SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
MajorsJun 07, 2017
Budget for Marketing Diamonds Upped to $57M
The Diamond Producers Association will have a lot more money to promote diamonds to millennials in Q4, the bulk of which will be spent in the U.S.
The DPA’s new print ads contrast the age of mined diamonds--more than 2 billion years old--with the length of human relationships. The ad pictured here reads: “Anke & Guanchen have been together since last summer. Her diamonds are more than two billion years old.”
Las Vegas--This week in Las Vegas, the Diamond Producers Association confirmed what was first reported back in January--the mining companies will be putting more money into the association in order to promote diamonds.
The DPA, which started with a total annual budget of about $6 million, announced this week in Las Vegas that it has a full-year marketing budget of $57 million for 2017, $50 million of which will be spent in the United States. The remaining money will go toward expanding the “Real is Rare” campaign into India and China.
While the new commercials for the fourth quarter have not been shot yet, the DPA did unveil its Q4 print ads--which will run in magazines and across digital and out-of-home--during the annual Plumb Club breakfast, which took place Tuesday at Mandalay Bay.
At the breakfast, DPA Chief Marketing Officer Deborah Marquardt presented data that dispels the idea that millennials don’t like or buy diamonds.
She said that there are 80 million millennials in the United States, making them the largest generation in the country today. They account for 27 percent of the total population but make up 41 percent of diamond sales volume, and, like they do with so many other aspects of their lives, they share the stones on social media.
“Millennials have made diamonds social media stars,” she told the audience. “Diamonds are at the center of social conversation, all day, every day.”
Marquardt said the problem isn’t that millennials are disinterested in diamonds; it’s that the industry hasn’t “cracked the code” on how to effectively relay the story behind them, which has been the premise of the DPA’s marketing efforts since the association was founded--to find a way to get the next generation interested in diamonds.
The first of the new ads from the DPA is slated to run in the July issue of “People” magazine.
Developed by Mother New York--the same agency that conceived “Real is Rare” with the DPA--the five single-page print ads were shot in New York City in March.
They focus primarily on diamond jewelry for engagements and marriages with jewelry from the likes of Gillian Conroy, Danhov, Greenwich Street Jewelers, Beverly K., Leo Schachter and Pluczenik featuring Forevermark.
Jewelers will be able to use the ads in-store and in local media. Usage guidelines will be available for download on the DPA’s trade portal beginning in July.
More on Majors
The Latest
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
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.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
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.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 BoardThe governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
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.
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 & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
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.
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.
