The couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
CPAA Launches $250,000 Digital Marketing Campaign
It focuses on social media advertising to promote its online pearl education course.

New York--The Cultured Pearl Association of America has launched a digital marketing campaign to help drive interest in pearl education and consumer demand.
The $250,000 campaign, funded by the Tahitian Pearl Association of French Polynesia, will promote the organization’s online pearl education course, PearlsAsOne.org.
Jeremy Shepherd, CPAA treasurer and founder of PearlParadise.com and Pearl-Guide.com, created the CPAA’s Pearl Specialist Certification Course in 2016 in partnership with some of the world’s largest pearl producers, including the Tahitian Pearl Association of French Polynesia, Jewelmer, the Japan Pearl Exporters’ Association and Atlas Pearls.
The course brings together expertise from pearl farmers, retailers, processors, wholesalers and importers.
It is divided into 10 modules and covers topics like the history of the pearl industry, pearl valuation and current production methods.
“Most industry education focuses on diamonds and colored gemstones, and we discovered that many jewelry experts don’t have a deep understanding of pearls and how to appraise them,” Shepherd said about its creation.
The CPAA said to date, more than 20,000 people have taken the English-language course (it’s also available in six other languages).
Now, its marketing initiatives will focus heavily on social media to drive interest in the course as well as demand for pearls.
“Pearls have the most inspiring story in all of jewelry, and the monies made available by the TPAFP are being strategically spent to create knowledgeable collectors and fans all over the world,” said CPAA Executive Director Jennifer Heebner.
The Latest

Consumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.

In February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

The new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.


The LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.

The luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

The company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.

In the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.

Helzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.

Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.

The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.

Laura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.

The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.

Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.

It purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.

The lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.

Chandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.

The boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.

Sponsored by Digital Monitoring Products

The special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.

The “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.

Two awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.

Berta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.

Sotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.





















