This year’s honorees include a Midwest retailer and two multi-store independents, one in New York and the other in New England.
Rio Tinto marketing diamond fashion pieces in China
In an effort to tap into the growing demand for diamond fashion jewelry in China, mining company Rio Tinto has launched a new diamond marketing initiative called “The Fashion of Diamonds” there.

Shanghai--In an effort to tap into the growing demand for diamond fashion jewelry in China, mining company Rio Tinto has launched a new diamond marketing initiative called “The Fashion of Diamonds” there.
For the campaign, Rio Tinto collaborated with five designers, Fei Liu, Zhong Hua, Aya Kamimura, Wen Wei Tong and Huang Chao Yan. The partnership resulted in 13 collections with a total of more than 90 pieces of jewelry using diamonds from the company’s Argyle mine in Australia.
The pieces were unveiled in Shanghai.
“I am delighted to be in Shanghai to see the results of this next phase in our China market strategy. Increasing wealth will continue to underpin China’s demand for diamond jewelry, which is in strong demand as a fashion accessory,” said Jean-Marc Lieberherr, managing director of Rio Tinto Diamonds.
“Rio Tinto Diamonds initially launched its China strategy in 2010 at Shanghai World Expo. Since that time, we have continued to focus on developing together with our trade and retail partners the diamond fashion jewelry market in China and creating opportunities for diamond purchasing beyond the solitaire engagement ring.”
The initiative will provide the Chinese diamond trade with retailer support materials, including marketing, training and a dedicated website.
Rio Tinto has done extensive market research about the growing demand of diamond fashion jewelry In the Chinese market, including the results of a study it commissioned from global market research company Ipsos released last year that said diamond fashion jewelry is desirable in China as part of a broader trend toward “affordable luxury” and is considered a versatile accessory for every-day wear.
The study also showed that design is important to Chinese consumers, challenging the idea that they appreciate only large high-quality diamonds or gold jewelry.
The company said that China’s growing demand for diamonds and diamond accessories will be met with the increased volume that has come with the opening of the underground portion of Argyle earlier this year. The average annual production is expected to be 20 million carats per year.
The Latest

As an homage to iconic crochet blankets, the necklace features the nostalgic motif through a kaleidoscope of cabochon-cut stones.

Discover the dozen up-and-coming brands exhibiting in the Design Atelier for the first time.

When investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.


Two existing executives have been given new roles.

Meredith Tiderington, an electrical engineering student, was selected for the award.

More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.

It will quit assigning the stones specific color and clarity grades in favor of applying “new descriptive terminology.”

From design trends to sustainability, here’s a roundup of can’t-miss education sessions at JCK Las Vegas.

The Jewelers’ Security Alliance offers advice for those attending the annual trade shows.

Her new role is director of strategic initiatives.

The designer is embracing bold pieces with weight to them in “AU79,” a collection she celebrated with a creative launch party.

On an earnings call, CEO J.K. Symancyk discussed what’s working for the company and how it’s preparing for the potential impact of tariffs.

The index partially rebounded after months of decline, due in part to the U.S.-China deal to temporarily reduce import tariffs.

The actress stars in the latest campaign set in Venice, Italy, and is set to participate in other creative initiatives for the jeweler.

The company has joined other labs, including GIA and Lotus Gemology, in adopting the Chinese term for "jadeite jade."

Located in Bangkok, the laboratory is Gemological Science International’s 14th location worldwide.

Those born in June have a myriad of options for their birthstone jewelry.

The diamond industry veteran has been named its senior sales executive.

The company plans to raise the prices of select watches to offset the impact of tariffs.

Between tariffs and the sky-high cost of gold, designers enter this year’s Las Vegas shows with a lot of questions and few answers.

Designed by founder Renato and his daughter Serena Cipullo, it showcases a flame motif representing unity and the power of gathering.

However, the tariffs remain in effect in the short term, as an appeals court has stayed the U.S. Court of International Trade’s decision.

The pop icon is one step closer to launching her “B Tiny” jewelry collection, a collection she first began posting about last fall.

Sponsored by Stuller

It was featured in the miner’s latest sale, which brought in $24.8 million.