This year’s honorees include a Midwest retailer and two multi-store independents, one in New York and the other in New England.
RapNet Expands Into Jewelry
The diamond trading network will give members the opportunity to trade jewelry without any commission or transaction fees.

Las Vegas–Diamond trading network RapNet will now offer jewelry trading, the company announced Monday.
Members can upload information, images, and 360-degree view videos of jewels for sale, and trade directly with other RapNet members without any transaction fees or commissions.
The user-friendly search engine allows shoppers to filter through items and save searches to revisit when they’re ready to buy.
The introduction of the new service is expected to boost RapNet’s membership and give the company an entrance into the jewelry trade.
“Possibilities are endless with regards to how many new RapNet members we will gain. Adding jewelry allows RapNet to reach a new market in the industry, and that is those that deal strictly in jewelry, and may not deal in diamonds,” said Sherri Hendricks, vice president of operations, in an email to National Jeweler.
Founded back in 1992, the peer-to-peer trading network, which is part of the Rapaport Group of Companies, today boasts around 14,600 members in 97 countries.
The network currently lists more than 1.5 million diamonds valued at more than $7.4 billion.
“We are continuing to deliver on our promise to add value to our membership,” said Rapnet CEO Saville Stern. “We are excited that jewelry trading will take its place on RapNet, and we look forward to providing more opportunities for our members to increase their profits.”
The platform underwent a makeover last year as part of what Rapaport called a $5 million development project, streamlining and safeguarding communications within the RapNet network.
RapNet is offering a free 30-minute live webinar on Feb.13 for U.S. members in need of a helping hand getting started using the service.
Editor’s note: This story was updated post-publication to adjust the number of RapNet members from 12,000 to 14,600.
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.