
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

The risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.

Charles & Colvard moissanite ring
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to Noncompliance

The company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.

Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Young Diamantaires
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to Nonprofit

The organization also announced its board of directors.

Mined + Found "Hope" Matchbox Locket
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So Charming

Charms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.

gia-topimage 0325.jpg
Brought to you by
A Brilliant Future Is Here

Get online education from GIA experts.

Bulgari’s expanded factory in Valenza, Italy
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in Italy

Located in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.

1999 Cosmograph Daytona, Ref.16516
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to Auction

A platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.

Carmelo Anthony and Jaylen Brown David Yurman campaign
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen Brown

The basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.

Woman wearing Zales jewelry
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine Jewelry

The Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.

JAR Apricot Blossom bracelet
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry Collection

The 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.

National Jeweler columnist Lilian Raji
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of Mouth

Lilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.

Avi Levy
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth Officer

GCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.

Scottsdale Fine Jewelers store exterior
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow Independent

The Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Bill and Birdie Levine of Van Cott Jewelers
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 Years

Van Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.

IJO Director Samantha Larson
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise Strategy

Industry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.

Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host Convention

The two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.

Daymond John
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las Vegas

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

Dukachi Easter Bread Pendant
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ Pendant

The Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.

Bremer Jewelry
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated Store

The jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.

Tiffany & Co. Strong Like Mom campaign
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day Campaign

The “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.

Athena Calderone x John Hardy Collection
CollectionsApr 17, 2025
John Hardy, Athena Calderone Partner on Art Deco Decor-Inspired Collection

Interior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.

Movado Connect 2.0 watches
FinancialsApr 17, 2025
Movado Group to Increase Prices to Offset Tariffs Impact

During a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.

Natural Diamond Council Diamond Learning Center Graphic
Lab-GrownApr 17, 2025
NDC Launches Its Diamond Learning Center

The free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.

Jewelers of America logo
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2025
Jewelers of America Requests Tariffs Testimonials from Members

The feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy