The “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
DEF Awarded $100K JCK Industry Fund Grant
It will support the Diamond Empowerment Fund’s Diamonds Do Good Initiative.

New York--The JCK Industry Fund is again awarding a grant to the Diamond Empowerment Fund to support its Diamonds Do Good Initiative, a consumer-facing program that highlights the good works of the industry.
A check for the $100,000 grant will be given at the upcoming JCK Las Vegas show, where DEF will hold its annual Diamonds Do Good Awards on Thursday, May 31 at the Four Seasons Hotel.
According to research, three out of four consumers say they are more likely to purchase a diamond after reading positive stories about how the industry gives back, DEF said.
The Diamonds Do Good Initiative, now in its third year, was launched with the help of the JCK Industry Fund. It uses a storytelling format to reach and consumers through targeted digital platforms and social media.
Last year alone saw 264 million consumer impressions of the Diamonds Do Good message, the organization said.
To help retailers connect consumers with these stories, DEF created a digital toolkit with the help of board member Kathy Corey of Day’s Jewelers. It can be accessed online.
“Putting forward a positive narrative surrounding diamonds is essential,” DEF President and GIA Senior Vice President Anna Martin said. “Sharing these stories with our customers is not only good for business, it is a responsibility for the entire industry.”
Yancy Weinrich, senior vice president of Reed Jewelry Group, said on behalf of the JCK Industry Fund Committee: “We are honored to be part of this passionate community that continues to meet challenges with opportunities for growth and innovation.”
The JCK Industry Fund was established in 1997 to foster development and research of programs that benefit the industry and enhance its image. The fund has awarded more than $6 million in grants to date.
The Latest

This year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.

The author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

Three-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.


Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.

These up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

The lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.

This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.

High-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

The designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.

Buying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.

The trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.

The Curated Designer Project has expanded to highlight eight independent jewelry designers during CBG’s Las Vegas show.

Bring a cool tone to your summer jewelry with these white metal pieces.

The deal closed this week, which means Instore will produce the JA NY show slated to take place this fall.

The company’s jewelry sales were up in Q4 and the fiscal year, with Richemont raising prices in part because of the cost of gold.

The “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.

The updated catalog has a newly dedicated section for gift wrapping.

Everett covers colored stones’ surging popularity, the mellow return of the “Mellon Blue,” and his “The Devil Wears Prada” doppelgänger.

Fourth-generation CEO Lilly Mullen wants to emphasize experience, connection, and personalized service.

The new award, created in partnership with Henne Jewelers, honors the late designer’s legacy through supporting jewelry education.

The NYPD is warning elderly New Yorkers to keep their jewelry hidden when walking outside to avoid being a target.

Designer Viviana Langhoff has realized her dream of owning a space for her Chicago jewelry store that looks and feels like her brand.

The sessions will run from Friday, May 29, to Sunday, May 31, with one being a live taping of an episode of Couture’s podcast.

Former Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry executive Morgan P. Richardson is joining the lab-grown diamond jewelry brand.


























