CrimeDec 15, 2025
Men Receive Life Sentences in Home Invasion Murder of Jeweler Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.
Events & AwardsJul 25, 2016
Live from New York: Metal Predictions, Millennial Myths
Members of the jewelry industry have descended upon a sweltering New York City for the annual run of late July events.
New York--Members of the jewelry industry have descended upon a sweltering New York City for the annual run of late July events, including the antique show at the Metropolitan Pavilion and JA New York Summer.
The JA New York show opened Sunday at the Javits center, with 10 designers lining the New Designer Gallery and a slate of education sessions taking place throughout the day.
Sessions on social media, led by Dave Kerpen of Likeable Local, and millennials, led by Ben Smithee, were among the most well-attended seminars of the day.
Smithee’s talk centered on the myths surrounding millennials and the overriding message of his talk was this: Millennials aren’t dissimilar from the generations of consumers who came before them.
“Are millennials really that different?” he asked at the conclusion of the session. “We’re not. It’s really (that) consumerism is changing, it’s really the environment of business is changing.”
The millennial generation, which grew up with technology at their fingertips, is so large and well-connected online that their coming of age has brought about an overall shift in how people of all ages shop.
“Don’t think of it as a group of people, think of it as a mental change … that your business has to change with,” he said. “So we’re having the wrong discussion … about millennials and generations and the next generation of consumers. We should be having a conversation about the evolutionary shift in business and how we can affect that in our industry.”
This year, the JA New York Summer show is taking place against a backdrop of global economic and political uncertainty, underscored by a highly contentious presidential election in the United States.
At the Jewelers of America booth there are life-size cut-outs of Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, and the association is inviting attendees to take a photo with the candidate of their choice. As of mid-day, JA employees reported that support was split pretty much down the middle.
Global uncertainty, such as that surrounding the emotional U.S. election, and unexpected events, like June’s Brexit vote, can shake up consumer confidence and cause precious metal prices to spike.
But Dave Siminski of United Precious Metals said when it comes to events like an election or a terrorist attack, there’s always an immediate, sharp uptick in metal prices but they usually settle within a few days.
“It’s almost like watching a
heart monitor; you’ll have a blip and then (it) will come back down,” he said at his booth on Sunday afternoon.
Looking ahead to the rest of 2016, Siminski said that the price of gold has been climbing steadily all year, and he expects that to continue, with the yellow finishing the year at $1,375. Stuller’s Tammy Kidder, who was a visitor in the United Precious Metals booth, had a slightly lower prediction, $1,300 an ounce.
Siminski and Kidder both see silver continuing to rise as well, hitting about $22 an ounce, while platinum is expected to finish the year around $1,100 an ounce.
The jewelry industry events continue today in New York, with the WJA Awards for Excellence at the Hammerstein Ballroom, the announcement of the winners of the AGTA Spectrum Awards, and, on Tuesday, the American Gem Society’s annual Circle of Distinction dinner.
JA New York Summer continues through Tuesday at the Javits Center.
Looking ahead to the rest of 2016, Siminski said that the price of gold has been climbing steadily all year, and he expects that to continue, with the yellow finishing the year at $1,375. Stuller’s Tammy Kidder, who was a visitor in the United Precious Metals booth, had a slightly lower prediction, $1,300 an ounce.
Siminski and Kidder both see silver continuing to rise as well, hitting about $22 an ounce, while platinum is expected to finish the year around $1,100 an ounce.
The jewelry industry events continue today in New York, with the WJA Awards for Excellence at the Hammerstein Ballroom, the announcement of the winners of the AGTA Spectrum Awards, and, on Tuesday, the American Gem Society’s annual Circle of Distinction dinner.
JA New York Summer continues through Tuesday at the Javits Center.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
Policies & IssuesDec 15, 2025
Sara Yood Named Co-Chair of RJC Standards CommitteeYood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.
IndependentsDec 15, 2025
M.S. Rau to Open Store in AspenThe New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.
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.
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
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.
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
