Features
The Savvy Jeweler’s Guide to Compensation Packages
What should you be paying new hires? Experts weigh in on wages, commissions, and bonuses to help you attract—and retain—top-quality employees.
By Amy Elliott | December 17, 2024
How independent retailers and designers can create mutually beneficial partnerships.
By Martha C. White | October 7, 2024
Thanks to celebrity endorsements, fashion-forward styling, and inspired jewelry designers, the brooch is getting its well-deserved runway and red-carpet moment.
By Karen Dybis | August 29, 2024
Why Jewelry Stores Are Caught Up in Merch Madness
Hand-embroidered linens. Throw pillows. Coffee-table books. A surprising number of non-jewelry items are finding their way into fine jewelry showcases.
By Amy Elliott | August 1, 2024
It’s Business, But It’s Personal
Retaining customers—and reeling in new ones—is an art. These jewelry retailers share their secrets, involving everything from midnight deliveries to birthday treats.
By Amy Elliott | July 10, 2024
The jewelry industry has spent the past few years on a roller coaster, leaving retailers wondering what comes next—and how to manage their inventory in response.
By Martha C. White | June 14, 2024
Business Book Recs From Top Jewelry Execs
The industry’s leading executives share their business and leadership must-reads.
By Martha C. White | May 10, 2024
Your Jewelry Brand Went Viral—Now What?
Drawing sudden, massive attention on social media is a magical moment for your business, but monetizing it is tough.
By Karen Dybis | May 1, 2024
The Colors, Styles, and Issues That Will Rule 2024
We put six questions about the new year to more than a dozen creatives and tastemakers across the jewelry and watch industries. Collectively, their answers paint a picture of a year of comfort, caution, and feel-good colors.
By Victoria Gomelsky | January 2, 2024
25 of the Best Jewelry Reads of 2023
A selection of our favorite industry-related articles of the year that did not appear on JCKonline.com.
By Rob Bates | December 21, 2023
How Jewelers Can Be Adaptive, Inclusive, and Accessible
Luxury consumers want jewelry that is both adaptable and fashionable—and they want to support brands that care about these issues.
By Karen Dybis | December 21, 2023
Why Curious (and Conscientious) Designers Are Going Straight to the Source
More and more jewelry designers are traveling to Africa and South America, learning about the gems and metals they use, and making meaningful connections with miners.
By Amy Elliott | December 21, 2023
Why Jewelers Are Speaking Up and Speaking Out
Publicly taking a stand on social issues might alienate customers who don’t share your views. But some retailers and designers say it’s worth the risk.
By Amy Elliott | December 15, 2023
2023 Holiday Season Jewelry Trends
From yellow gold to bold men’s designs, these styles will carry your customers well into 2024.
By Melissa Rose Bernardo | November 21, 2023
Why Representation Matters in Retail
Jewelers who emphasize diversity in their choice of models see greater customer engagement and receive positive client feedback, which they believe generates better revenue and brand recognition.
By Karen Dybis | November 9, 2023
Digging Into Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining
Brands based on artisanal and small-scale mining have become the new frontier of sustainable jewelry.
By Rob Bates | October 9, 2023
Create Campaigns That Make Jewelry Irresistible to Consumers
An expert-led guide to help retailers tackle the task (it’s easier than you think!)
By Amy Elliott | September 20, 2023
How to find and hire the best people for the jewelry job.
By Kathy Passero | September 11, 2023
Three People Who Chose Jewelry as a Second Career
Second-career designers discuss how they got into the industry…and why their new jobs rock.
By Matt Villano | August 11, 2023
2023 Retail Jeweler Midyear Report
Our check-in finds that consumers are still spending despite inflation, rising interest rates, and the lingering threat of recession.
By Kristin Young | July 13, 2023
What Retailers Want: The 2023 Vegas Jewelry Week Edition
What are the top trending products on buyers’ shopping lists as they head to Sin City? We investigate.
By Amy Elliott | May 24, 2023
How Jewelers Can Cope With Rising Store Crime
The fear of crime has risen over the past couple of years. For jewelers—retailers in particular—there is a pervasive sense that they are on the front lines.
By Martha C. White | May 3, 2023
The 5 Love Languages of Lab-Grown Diamonds
As the LGD category transitions from newfangled outlier to popular (and necessary) alternative, the value proposition has evolved—as have the conversations retailers should be having with consumers.
By Amy Elliott | March 15, 2023
BIJC: Where They Are, Where They’re Going
On the brink of its third anniversary, the Black in Jewelry Coalition is celebrating a string of accomplishments without losing sight of the work ahead.
By Karen Dybis | March 8, 2023
What you need to know about Buy Now, Pay Later—the payment trend taking retail by storm.
By Martha C. White | February 21, 2023
The pandemic unexpectedly transformed New York City’s Diamond District on 47th Street into a better version of its century-old self.
By Rob Bates | February 15, 2023
6 Jewelry Trends Destined to Rock the New Year
From bold gold to pink everything, these are the 2023 styles to stock up on now.
By Amy Elliott | January 4, 2023
23 Jewelry Leaders Make Bold Predictions for the Industry in 2023
What is your boldest prediction for the jewelry industry in 2023? We put that question to a cross-section of industry personalities (and one frighteningly intelligent chatbot).
By Victoria Gomelsky | December 23, 2022
30 of the Best Jewelry Reads of 2022
The end of the year is always a time for reflection and taking stock. We hope these pieces give you a few things to think about.
By Rob Bates | December 23, 2022
Why jewelers are turning to YouTube to grow their sales—and their brand.
By Martha C. White | December 15, 2022
We highlight 13 jewelry podcasts worth a download. (We couldn’t resist including our own!)
By Rob Bates | December 7, 2022
The AI Revolution Comes To Diamond Grading
More and more labs are using artificial intelligence and automated grading to evaluate diamonds. Some think that will change the industry.
By Rob Bates | November 22, 2022
How to Avoid Becoming the Victim of a Cybercrime
Phishing, hacking, and scamming is on the rise everywhere—and the jewelry industry is no exception.
By Martha C. White | November 2, 2022
A Jeweler’s Guide to Navigating the Inflationary Holiday Season
When the price of everything from gas to groceries has increased dramatically, there’s plenty to be anxious about. But the industry isn’t in full panic mode—yet.
By Amy Elliott | October 19, 2022
Mentorship, scholarship, and training opportunities for women and nonbinary creators in the jewelry industry have never been more abundant than they are now.
By Karen Dybis | October 6, 2022
Why a retail jeweler might offer an internship—and how it can create a productive experience for both students and store.
By Daniel P. Smith | September 15, 2022
There’s No Substitute For Experiences
Offering in-store shoppers convenience and novelty are key for jewelers committed to beating the online competition.
By Karen Dybis | September 1, 2022
The 2022 Retail Economic Outlook
The economy is at an inflection point. Here’s how jewelers are preparing.
By Martha C. White | August 11, 2022
22 New Enamel Jewels To Brighten Your 2022
You couldn’t turn the corner at the Las Vegas shows without seeing something enamel. Not that we’re complaining!
By Melissa Rose Bernardo | July 13, 2022
How to Develop a Sustainability Report (and Why You Should)
Are you sourcing your gold and gems responsibly? Prove it. By implementing strategies that support the three pillars of sustainability, businesses are responding to demands from socially conscious employees, investors, and customers for greater corporate responsibility and accountability when it comes to such issues.
By Martha C. White | July 6, 2022
The Real Costs of Breaking Into the Jewelry Industry
Newbie designers should expect to spend at least $37,000 in their first year—and that’s the bare minimum.
By Emili Vesilind | June 22, 2022
What Retailers Want: The JCK Las Vegas 2022 Edition
Salt and pepper diamonds, Montana sapphires, and yellow gold fashion jewels are among the items topping retailer shopping lists ahead of jewelry market week in June.
By Amy Elliott | May 18, 2022
After J. Lo, Will Modern Brides Go for the Green?
JCK talks to retailers and designers about the most buzzed-about colored diamond engagement ring in years—and the effect it could have on the wedding jewelry market.
By Brittany Siminitz | April 28, 2022
Everything You Wanted to Know About Jewelry NFTs and the Metaverse
JCK explores what the world of digital assets means for the jewelry industry.
By Martha C. White | April 5, 2022
School of TikTok: What Jewelers Can Learn From the Video-Sharing App
Come for the funny dance moves, stay for the branding boost! Contrary to what you might think, it’s not just nimble teenagers who can draw a following on TikTok.
By Martha C. White | March 9, 2022
How To Attract, Retain, and Work in Harmony With Gen Z
The jewelry industry is a uniquely multigenerational entity, with boomers, Gen Xers, and millennials coexisting—even flourishing—in spite of their differences. But now that Gen Z has arrived on the scene, things are about to get…interesting.
By Amy Elliott | February 23, 2022
10 Reasons 2021 Was a Fantastic Year for Jewelry
At the start of the pandemic, many of us wondered how the jewelry industry would survive. Still, we had no idea how much it would thrive.
By Rob Bates | February 15, 2022
How To Prevent a Smash-and-Grab Attack
While jewelry stores have long been targeted by criminals, more organized and brazen thieves are forcing retailers to find new and creative ways to minimize risk and safeguard their operations.
By Daniel P. Smith | January 25, 2022
22 Bold Predictions for the Jewelry and Watch Industry in 2022
Our forecasters cover the gamut of prophecies for the new year, spanning topics as diverse as green washing, the metaverse, 3D printing, and crime.
By Victoria Gomelsky | December 29, 2021
3 Things Every Jeweler Can Do To Support The Circular Economy
Reduce, reuse, recycle…and resell and refine: Since consumption has reached an all-time high, environmental consciousness has never been more crucial. Here’s how to be a responsible retailer.
By Danielle Keller Aviram | December 28, 2021
2022 Trend Forecast: Must-Stock Colors, Gems, And Categories
If you’re not already up on these trends, you’re officially late to the party. But like your favorite guests, they’re sticking around for a bit (well into 2022, in fact). So get up, stand up, and stock up!
By Amy Elliott | December 21, 2021
How to Navigate the Ever-Evolving Landscape of Digital Advertising
Is digital advertising a business-saving tactic or a curse (or both)? JCK investigates.
By Rob Bates | December 8, 2021
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Jewelry: Where We Are and Where We Need To Go
JCK asked a cohort of BIPOC and LGBTQIA jewelers and advocates to assess the jewelry industry’s efforts at fostering a more inclusive culture within the trade.
By Amy Elliott | November 29, 2021
30 of the Best Jewelry Reads of 2021
Need some entertainment while you’re waiting out a three-hour flight delay? Itching for an escape from your bickering in-laws? Click through this list of thought-provoking, fun, and just plain bizarre stories.
By Rob Bates | November 22, 2021
Experts Predict a Happy (and Prosperous) Holiday
Consumers have money to spend, and they’re ready to shop. Good news for jewelers, right? We asked the experts what this means for the holiday season…and beyond.
By Karen Dybis | November 15, 2021
Jewelers Poised for a Prosperous, Possibly Supply-Starved, Holiday Season
The holiday shopping rush may just be beginning, but jewelers have been preparing for it for the better part of 2021.
By Martha C. White | November 8, 2021
Here’s how (not) to treat your customers: We looked at the issues that really irk jewelry store shoppers and do the most damage to your retail reputation. Use them as a cautionary tale!
By Daniel P. Smith | October 15, 2021
Risk-Taking Retailers Bet Big on Brick-and-Mortar Mid-Pandemic
How three jewelers opened new spaces when stores everywhere were closing—temporarily and permanently.
By Daniel P. Smith | September 25, 2021
The Great Post-Pandemic Recruitment Race
How jewelers are managing the tightest labor market in years. Plus: tips on finding and hiring (and keeping!) the best people for your business.
By Martha C. White | August 21, 2021
Created Energy: How Stores Are Working Lab-Grown Diamonds Into Their Inventory Mix
Retail experts and jewelers lay out the best strategies for selling lab-grown and mined diamonds together.
By Martha C. White | June 16, 2021
18 Tips to Raise Your Instagram Game
Take your ’Gram from good to great with retail-focused advice from these digitally savvy jewelers and marketers. Instagram is firmly entrenched among the world’s most important social media platforms—with immense potential for small businesses like jewelry retailers.
By Daniel P. Smith | May 19, 2021
Colored Stones And Color Trends: Your 2021 Guide
Here are the stones and hues your customers will be craving this spring, summer, and fall: deep green emeralds, cool teal sapphires, juicy peach, and Pantone’s Illuminating yellow and Ultimate Gray.
By Melissa Bernardo | April 28, 2021
Wedding Jewelry: Your Post-Pandemic Retail Checklist
In jewelry’s bridal category, as with virtually all consumer goods, the road to recovery in 2021 is digital. That much we know. But beyond that, what does a retailer aspiring to sell engagement and wedding rings to the soon-to-be-wed need to know about doing business in the 2020s?
By Amy Elliott | March 30, 2021
For Designers, Imitation Is Not the Sincerest Form of Flattery
Copyright infringement in the jewelry industry appears to be on the rise, thanks to numerous factors, including Instagram. The platform has allowed copycats to thrive, while also being the source of their undoing. JCK explores the intersection of design, imitation, and cancel culture.
By Emili Vesilind | March 15, 2021
During Pandemic, Jewelers Have Merged the Virtual With the Physical
When most of the country went into lockdown, jewelers faced a choice: They could either give up their business, or they could pivot and try to roll with some very sharp punches.
By Rob Bates | February 19, 2021
What Retailers Need to Know About Paycheck Protection Loans (and Forgiveness)
With the help of Jonel Hein, deputy district director of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) South Florida District Office, JCK found answers to some key PPP-related questions.
By Daniel P. Smith | February 08, 2021