Our Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.
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

The 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.

The reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.

Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.

McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.


Nelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.

The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.

With refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.

The MJSA Education Foundation’s scholarships support students pursuing jewelry careers.

The largest white diamond to come to market in the U.K. in more than a decade, the VVS1, I-color stone is expected to top $1 million.

Skelly shares her plans for reimagining the fine jewelry retailer she re-acquired after it faltered last year.

The collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.

In 2026, the jewelry retailer is celebrating a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.

The group of jewelers held a jewelry raffle in support of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.

The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.

The retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.

The award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.

The “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.

The unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.

Bulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.

Awards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.

The top jewelry lot of the late model’s estate sale, hosted by John Moran Auctioneers, was an Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier necklace.

Moses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.

Increased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.

The earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.

“The Price of Freedom” campaign video for International Women’s Day confronts the quiet violence of financial control.

Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.






















