AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
Events & AwardsJun 08, 2017
In Vegas, a Discussion on Changing the Diamond Narrative
Panelists from the GIA, De Beers and ABN Amro bank convened Tuesday morning for a panel discussion organized by diamond supplier SRK Exports.
Las Vegas--To preserve the value of diamonds in the eyes of the next generation’s consumers, there’s a job to be done by stakeholders at every point in the diamond pipeline, according to a panel of experts convened at JCK Las Vegas.
The panel, sponsored by SRK Exports (Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt. Ltd.), a global polished diamond supplier and De Beers sightholder, was organized to celebrate SRK’s new branding strategy and latest e-commerce platform.
It featured moderator Rob Bates, news director of JCK magazine, and panelists Tom Moses, executive vice president and chief laboratory and research officer at the Gemological Institute of America; Erik Jens, CEO, Diamond and Jewellery clients, ABN Amro bank; and Paul Rowley, executive vice president of global sightholder sales at De Beers.
“We need to understand how our customers are changing,” said Rowley. “Storytelling should be key, because that’s the way to reach today’s consumers.”
The GIA’s Moses then told a story about viewing the Hope Diamond during a behind-the-scenes visit to the Smithsonian Institution’s gem collection at the Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems and Minerals in Washington, D.C.
There, he learned a story about the last owner of the Hope Diamond, Evalyn Walsh McLean, who along with wearing the diamond regularly, also allowed the children in her household to play hide-and-seek with the famous gem--even while outdoors.
“That explains why, when GIA examined the Hope, we noted there were so many abrasions on it,” said Moses, who added that McLean’s philanthropy matched her evident zest for life and appreciation for fine gems.
Along with telling stories about diamonds’ lore and history, all three panelists talked about changing the narrative for diamonds in other ways, away from a negative message and toward a more positive and hopeful one.
Moses cited the example of Botswana, where the diamond resource has benefited that previously very poor country in so many diverse ways.
RELATED CONTENT: The Film That Should Be on the Industry’s RadarJens agreed. “We in the industry do tend to be defensive. But when you see the transformation of countries because of diamonds, it’s very moving.”
Moses suggested that diamond marketers tell the very human stories of how workers at today’s large diamond mines benefit from the resource, rather than being hurt by it.
In addition to better storytelling, De Beers executive Rowley came back again and again to the point that the diamond
experience must change in-store, too, and at all points that face consumers.
“The fact that consumers are demanding to know the positive origin of diamonds is on its way to becoming a prerequisite for selling,” he observed. “So we have to go beyond that. Today, buyers want to feel a sense of wonder when they buy products too.”
Retailers who can produce experiences for their customers will also need to be extremely knowledgeable, because the level of education that consumers obtain online is significant.
JCK’s Bates cited a survey showing that 85 percent of buyers who go into stores today believe they know more than a sales associate about a given product.
“De Beers’ research shows that the desire for diamonds is still very strong,” said Rowley. “We just need to exploit it better and capitalize on it.”
“The fact that consumers are demanding to know the positive origin of diamonds is on its way to becoming a prerequisite for selling,” he observed. “So we have to go beyond that. Today, buyers want to feel a sense of wonder when they buy products too.”
Retailers who can produce experiences for their customers will also need to be extremely knowledgeable, because the level of education that consumers obtain online is significant.
JCK’s Bates cited a survey showing that 85 percent of buyers who go into stores today believe they know more than a sales associate about a given product.
“De Beers’ research shows that the desire for diamonds is still very strong,” said Rowley. “We just need to exploit it better and capitalize on it.”
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
Weekly QuizJun 25, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy BoardThe three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.
ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online CartJewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-TrendThe fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.
SourcingJun 24, 2026
Columbia Gem House To Offer Alexandrite Melee OnlineThe collection features traceable alexandrite from Brazil in calibrated sizes that is sorted by grade.
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales OfficerDhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in EthiopiaSSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime DayAs Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnerCole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.
EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
