SurveysApr 02, 2021
5 Ways Consumers Have Changed Since COVID-19SourcingMay 13, 2021
Fura Gems Launches Membership-Based Marketing Program
The Fura Marketing Council will offer advertising materials, sales training, product promotion initiatives, business consulting, and more.
This is a screenshot of the website for the new Fura Marketing Council, which aims to boost consumer interest in colored gemstones.
Austin—Fura Gems is launching a new program designed to help grow the colored stone market.
The new Fura Marketing Council comes in response to a recent survey MVI Marketing did on behalf of the colored stone miner.
Ninety-three percent of consumers surveyed said they love emeralds, rubies, and sapphires, and 46 percent said they’re likely to buy one of these colored stones in the next two years.
In addition, dealers, manufacturers, and retailers confirmed they make a higher profit margin from colored stones than they do from diamonds, yet they’re not investing in training, promotion, and inventory to grow the category.
“When we reviewed the research data, it became very clear that there is a tremendous, underserved consumer market for colored gemstone jewelry,” MVI President Liz Chatelain said.
To help in this area, Fura, which mines Colombian emeralds, Mozambican rubies, and Australian sapphires, partnered with MVI to create a member-based program to help connect the supply chain from rough to retail and harness the miner’s resources.
MVI took inspiration from trade programs it had worked on in the past that were successful, Chatelain said, such as the Argyle Diamond Council and consumer brand Champagne Diamonds, and then asked, how can we modernize these and create a program that benefits everyone?
The Fura Marketing Council is the result.
The council will offer several benefits to members: B2B and B2C co-op advertising funds and materials, sales training and access to gem education, product promotion initiatives, promotion and advertising to their customer base, customized product images and video, and access to a chain of custody procedure for responsible sourcing.
Related stories will be right here …
The new Fura Marketing Council comes in response to a recent survey MVI Marketing did on behalf of the colored stone miner.
Ninety-three percent of consumers surveyed said they love emeralds, rubies, and sapphires, and 46 percent said they’re likely to buy one of these colored stones in the next two years.
In addition, dealers, manufacturers, and retailers confirmed they make a higher profit margin from colored stones than they do from diamonds, yet they’re not investing in training, promotion, and inventory to grow the category.
“When we reviewed the research data, it became very clear that there is a tremendous, underserved consumer market for colored gemstone jewelry,” MVI President Liz Chatelain said.
To help in this area, Fura, which mines Colombian emeralds, Mozambican rubies, and Australian sapphires, partnered with MVI to create a member-based program to help connect the supply chain from rough to retail and harness the miner’s resources.
MVI took inspiration from trade programs it had worked on in the past that were successful, Chatelain said, such as the Argyle Diamond Council and consumer brand Champagne Diamonds, and then asked, how can we modernize these and create a program that benefits everyone?
The Fura Marketing Council is the result.
The council will offer several benefits to members: B2B and B2C co-op advertising funds and materials, sales training and access to gem education, product promotion initiatives, promotion and advertising to their customer base, customized product images and video, and access to a chain of custody procedure for responsible sourcing.
It also includes consulting support from MVI Marketing on product development, sales, and marketing.
The program aims to be flexible and creative, Chatelain said, to allow members to decide what they want their marketing to look like and then help bring it to life.
“We really want to elevate the entire industry,” she said, with the aim of increasing the use of color in other segments of jewelry to help infuse more life into retailer’s display cases.
FMC membership will comprise all levels of the supply chain: colored stone cutters and dealers, jewelry manufacturers and designers, and retailers. Both direct and indirect Fura customers can join.
Fura is putting forward $2 million in the first year to support the council, with the focus starting on the United States, India, and the Middle East and likely expanding to other markets next year, according to Fura Chief Marketing Officer Rupak Sen.
Fura and MVI will launch the council during Las Vegas market week, currently scheduled for late August.
At AGTA GemFair, they will host a press event and invite the trade to visit their booth in the event’s Gallery for more information.
Additionally, Fura and MVI will be at Booth #15039 at JCK Las Vegas also showcasing stones and member information.
Meanwhile, interested parties can apply for membership at FMCGems.com.
The membership fee for founding FMC members will be $25,000.
The program aims to be flexible and creative, Chatelain said, to allow members to decide what they want their marketing to look like and then help bring it to life.
“We really want to elevate the entire industry,” she said, with the aim of increasing the use of color in other segments of jewelry to help infuse more life into retailer’s display cases.
FMC membership will comprise all levels of the supply chain: colored stone cutters and dealers, jewelry manufacturers and designers, and retailers. Both direct and indirect Fura customers can join.
Fura is putting forward $2 million in the first year to support the council, with the focus starting on the United States, India, and the Middle East and likely expanding to other markets next year, according to Fura Chief Marketing Officer Rupak Sen.
Fura and MVI will launch the council during Las Vegas market week, currently scheduled for late August.
At AGTA GemFair, they will host a press event and invite the trade to visit their booth in the event’s Gallery for more information.
Additionally, Fura and MVI will be at Booth #15039 at JCK Las Vegas also showcasing stones and member information.
Meanwhile, interested parties can apply for membership at FMCGems.com.
The membership fee for founding FMC members will be $25,000.
The Latest
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
Weekly QuizJun 11, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
