TrendsJul 10, 2026
Jade Trau Creates a Constellation of DiamondsThe “Constellation Plié” collar, our Piece of the Week, features diamonds arranged in a constellation of shining stars.
TechnologyNov 10, 2016
Instagram Begins Testing ‘Shoppable’ Posts
The new feature is designed to help users consider, explore and buy the products they see in their feed.
Rather than adding a “buy now” button directly to regular posts, Instagram has added a feature that allows its users to discover and learn more about products to help them in their purchasing decisions, the social network said.
New York--Instagram wants to bring shopping directly to its users, and the company thinks it’s found a way to do that.
It recently announced the launch of a new feature, which is in a testing phase, to help its users discover and learn more about products on a shoppable post from brands.
Brands will be able to tag individual Instagram posts as shoppable. When they do, there will be a “Tap to view” icon at the bottom left of the photo. When tapped, a tag will appear on the product or products included in the post, displaying up to five products and their prices.
Once a tag has been selected, a new detailed view of the product will open containing more information and without the user having to leave the social network.
Then, if the consumer taps the “Shop now” link from this product details view, they will be taken directly to that product on the company or brand’s website to purchase.
Instagram has started with 20 U.S.-based retail brands, including Kate Spade, JackThreads, Warby Parker and costume jewelry site BaubleBar.
An Instagram spokesperson confirmed that the company is not charging these initial test partners for the new capabilities. When asked if they will in the future after a larger rollout, the spokesperson said only that the company plans on exploring sponsored formats.
During the test phase, the new features will be available to users on iOs devices in the United States.
The particulars of Instagram’s new shopping feature comes in response to a survey it did in which it learned that many web purchasers take more than a day to decide if they want to buy something and do research.
An eMarketer survey done this summer found that 84 percent of smartphone users in the U.S. browse, research or compare products via mobile web or app, but according to Instagram’s own survey, only about 21 percent of online purchases are done within a day of finding a product.
Instagram said as it rolls out further and learns from the beta phase, it will explore things like product recommendations, product displays on posts, global expansion and being able to save content so users can go back to it later.
More information on the timeline for the expansion was not available at press time.
Last year, the company opened up its advertising API to all marketers, but while that
opportunity allowed companies to promote products in their ads along with a “buy” button, the new shoppable featured will apply to regular posts.
As Ryan McIntyre of JackThreads was quoted as saying on an Instagram blog post announcing the news, the update will “change the scope of what we, as retailers, are capable of offering on mobile. Instead of having to transition over to the JackThreads app, our customers will be able to shop seamlessly from their social media feeds--allowing us to reach guys where they’re already hunting for what’s new.”
As Ryan McIntyre of JackThreads was quoted as saying on an Instagram blog post announcing the news, the update will “change the scope of what we, as retailers, are capable of offering on mobile. Instead of having to transition over to the JackThreads app, our customers will be able to shop seamlessly from their social media feeds--allowing us to reach guys where they’re already hunting for what’s new.”
More on Technology
The Latest
SourcingJul 10, 2026
CFO of De Beers’ Consumer-Facing Division Leaves Company Shaun Wills joined the company in 2024 and was chief financial officer of the De Beers Brands and Consumer Markets division.
WatchesJul 10, 2026
Brilliant Earth Expands Into WatchesIn honor of its 20th anniversary, the jewelry brand has released a limited-edition collection of Swiss-made timepieces.
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.
CollectionsJul 09, 2026
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is an Ode to the Human Touch“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.
Weekly QuizJul 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesJul 09, 2026
Damiani Group Finalizes Acquisition of Baume & MercierRichemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.
AuctionsJul 09, 2026
Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Hires Former Bonhams Exec to Head New Watch DivisionNate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.
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.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
Halstead Names 2026 Grant WinnerEnoch Platero, founder and designer behind Enoch Michael, is the first Native American jeweler to win the award.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
AGS, GIA Name 2026 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship WinnerAGS also announced the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 ExecsArien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
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.”
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.
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.
