From chunky bands to vintage diamond cuts and bezel settings, these are the trends experts are seeing take over the bridal market.
Thai Lab AIGS Warns Trade About Fake Gemstone Reports
They look identical to genuine AIGS reports but have working QR codes that take users to a different website.
![Bangkok-based laboratory AIGS provided this snapshot of one of the fake gemstone grading reports that are currently circulating. 20180724_AIGS-fake-report.jpg](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/ec7b769897f682a5fce8fe846158d145.jpg)
Bangkok—The Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences recently issued a warning to the international trade that there are fake gemstone reports bearing the AIGS logo circulating in the market.
The AIGS is based in the Jewelry Trade Centre in Bangkok and issues hundreds of gemstone reports every day.
Chairman Kennedy Ho told National Jeweler the lab became aware of the issue when a client who was trying to verify a report on its website contacted them.
When the report didn’t come up on the site, the client sent the lab a picture of the report and AIGS discovered it was a fake.
The lab said the fake reports have working QR codes but, when scanned, they take users to AIGSThailand.co, instead of the correct website, AIGSThailand.com.
Ho said the only way the trade can be sure a report is genuinely from AIGS is to check the lab’s website or to enquire via email, with a photo of the report attached, to info@aigsthailand.com.
He added the AIGS will be taking legal action “to the highest extent of the law” against the perpetrators and those who use the fake reports with the intent to mislead others.
He told National Jeweler they don’t yet know who is behind the fake reports, only that the fraudulent website was registered in April.
Ho also said they don’t know how many of these fake reports are on the market, but given the professional nature of the fraud, they “do not think these crooks went to all this trouble to make just one report.”
The Latest
![This cushion-cut diamond engagement ring by designer Jean Prounis is one of the rings featured on the cover of “The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance” and is a favorite of author Marion Fasel. (Photo courtesy of Marion Fasel) Jean Prounis cushion-cut diamond engagement ring](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/fb220c446b914b547d342c31d91992de.jpg)
Fasel discusses researching her new book, the most enduring engagement ring styles, and the diamond shape Taylor Swift will pick.
![De Beers Jewellers uses rough green diamonds and polished round brilliant-cut white diamonds in the “Embrace” bracelet as an abstract nod to a tree’s roots. The main 1.72-carat oval diamond is set in a bezel made of jet, which the jeweler is using for the first time in this collection. De Beers Jewellers Embrace Bracelet](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/0b19cbf49dc1444ce2bcbfb236eeb421.jpg)
The “Essence of Nature, Chapter One” collection echoes trees and roots, literally and figuratively, through three sets of high jewelry.
![Top Image.png](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/17d84393fb1ce78143e2cc3ca59f2af5.png)
Colored stones are stepping into a jewelry spotlight typically reserved for diamonds—are you ready to sell color?
![Shree Ramkrishna Exports announced on International Reducing CO2 Emissions Day, which is observed every Jan. 28, that when it comes to manufacturing natural diamonds, its greenhouse gas emissions are now 30 percent below the industry average. Shree Ramkrishna Exports (SRK) diamonds](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/dbb4c606f1e07f6c1dbdee480598d03f.jpg)
Late last year, the India-based diamond manufacturer recorded emissions per carat that are 34 percent lower than the industry average.
![](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/99a46b30cc354962ac2e29ecd113587a.jpg)
![Peter Smith is an industry consultant, speaker, sales trainer, and author. He can be reached via email at TheRetailSmiths@gmail.com. Peter Smith](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/994d61f1a9c90b30584b8175fa91d2ca.jpg)
Smith details the types of store managers he’s encountered, with the goal of helping retailers find a person who’s a fit for their store.
![The myGemma showroom in New York City. The luxury resale company now offers a consignment service. myGemma showroom](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/3a76b80ded68364d60843789d9c96a71.jpg)
The secondhand reseller stocks pre-owned designer jewelry and watches, along with other luxury goods.
![Resolutions - 2025.jpg](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/7b2ba343f8d947757b0ff597db4ca873.jpg)
The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
![Ghirardelli Chocolate Company has launched a limited-edition, gold-plated locket perfectly sized to hold one mini Ghirardelli square. Ghirardelli Chocolocket](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/afe7b4833ee4a1b224b51cb20b37ce69.jpg)
The limited-edition “Chocolocket” fits a mini square of Ghirardelli chocolate inside.
![Jewelers of America will have two “20 Under 40” lists this year, one for retailers and one for suppliers. Interested parties have from now through Feb. 19 to nominate themselves or someone else for inclusion on either list. Jewelers of America 20 Under 40 graphic](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/9c4f8cef6f42f5b6411b5f4f9c1d53c6.jpg)
The program has been expanded to include a “20 Under 40” list for jewelry suppliers and is accepting nominations through Feb. 19.
![Two men, identified as Dimitriy Nezhinskiy and Juan Villar, who operated a business in New York City’s Diamond District, were charged with running a fencing operation for South American theft groups. Police cars with lights on](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/887e1c6de663e37d58e93cf9340ed4ae.jpg)
One of the men is said to be connected to the South American crew charged with burglarizing Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow’s home.
![For their second collaboration, Bulgari and independent Swiss watch brand MB&F have partnered to create the first contemporary, genderless offering featuring the jeweler’s “Serpenti” motif. Bulgari x MB&F Serpenti watch](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/7485414da0f51bb54430e4b450d5f98a.jpg)
The brands immersed one of Bulgari’s most famous historical icons in MB&F’s ultra-mechanical universe of haute horlogerie.
![A campaign image from Boucheron’s “Histoire de Style” high jewelry collection, “Power of Couture,” which debuted last year. The Kering-owned brand performed well in its recent full-year results. Boucheron Power of Couture campaign](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/df26760df8463544c07a6c2dcb34b6bd.jpg)
The luxury titan’s full-year performance was weighed down by struggling sales at its star brand Gucci.
![Midas Chain’s new natural diamond styles include “Flexi” tennis bracelets, pavé diamond bangles, eternity rings, diamond studs, and more. Midas Chain Diamond and Gemstone Jewelry](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/4b3ab40b4d7bcaac2cb0d11d069f93a5.jpg)
The jewelry manufacturer has launched more than 100 pieces made with natural diamonds.
![An 18-karat yellow gold “Stilla” ring set with marquise and round diamonds by Tacori ($2,990). Bain & Company’s new “Luxury Goods Worldwide Market Study” examines how the market performed in 2024 and what’s ahead in 2025. Tacori Stilla ring](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/6e34695c827d856045bcf86793fe3352.jpg)
Bain & Co.’s latest report on the luxury market examines why the market’s customer base is shrinking and how to appeal to consumers in 2025.
![CBP agents in Louisville, Kentucky, were busy seizing shipments of counterfeit jewelry last month, the agency said. Officers nabbed 28 shipments of jewelry and watches designed to pass as pieces from brands including Rolex, Cartier, and Van Cleef & Arpels. Pictured is a counterfeit Cartier “Juste Un Clou” bracelet. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Customs & Border Protection) Counterfeit Cartier “Juste Un Clou” bracelet](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/e7c0b70c799bfe84030a1dbda3475213.jpg)
Officers in Louisville seized 28 shipments of fake jewelry and watches that would have been worth more than $27 million if genuine.
![“Inside Out” takes inspiration from tailoring, specifically tuxedos and the lapel where the inside of the fabric becomes visible. The “Flip” bangles seen here feature 18-karat yellow gold that has been folded over and set with pavé diamonds ($12,700 for right, $21,500 for left). Hearts On Fire Inside Out Collection Bracelets](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/fc2828c6d3c97b4000252f19f0728262.jpg)
The collection centers on the art of tailoring, inspired by designs that feature folded fabrics, such as a tuxedo lapel.
![Select Jewelry Shows has added a new show in Nashville, scheduled to be held Oct. 26-27 at the JW Marriott Hotel. JW Marriott Hotel in Nashville Tennessee](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/ac6eb0f0b6e08bcbd55ac4cf645c71cf.jpg)
The trade show has added a new location to its fall line-up.
![Jade Trau Ladybird Charm](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/c06d874eacb2e378649c91741365aac2.jpg)
From the brand’s latest collection of lucky charms, the ladybird is seen as a bearer of good fortune and a ward against negative energy.
![Rough diamonds from Canada’s Gahcho Kué mine. Production at Gahcho Kué fell 43 percent in the fourth quarter and 16 percent on the year, part of a broader decline across all mines De Beers operates. (©De Beers Group/Photo credit: Ben Perry @ Armoury Films) Rough diamonds from De Beers’ Gahcho Kue diamond mine in Canada](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/1808183cd6c3220034d3e219c769a544.jpg)
The moves come amid a prolonged period of lower demand for diamonds, particularly in China.
![Stuller’s Bench Jeweler Workshop will run March 28- 29 at the company’s global headquarters in Lafayette, Louisiana. Stuller Bench Jeweler Workshop](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/31754b1a2e71d296592b1d47f0966e23.jpg)
The workshop returns in March, along with the “Battle of the Benches” mini challenge series.
![Indianapolis independent Windsor Jewelry will continue its 100-plus years in business after finding buyers, local attorneys Fernanda Beraldi and Ed Broecker. (Photo courtesy of Windsor Jewelry’s Facebook page) Windsor Jewelry in Indianapolis, Indiana](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/849170760c7b8e3b1b2773ae07a65e9d.jpg)
Two attorneys purchased Windsor Jewelry, which was set to close, and will retain all existing staff at the downtown Indianapolis store.
![In his 60 years with Oscar Heyman, Adam Heyman has made many trips overseas to buy gemstones and some of his favorite memories are of visiting dealers, stone cutters, and mines throughout Asia. At left, Heyman is pictured examining gemstones in Sri Lanka circa 2010. The picture at right, taken around 1970, shows Heyman (red tie) watching a gem cutter at work in Sri Lanka with his parents, George and Bess Heyman. (Photos courtesy of Oscar Heyman) Two images of Adam Heyman in Sri Lanka](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/9943b3f3c57bc37a7ddf819ea4e6e8b9.jpg)
Adam Heyman joined the family business in 1965, just weeks after graduating from Columbia Business School.
![Hamilton Jewelers has renovated its Palm Beach, Florida, boutique, located on Worth Avenue. Hamilton Jewelers Worth Avenue interior](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/cd9f9acaf348dc889caf375bd65c6af6.jpg)
The fourth-generation, family-owned jeweler has given its Worth Avenue store a new look.
![Anthony Farrer, 36, the luxury watch dealer who made a name for himself as “The Timepiece Gentleman,” pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud in late 2024. Last week, a federal judge sentenced him to 70 months in prison. Stock image of a gavel](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/3b9f812a1bfb5532acc6a43b0dcf750c.jpg)
Luxury watch dealer Anthony Farrer pleaded guilty late last year to defrauding clients in a scheme with Ponzi-type elements.
![A 14-karat gold-plated “Sparkling Bow” necklace set with cubic zirconia by Pandora ($225). The jewelry retailer posted strong results in 2024. Pandora sparkling bow necklace](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/e5b8520c22df8f43d3ff99522d695b2e.jpg)
In its full-year results, the retailer shared its 2025 outlook and an update on the global rollout of its lab-grown diamond collection.
![From everyday staples to design-forward pieces, amethyst is a gemstone seen across many facets of fine jewelry. Seen here is Seal & Scribe’s “Freedom Moon” ring with hand-carved amethyst depicting a bird flying free of its cage ($3,200), one of the 16 selects in this month’s Amanda’s Style File. Seal & Scribe “Freedom Moon” Ring](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/8344e34d6914ef60853445872f341dcc.jpg)
Celebrate February birthstones and the gem shows in Arizona this month with a versatile stone like amethyst.