At Converge 2025, Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff attended sessions on DEI, tariffs, security, and more. Here are her top takeaways.
10 Jewelry News Stories You Might Have Missed
More Q2 results roll in, a pair of hearts wins big at auction and BIPOC designers send a message.

New York—Last week, National Jeweler published a link to an open letter from a group of 29 BIPOC—Black, indigenous and people of color—designers.
The letter calls for more support of and equity for BIPOC members of the jewelry industry, and lays out ways the industry can help. It can be read in its entirety here.
Also making the news were the Q2 results of a number of big players, including Swatch Group and De Beers, and a mask-wearing plea from another major retail organization.
Read on for more top stories.
1) BIPOC Designers Have Something to Say to the Industry
An open letter from a group of black, indigenous, and people of color jewelry designers calls for more support, education and equity.
2) Swatch Cuts Jobs, Closes Stores as Sales Slump
The Swiss watchmaker is eliminating 2,400 jobs and closing 260 locations in an effort to downsize its retail footprint.
3) Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Sink 41% in Q1
The luxury titan posted double-digit declines across all regions, categories and distribution channels as COVID-19 took its toll.
4) Alrosa, De Beers Report Q2 Results
Production fell by 30-50 percent while sales plummeted as COVID-19 took its toll.
5) Independent Jewelers See Sales Grow in June
Monthly diamond revenue climbed 12 percent year-over-year.
6) June Retail Sales Up 8%, But COVID-19 Threat Looms Large
A rise in COVID-19 cases combined with rising unemployment numbers is a threat to economic recovery, said the National Retail Federation.
7) All Retailers Should Adopt Mask Policy, Says NRF
The call follows mega-retailer Walmart implementing a mask mandate in its stores.
8) COVID-19: Consumer Trends and Where They’ll Go from Here
A recent survey by Provoke Insights looks at online shopping vs. off, the in-store experience and consumers’ top concerns about the future.
9) These 2 Fancy Color Diamonds Captured Buyers’ Hearts in HK
The 5.04-carat fancy vivid blue diamond led Sotheby’s jewelry auction, selling for $10.6 million Friday.
10) Jewelers Relief Fund Raises $27K for Stores in Need
Industry support provided financial assistance to 10 independent jewelry stores that sustained damage during the recent lootings.
The Latest

Six people were shot last week at an Oakland cash-for-gold shop as employees exchanged gunfire with individuals trying to rob the store.

The jeweler has expanded its high jewelry offering, which launched last year, with new pieces featuring its cube motif that debuted in 1999.

With their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.

Ben Bridge Jeweler and Lux Bond & Green were a part of the pilot program.


Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares eight of her favorite jewelry looks from the 77th annual Primetime Emmy Awards, held Sunday night.

It’s predicting a rise in retail sales this holiday season despite economic uncertainty and elevated inflation.

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

It included the sale of the 11,685-carat “Imboo” emerald that was recently discovered at Kagem.

The newly elected directors will officially take office in February 2026 and will be introduced at the organization’s membership meeting.

Associate Editor Lauren McLemore headed out West for a visit to Potentate Mining’s operation hosted by gemstone wholesaler Parlé Gems.

Fordite is a man-made material created from the layers of dried enamel paint that dripped onto the floors of automotive factories.

Gilbertson has worked as a researcher, jeweler, lapidary artist, appraiser, and business owner throughout his decades in the industry.

A decision likely won’t come until January 2026 at the earliest, and the tariffs remain in effect until then.

Located in the revamped jewelry hall at the retailer’s New York City flagship, this opening is Tabayer’s first shop-in-shop.

The new, free app offers accessible educational content, like games and podcasts, for U.S. retailers.

As the gold price rises, the manufacturer is offering a 100 percent payout through Sept. 30 for gold clean scrap.

Jacob & Co. partnered with the German technology company on two pairs of headphones, one set with diamonds and the other with sapphires.

Guillermo del Toro’s 2025 “Frankenstein” will feature 27 jewels and objects from the storied brand, including pieces from its archives.

The Waldorf Astoria New York’s grand reopening this past summer means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event.

Anglo plans to merge with Teck Resources Ltd. to form Anglo Teck. The deal changes nothing about its plans to offload De Beers.

The 9.51-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, which set two world auction records at Sotheby’s in 2014, is estimated to fetch up to $30 million.

The industry veteran joins the auction house as it looks to solidify its footprint in the jewelry market.

The nonprofit awarded four students pursuing a professional career in jewelry making and design with $2,250 each.

The Texas-based jeweler has also undergone a brand refresh, debuting a new website and logo.

The two organizations have finalized and signed the affiliation agreement announced in May.

The single-owner sale will headline Sotheby's inaugural jewelry auction at the Breuer building, its new global headquarters, this December.