SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
OtherJun 22, 2015
Designer’s Diary: Designing with millennials in mind
As Generation Y matures and becomes more prosperous, the jewelry industry will need to become more socially conscious, Jacqueline Stone writes in her latest diary entry.
Jacqueline Stone is the chief creative officer of her company, Salt + Stone, working primarily with private clients to build custom engagement rings and wedding bands. She can be reached at shine@saltandstone.com.
Ah, millennials. We love to lambast them for their laziness, entitlement and narcissism. After all this is a generation that’s staggeringly unemployed, yet this doesn’t seem weigh on their minds enough to distract them from taking selfies on Instagram all day. Or so the stereotype goes.
But there’s more substance to this generation than the jewelry industry is currently aware of--much less catering to--and it’s time we start paying attention, rather than write them off as too young and broke to be a viable market.
As a generation, millennials are probably the most principled when it comes to their spending. They like luxury goods just as much as boomers but, unlike their forbearers, they care about where their goods come from. They want to know in what type of working conditions their clothes and shoes were made and how the workers were treated.
Think about American Apparel, which started as a young brand for young people. Sure, racy advertising campaigns and an adult aesthetic was part of the brand’s almost-instant popularity, but its ethos was built on the fact that the clothes are made in America, Los Angeles specifically, the transparency of their operations, worker compensation and factory conditions.
That awareness and conscience-driven decision making is what informs millennial big-ticket spending. Sure, they want a shiny new car, even if they go into debt to get it, but they want it to be a hybrid so they feel they’re doing their part to protect the environment.
As an independent jewelry designer, I’ve been thinking a lot about how I can incorporate these kinds of values into my collections. It’s not easy, because we just haven’t fully adapted these principles in the industry.
The Kimberley Process ensures diamonds only come from countries where proceeds from the goods are not outright fueling rebellions against legitimate governments. This is a good start, but it doesn’t address an equally important part of the process--the working conditions within those mines or how those workers are compensated.
Also, all rough diamonds coming in and out of the United States must adhere to the Kimberley Process, but melee diamonds are a part of the story where the lines get a bit more blurry. Many diamonds under 1 carat do not have a GIA report, which makes them more difficult to track and easier to cross borders. Diamonds are big money. Regulations are reluctant and slow.
As far as colored gemstones, there doesn’t seem to be any sort of regulation system at all.
I was recently introduced to a lapidary in New York City who cuts his diamonds on the street (in the Diamond District) instead of sending them out, and all rough is imported from his brother’s mine in Brazil. I get some peace of mind in learning from him how those workers are treated but without any sort of industry standards and oversight, there is no way of knowing for sure.
One of my mentors once told me to keep focus on my designs and let the officials worry about policies. Wise words, since I don’t have the expertise or resources to make any immediate difference. But I can’t help this weighing on my conscience when I purchase stones, and feel it’s my duty to at least address it here.
So yes, when they’re not busy Snapchatting, millennials are very much concerned with social issues and the integrity behind the items they purchase.
As an industry, jewelers need to take a cue from this emerging market. According to a report recently published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Americans between the ages of 26 and 35 are more likely to purchase jewelry than any other segment of the population.
Remember, they won’t be young and broke forever, and as they become more prosperous, we need to be more conscious.
Jacqueline Stone has a background in finance, marketing, advertising, product development, fine jewelry manufacturing, design and sourcing. She currently is the chief creative officer of her company, Salt + Stone, working primarily with private clients to build custom engagement rings and wedding bands. Stone can be reached at shine@saltandstone.com.
More on Other
The Latest
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
