IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Catbird Expands to ChicagoThe opening marks the jewelry retailer’s first location in the Midwest.
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
CollectionsApr 16, 2025
Foundrae’s First Commitment Jewelry Collection Unites Through LoveThe “United in Love” collection offers tangible mementos of hearts entwined with traditional and non-traditional commitment heirlooms.
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Indiana Jeweler to Host Black Jewelry Designer Pop-UpRobert Goodman Jewelers will hold a “Black Jewelry Designers and Makers” event on April 27.
MajorsApr 16, 2025
WJA Announces Board Members, New Chicago Chapter PresidentThe announcements follow a tumultuous start to 2025 for WJA, which saw a wave of resignations following controversial statements about DEI.
Weekly QuizApr 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Tariffs: What We Know Right Now Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff answers questions about how the new taxes levied on countries like India and China will impact the industry.
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Q&A: Bogolo Joy Kenewendo on Making Deals, Marketing DiamondsKenewendo, Botswana’s minster of minerals and energy, discusses closing the deal with De Beers and the work that was missed along the way.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
AuctionsApr 15, 2025
23-Carat ‘Golconda Blue’ Heads to AuctionThe historic fancy vivid blue diamond set to headline Christie’s Geneva sale next month could sell for up to $50 million.
FinancialsApr 15, 2025
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Slip 2 PercentLVMH CFO Cécile Cabanis also discussed the effects of tariffs so far.
CrimeApr 15, 2025
Jon Hamm Plays a Jewel Thief on Apple TV+The “Mad Men” and “The Morning Show” star steals jewelry, art, and handbags from his wealthy neighbors in “Your Friends & Neighbors.”
SourcingApr 15, 2025
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2025 BoardThe organization has reelected Kalpesh Jhaveri as president.
FinancialsApr 14, 2025
Movado to Restate Years of Financials Due to ‘Misconduct’ in Dubai An investigation found that the former managing director of Movado’s Dubai branch overstated and prematurely recorded sales.
CollectionsApr 14, 2025
Sauer Embraces Emptiness Through ‘Ma’ CollectionThe collection pays tribute to the Japanese philosophy of Ma, studying balance, stillness, and the interplay between presence and absence.
IndependentsApr 14, 2025
Illinois Jeweler Closing After 45 YearsMari Lou’s Fine Jewelry in Orland Park, a suburb of Chicago, is closing its doors.
GradingApr 14, 2025
GIA Expands Overseas Services as Tariffs Kick InGIA’s labs in Dubai and Hong Kong are now accepting larger diamonds in light of the “logistical challenges” presented by the new tariffs.
AuctionsApr 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Replica of Princess Grace’s Wedding EarringsThese earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels, featuring the same design as a pair worn by Princess Grace, are up for auction at Woolley & Wallis.
Recorded WebinarsApr 11, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Saving Time With AITwo experts share how artificial intelligence tools can help retailers run a more efficient business.
SourcingApr 11, 2025
Mikimoto Names New President, CEO for U.S. DivisionKentaro Nishimura, who has been with the pearl company since 1997, has been promoted to president and CEO of Mikimoto America.
WatchesApr 11, 2025
Bulova Documentary Now on Amazon Prime“America Telling Time: 150 Years of Bulova” explores the storied history of the American watchmaker.
Policies & IssuesApr 10, 2025
Trump Presses Pause on Higher Tariffs for 90 DaysAn across-the-board tariff of 10 percent remains in place for all U.S. trading partners, except China.
MajorsApr 10, 2025
Brilliant Earth Taps Influencers, Their Moms for Mother’s Day CampaignBrigette Pheloung and Tania Sarin, and their mothers, star in the campaign wearing medallions they co-designed.
MajorsApr 10, 2025
Pary LeVian, Matriarch of the LeVian Family, Dies at 96LeVian is remembered for her unwavering commitment to her family, community, and helping others.
Events & AwardsApr 10, 2025
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Debut This SummerThe retail show is open to the public and will run July 24-27.
MajorsApr 09, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Opens Flagship in BrazilThe new store in the upscale Iguatemi São Paulo mall is the storied brand’s first flagship in Brazil.
AuctionsApr 09, 2025
Bonhams to Offer Selection of Chaumet JewelsThe pieces span from the Art Deco period to the 1970s and will go up for auction at the Paris Jewels sale later this month.
MajorsApr 09, 2025
Pandora Names Tyla as Its New Brand AmbassadorThe Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, who is set to perform at Coachella this month, also debuted a curated selection from the brand.
