Was 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
See Pop Star Ariana Grande’s Unusual Engagement Ring
It’s a two-stone ring and fans think they know the meaning behind it.

Last year, the actress announced her engagement, as one does, on Instagram, showcasing a Kataoka pearl ring on that finger.
Now, a year later, pop juggernaut Ariana Grande has done the same, albeit more coyly sandwiching the ring pics in an Instagram carousel of photos showing her alongside her boyfriend of about a year, luxury real estate agent Dalton Gomez.
Though Grande might have teased the news a little, when followers clicked through they got an up close view of her engagement ring.
Forevermark Merchandising Manager Kylie Bee told National Jeweler, “Ariana’s ring looks to be a 5-8 carat elongated oval diamond paired next to a simple pearl on a thin platinum band. The diamond appears to be very well cut and looks to be a high color seeing as set next to the white pearl it doesn’t show any warm tones at all.”
Bee estimated the ring to cost upward of $200,000.
Stephanie Gottlieb thought the carat weight is likely on the lower end of that estimate.
“I would guess that the diamond is a colorless 4-5 carat elongated oval shape, which would put the price at $100,000 to $400,000 depending on the particulars of quality,” she said.
The design is unique yet showcases several current bridal jewelry trends, starting with an uptick in proposals during the pandemic, according to jewelers around the country.
According to The Knot’s recently released survey, white metals are still the most popular and ovals are the hottest fancy shape, usurping princess cuts to become the second most popular shape after round brilliant cuts.
Additionally, in recent years, “alternative engagement rings,” or rings other than a diamond solitaire have become more mainstream, and Grande’s bauble shows shades of that by the diamond’s tilted setting, and by the incorporation of a pearl.
The two-stone look adds the bridal jewel a personality all its own. It could signify Grande’s birthstone (the songstress was born in June), though eagle-eyed Grande stans have ventured it’s the same pearl the singer’s grandfather wore on a stick pin, which her grandmother gave to her after he died.
Just as jewelry industry members were quick to pan Emma Stone’s engagement ring choice, citing a pearl as impractical for everyday wear, Gottlieb also warned of the potential perils in Grande’s ring.
“While I love the sentiment of Ariana including a family heirloom pearl in the ring,
Grande, who got her start with a supporting role on a Nickelodeon channel television show before shooting to fame for her impressive vocals as a pop singer, posted her good news on Sunday, the same day her Netflix concert special debuted.
The Latest

Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.

Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

Plus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.


Morris’ most cherished role was being a mother and grandmother, her family said.

“Vimini” is the first chapter of the “Bulgari Eternal” collection that merges archival pieces with modern creations.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

The third edition will be held in Half Moon Bay, California, in April.

The grant is in its first year and was created to recognize an exceptional fine jewelry designer whose star is on the rise.

Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Heath Yarges brings two decades of experience to the role.

Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.

Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.

Trevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.

The program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.

A new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.

Petra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.

The brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.

The department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.

The award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.

Edge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.

In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.

The family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.

Ivel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.

The supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.























