EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
OtherDec 21, 2015
Changing Times: A Multiple-Choice Quiz
Columnist Jan Brassem pens another pop quiz, this one testing readers’ knowledge of the times, which he acknowledges are a-changin’.
Jan Brassem is a senior partner at MainBrace Global Partners, a jewelry advisory and & firm with offices in New York and Hong Kong.
Remember that old, iconic Bob Dylan tune, The Times They are a-Changin’?
I’ve been in the jewelry industry for decades, and can’t remember a time when there were so many political, global, social and economic uncertainties--some exceedingly enigmatic --facing the industry.
But wait, there’s more. No matter what ambiguities you encounter, or what you’ll do about them, it never seems to be the right “answer.” Today’s uncertainties always seem to be growing, changing and moving in the wrong speed or direction. They have become “moving targets.”
Makes you feel like you’re just howling at the moon sometimes.
The changing customer demographics is a case-in-point. The growing economic power of Generation Y, (a/k/a, Gen Y or the Millennials), 74 to 100 million consumers, born between 1978 and 2000, is expected to be a powerful economic force.
In case you didn’t know, the Gen Y’ers are forecast to purchase, directly or indirectly, $200 billion in goods or services a year, five times more than their parents did at their age. There are now more Gen Y’ers than Baby Boomers, and they will represent 50 percent of the total U.S. work force by 2017. Oh, did I mention, within the next five years, the biggest revenue source for any industry is forecast to come from the Gen Y consumer.
No matter what consumer authority you talk to, it is agreed that the Gen Y consumer is technologically sophisticated, considering that many of them probably used a computer before their first day of school. The computer became their “training wheels” so to speak. They are the “Internet generation.”
So it’s no surprise that the tech-savvy Millennials have earmarked a good part of that $200 billion for electronics. Consequently, iPads, iPhones, iPods, smartwatches and who knows what else have usurped much of their discretionary spending. Many retail authorities suggest the siphoning was at the expense of the basic jewelry store/chain.
In addition to the buying power of the millennials, here are 10 questions that test your knowledge of some of the other trends confronting jewelers today. If you know about them, start planning to minimize, or maximize, their effect on your store or operation. If you’re unfamiliar with some of these trends, you’ve got work to do.
Please answer the questions as best you can. The answers follow with a brief reference/explanation or are self-explanatory.
Quiz (Choose either A, B or C)
1.
Over the summer, China, the world’s largest trading country, devalued the Yuan Renminbi, their official currency. What effect will that have on U.S. purchases from China?
A. No effect
B. It will make Chinese products cheaper.
C. It will make Chinese products more expensive.
2. Where is the largest, annual overseas jewelry/watch trade show?
A. HTDC International Jewelry Show, Hong Kong
B. Baselworld Watch and Jewellery Show, Switzerland
C. Bangkok Jewelry Fair, Thailand
3. According to leading world-class executives, including Warren Buffett, “a growth strategy that is faster, cheaper and less risky than organic expansion, despite the challenges” is?
A. Inventory substitution
B. Acquiring or merging with other businesses
C. Buying inventory in Asia
4. L2, a well-known, member-based business intelligence firm that benchmarks the digital performance of brands, put Tiffany & Co. where on its 2015 ranking of specialty retail brands?
A. 1st
B. 9th
C. 13th
5. Seeking to broaden their customer base by lowering their retail price while at the same time retaining their cachet, luxury brands have more than trebled their customers, according to Bain & Company. Spending on jewelry, watches, etc. has risen at double the rate of global GDP. Most of these new buyers are not the very rich but the merely prosperous, with incomes of up to $188,000.
According to The Economist, which brand led the movement to lower retail prices?
A. Rolex
B. Cartier
C. Breitling
6. Recent research by Stanford University on consumer decision-making has examined if people are able to make better purchase choices using the new Internet environment. Does this research mean that brands will become less important to consumer in the future?
A. Yes
B. Too early to tell
C. No
7. Last month, Boston’s RR Auction Company sold the one and only lunar-landing watch held in private hands: Commander David Scott’s Bulova Prototype, which was worn on his third and final moonwalk of 1971’s Apollo 15 mission. How much did it sell for?
A. $50,000
B. $1.6 million
B. $1,500
8. There are many types of analytical tools, such as statistical analysis and behavior “coding,” to name two. In the groundbreaking Analytics at Work, Davenport, Harris and Morison argue that using analytics can help to determine new product offerings and where to effectively employ marketing dollars. However, their research suggests that important decisions frequently are not based on analytical skill but rather on one’s “gut” feeling. According to their research, what percentage of the time are decisions based on “gut” feelings?
A. 90 percent
B. 40 percent
C. 20 percent
Answers, including sources
1. B
http://blogs.wsj.com/briefly/2015/08/10/5-things-about-chinas-currency-devaluation/
2. B
Research by MainBrace Global Partners
3. B
Rules to Acquire By Bruce Nolop in Harvard Business Review, www.hbr.org
4. B
http://www.l2inc.com/brand-rankings
5. B
6. B
http://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/itamar-simonson-do-brands-still-matter-online-shoppers
7. B
http://nypost.com/2015/11/05/this-1-6m-watch-went-to-the-moon/
8. B
Analytics at Work for Smarter Decisions and Better Results by Thomas Davenport, Jeanne Harris and Robert Morison, Harvard Business Press, www.hbr.org/books
Jan Brassem is a senior partner at MainBrace Global Partners, a jewelry advisory and M&A firm with offices in New York and Hong Kong. E-mail him at Jan@MainBraceGlobalPartners.com.
A. No effect
B. It will make Chinese products cheaper.
C. It will make Chinese products more expensive.
2. Where is the largest, annual overseas jewelry/watch trade show?
A. HTDC International Jewelry Show, Hong Kong
B. Baselworld Watch and Jewellery Show, Switzerland
C. Bangkok Jewelry Fair, Thailand
3. According to leading world-class executives, including Warren Buffett, “a growth strategy that is faster, cheaper and less risky than organic expansion, despite the challenges” is?
A. Inventory substitution
B. Acquiring or merging with other businesses
C. Buying inventory in Asia
4. L2, a well-known, member-based business intelligence firm that benchmarks the digital performance of brands, put Tiffany & Co. where on its 2015 ranking of specialty retail brands?
A. 1st
B. 9th
C. 13th
5. Seeking to broaden their customer base by lowering their retail price while at the same time retaining their cachet, luxury brands have more than trebled their customers, according to Bain & Company. Spending on jewelry, watches, etc. has risen at double the rate of global GDP. Most of these new buyers are not the very rich but the merely prosperous, with incomes of up to $188,000.
According to The Economist, which brand led the movement to lower retail prices?
A. Rolex
B. Cartier
C. Breitling
6. Recent research by Stanford University on consumer decision-making has examined if people are able to make better purchase choices using the new Internet environment. Does this research mean that brands will become less important to consumer in the future?
A. Yes
B. Too early to tell
C. No
7. Last month, Boston’s RR Auction Company sold the one and only lunar-landing watch held in private hands: Commander David Scott’s Bulova Prototype, which was worn on his third and final moonwalk of 1971’s Apollo 15 mission. How much did it sell for?
A. $50,000
B. $1.6 million
B. $1,500
8. There are many types of analytical tools, such as statistical analysis and behavior “coding,” to name two. In the groundbreaking Analytics at Work, Davenport, Harris and Morison argue that using analytics can help to determine new product offerings and where to effectively employ marketing dollars. However, their research suggests that important decisions frequently are not based on analytical skill but rather on one’s “gut” feeling. According to their research, what percentage of the time are decisions based on “gut” feelings?
A. 90 percent
B. 40 percent
C. 20 percent
Answers, including sources
1. B
http://blogs.wsj.com/briefly/2015/08/10/5-things-about-chinas-currency-devaluation/
2. B
Research by MainBrace Global Partners
3. B
Rules to Acquire By Bruce Nolop in Harvard Business Review, www.hbr.org
4. B
http://www.l2inc.com/brand-rankings
5. B
6. B
http://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/itamar-simonson-do-brands-still-matter-online-shoppers
7. B
http://nypost.com/2015/11/05/this-1-6m-watch-went-to-the-moon/
8. B
Analytics at Work for Smarter Decisions and Better Results by Thomas Davenport, Jeanne Harris and Robert Morison, Harvard Business Press, www.hbr.org/books
Jan Brassem is a senior partner at MainBrace Global Partners, a jewelry advisory and M&A firm with offices in New York and Hong Kong. E-mail him at Jan@MainBraceGlobalPartners.com.
More on Other
The Latest
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
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.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
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.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 BoardThe governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
