This year, one of the most exciting things has been getting back to colored gemstones like tourmaline and tanzanite. Citrine and amethyst are always fun and affordable, too. Pearls are huge for us, and we do well with freshwater, South Sea, and Tahitian pearls. We pair pearls with diamonds and also with leather. We’ve also seen a lot more yellow gold and rose gold, which really highlights the colored gemstones and pearls.
—Jan Fergerson, co-Owner, Ford, Gittings & Kane Jewelers, Rome, Ga., fgkjewelers.com

We’re investing in a lot of estate jewelry. Individuals are coming into the store to sell one-of-a-kind pieces, which gives us a chance to price merchandise in a way that’s more competitive than [that of] our competitors. We’re buying a full range of estate jewelry, but especially classic pieces from the likes of Kurt Wayne and Oscar Heyman, along with other jewelry that was prevalent in the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s.
—Michael Melnick, CEO, Armel Jewelers, Sarasota, Fla., armeljewelers.com

We see customers gravitating toward jewelry that looks a bit like David Yurman’s cable-designed pieces. The styles that come in silver with accents of 18 karat gold are selling quite strongly, especially if they have semiprecious stones like amethyst or garnet. They go well with a lot, and are especially nice for the winter season.
—David Coll, owner, Montclair Jewelers, Oakland, Calif., montclairjewelers.com

We specialize in our own hand-forged bridal rings and engagement pieces, which are manufactured here in the store. While we do a majority of platinum, we are getting more requests for yellow gold and white gold. Also, customers are requesting rings that go the traditional route as opposed to the halo style that had been popular, so we will be investing there, too.
—Greg French, Proprietor, Henry C. Reid & Son Jewelers, Fairfield, Conn., hcreidjewelers.com