Associate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
Minimum Wage Going Up in 18 States
The increases range from 35 cents to $1 per hour and are the result of legislation, ballot measures or adjusting for inflation.
New York--Effective Jan. 1, a total of 18 states increased their minimum wage as the result of legislation, ballot measures or to adjust for inflation.
According to the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), the states increasing the minimum wage due to legislation or a ballot measure passed by voters are: Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.
The other seven states increased minimum wage to keep pace with inflation. They are: Alaska, Florida, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, New Jersey and South Dakota.
The increases range from 35 cents (Michigan) to $1 (Maine).
A listing of the new minimum wage in each state along with the amount of the increase that brought it to that level is available on the EPI’s website.
Nineteen cities and one county also increased their minimum wage, effective Jan. 1.
They are: Flagstaff, Arizona; Cupertino, El Cerrito, Los Altos, Milpitas, Mountain View, Oakland, Palo Alto, Richmond, San Jose, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Sunnyvale, California; Minneapolis; Albuquerque and Bernalillo County, New Mexico; New York City; and SeaTac, Seattle and Tacoma, Washington.
In addition to these cities and states, the National Employment Law Project (NELP) reports that minimum wage increases are on tap for three more states and a total of 18 additional cities and counties later this year.
Meanwhile, minimum wage increase campaigns are underway in at least 17 more cities and states, some of which already have raised the base hourly pay as of Jan 1.
According to NELP, they are: Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont, as well as the cities of Redwood, California; St. Paul, Minnesota; and Washington, D.C.
The Latest

Its app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.

The revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

The special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.


Here are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.

Found by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

Our Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.

The group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.

From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.

The big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.

Marie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.

At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.

Ilana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.

It was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.

The approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.

The men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.

The bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.

The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.

The industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.

The panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.

Inspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.

The company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.

The jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.

Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”

Those born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.





















