Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
TrendsOct 11, 2019
The Contemporary Jewelry Design Group is Shuttering
Dwindling interest from current members has led to the non-profit’s closure after 30 years.
New York—Non-profit association Contemporary Jewelry Design Group is closing after 30 years, the group announced in a statement posted to its website and social media channels this week.
“We relied almost entirely on the collection of membership dues, and we have reluctantly determined that this is no longer a viable option for the association going forward. While we were continuing to gain new members, the renewal rate for current members continued to drop,” the statement read in part.
Founded in 1989, CJDG’s goal has always been to promote independent jewelry designers in the industry at large.
The organization did so through its website that features designer profiles, a monthly e-mail newsletter that went to approximately 2,000 retailers and a robust social media presence, including nearly 15,000 followers at the time of this article.
The CJDG’s website currently lists 93 members, including brands like Adel Chefridi, Coomi, Dana Bronfman and Ray Griffiths.
The CJDG booth has been a presence for several years at the Couture jewelry trade show, hosting six member designers.
Marylouise Lugosch became the group’s executive director in 1999, running daily operations.
She explained to National Jeweler that changes in the way brands do business has been a major factor in closing the organization.
“CJDG started in 1989 when a group of designers got together at a show in California. They realized that they didn’t have a voice in the jewelry industry, so they banded together to try to make the industry and the retailers more aware of their work,” she explained.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by CJDG (@cjdgjewelers) on Oct 8, 2019 at 7:11am PDT
“At that time, everyone did the trade shows,” she added. “Today, more than half of our members don’t do shows at all. The sense of community was lost. Yes, online communities can be vibrant, but people need to see each other in the flesh a few times a year and that wasn’t happening as much. At the same time that trade show participation was dwindling, retail was changing. Social media and Instagram are great, but at some point you get lost in all the images.”
Lugosch also felt CJDG never fully recovered from the 2008 recession, the end of an era in which customers “would put a pair of $4,000 18-karat gold earrings on their credit card.”
Despite its closure, she said that CJDG has achieved its goals of promoting brands’ work over the past three decades.
Her fondest memories are of the relationships fostered between designers.
“We created a
great sense of community,” she said.
Lugosch is most proud of CJDG’s spearheading of the Cindy Edelstein Memorial Auction at the Couture jewelry trade show, an idea from Just Jules designer Julie Romanenko, which raised $30,000 for the WJA Cindy Edelstein Jewelry Design Scholarship and Jewelers for Children in honor of the late jewelry advocate.
Lugosch is most proud of CJDG’s spearheading of the Cindy Edelstein Memorial Auction at the Couture jewelry trade show, an idea from Just Jules designer Julie Romanenko, which raised $30,000 for the WJA Cindy Edelstein Jewelry Design Scholarship and Jewelers for Children in honor of the late jewelry advocate.
More on Trends
The Latest
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, VirginiaThe retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA MuseumThe new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
