Mid-America Jewelry News Digital Magazine

Jewelry News • JaNuary 2025

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Mid-America Jewelry News Serving the Jewelry Industry in America’s Heartland

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Jewelry News • JaNuary 2025

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Mid-America JewelryNNews SOUTHERN JEWELRY EWS

Jewelry News • JaNuary 2025

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Serving the Jewelry Industry in America’s Heartland

Vol 38 No. 1

VOL 24 NO. 1

“A Newspaper Dedicated to the Southern Jewelry Industry” www.midamericajewelrynews.com

January 2025

JANUARY 2025

Dana’s Fine Jewelry: Gunderson’s Opens Fifth Luxury Store in Omaha All about customer service and giving back

By Paul Holewa

ist, according to Brian Gunderopened in October. It boasts of son, third-generation jeweler and 25,000-square-feet of combined CEO/owner of Gunderson’s JewEuropean immigrants in retail and operational space in elers. the early 20th Century came to Omaha, Nebraska’s famed HeartSioux City, Iowa, was home America with a singular, driving wood Preserve, a luxury retail for the Gunderson family. Gunder goal make life for their family and recreation destination.

Dana Ramseur’s life in the building her grandparents had owned on Main

By Wanda Freeman came from Norway and worked better in a promisedjewelry land. Such True to his European immicompletes a circle Street was up for sale. on his uncle’s farm in Mankato, was the case of the Gundergrant roots, the evolution from a that started in Newton, N.C., ventured out a bit, “I was 24 and scared,” Ramseur recalls. There Minnesota.

The then burgeoning son family around 1907, when small watch and jewelry store to and returned to the storefront where it all started. were three businesses in the same building. Ramseur meat packing plant in Sioux City Gunder Gunderson left Norway a luxury retail jeweler was based The proprietor of Dana’s Fine Jewelry grew up in moved into one space and eventually knocked out a was a driving force to relocate. and came to America.

Years later, simply on the ambition of creatthe business, following her grandparents around as wall to occupy two spaces, expanding from 800 to When George returned from the his wife, three daughters and one ing a better life for his family. they operated Gregory Jewelry on Main Street. She 1,800 square feet. She rents the third space, and she war he opened up shop in downson George followed.

George’s first steps in the gem learned to engrave at age 10 and emulated her grand- opened a lockable wall between her store and a boutown Sioux City at 613 Nebraska George became a watchand jewelry industry were as mother on the sales floor. After they sold the store in tique next door to allow customers of one store to Street next to the Victory Theater. maker and opened modest aswhere the Midwest itself.

1989, Ramseur moved ato jewelry Roanoke, Virginia, flow into theAt other. store in 1946.

Over the years, 14, he started running errands for she worked for a jewelry wholesale company and Ramseur began her adventure as a newJewelers, retailer George and Delila “Dee” Gunderson. “It was where most commerce Founders of Gunderson’s happened in town and he was forGunderson’s Jewelers made the a watch parts house and watchtraveled and did trade shows, then moved to Char- with a little help from her friends: “I told the guys to open his own repair shop where brook (Dee).

The couple had their tunate enough to find an affordnecessary steps to becoming a maker Perry Bergland. lotte, N.C., where she worked in jewelry manufac- I worked with at trade shows that I was opening a he fixed watches and made parts first child Gary before George able space,” says Brian. leading luxury retail jeweler in Perry taught George how to store, and they said, ‘What do you need?’ So, they turing. for jewelry stores in the area. served in the Navy in World the Midwest with five high-end repair watches and make parts.

The opportunity to have her own store came up helped me build the merchandise. But for several George later married Delila Holl- War II as an instrument Please see Gunderson’s page 4 specialstores.

The 1996 mostwhen recent store mother Over time enough in February Ramseur’s toldGeorge her learned years before I opened Inside Dana’s Fine Jewelry Please see Dana’s page 4

Maximizing the AGTA GemFair Experience

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Considered the the premier premier Considered wholesale show show in in the the global global fifine wholesale ne gemstone industry, industry, the the American American gemstone Gem Trade Trade Association Association (AGTA) (AGTA) Gem GemFair Tucson Tucson offers offers aa oneoneGemFair stop-shopping/learning/networkstop-shopping/learning/networking experience experience that that pays pays off off in in ing many ways. ways. many Now in in its its 43rd 43rd year, year, the the Now AGTA GemFair, GemFair, at at the the Tucson Tucson AGTA Convention Center, Center, Feb. Feb. 3-9, 3-9, Convention 2025, presents presents in in its its GemHall GemHall aa 2025, wide selection selection of of the the fifinest loose wide nest loose natural gemstones gemstones and and natural natural natural and cultured cultured pearls, pearls, as as well well as as the the and

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On The Hunt for Great Emeralds

By Diana Diana Jarrett Jarrett By

It is is not not news news that that jewelry jewelry enthusiasts enthusiasts adore adore It emeralds. The The delightful delightful stone stone with with its its ancient ancient provprovemeralds. enance continues continues to to rank rank at at the the pinnacle pinnacle of of beloved beloved gems gems for for jewelry jewelry enance fans. Where Where they they come come from from and and what what treatments treatments they they have, have, if if any, any, fans. factor into into their their desirability desirability and and value. value. factor But itit becomes becomes news news when when obscure obscure deposits deposits with with quality quality goods goods But wind their their way way onto onto the the international international stage. stage. Newly Newly discovered discovered sources sources wind pique the the interest interest of of dealers dealers and and retailers. retailers. Will Will they they be be superior superior to to prodprodpique ucts currently currently available? available? If If so, so, how how should should we we promote promote the the new new varivariucts ety? And And what’s what’s the the right right price? price? ety?

The challenge challenge of of locating locating new new emerald emerald deposits deposits is is complicated complicated by by The their isolation isolation in in the the remote remote corners corners of of earth. earth. Read Read that that as as “exceedingly “exceedingly their difficult to access.” access.” But But the the same same struggle struggle in in fifinding them also also adds adds to to diffi cult to nding them their allure. allure. Many Many jewelry jewelry fans fans only only become become familiar familiar with with exotic exotic lands lands their after they they acquire acquire aa gemstone gemstone from from there. there. Please Please see see Hunt Hunt page page 34 34 after

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Jewelry EWELRY News EWS • JaNuary ANUARY 2025

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Dana’S

G

’

UNDERSON Continued from page 3 S Continued from page 3 the store, I would return and do jewelry at the the front little of frame Deeshows worked the shop on the same street my house and did the bookkeeping grandfather hadrepaired his jewelry store, while George watches.

IInstarted accumulating clients behis early teens Gary was doing fore I opened in 1996.” his share of work in the family of took the store’s business store.Part Gary the earn-whileinvolves creating pieces

by Dee reyou-learn path with his folks. quest, at a rate of about fi ve ortaught him how to string pearls dersbeads a week. and while George schooled “A of people lookrepairs. at picGary onlot clock and watch turesAfter and go ‘I wish.

I wish high school Gary this atring was not large, orCollege. it had tended ElginsoWatch

wear by giving them and of America (GIA).

Withideas the next suggestions. generation in place, and the fam“Jewelry is so four sentimental, ily benefi ting from decades but sometimes pieces inherited of sales and service, the store they don’t like, Centre so we can rede-moved to Terra in 1987 sign a ring into a pendant, inan offi ce building built byfor Terra stance,” she says.

Industries. Gunderson’s secured Ramseur relays specifi caa 2,000-square-foot retail space. tions“Business to CAD designers in Charin the Terra localotte, California, and Thailand. tion grew the business by over In-house, she has six 100 percent the firstpeople, year, one and doing jewelry repair and the othcontinued to have steady growth ers the years sales flwith oor and ce for on many manyoffiexwork. pansions, more than doubling its custom size,”Her says Brian.engraving offerings The include sentimental Terrapopular Centre store’s level

happy birthday.

Videos, which Ramseur has done for about ten years and has posted on Facebook, cover a variety of subjects.

“I’m big on educating customers, not just to sell things, but how to clean and care for their jewelry.” She has advised more than one customer to flip their rings to avoid uneven wear on the prongs from wearing it the first time and never taking it off.

“Customer service is very important, and it’s out the The purchase of gone a diamond window at a lotlots of places.

I believe mine brought of publicity to Gunderson’s.

business, according to Brian. “It was sold after five years,” says Brian. “It was more of a marketing success than a mining success.”

Also, Black Hills Gold manufacturing brought a lot of jeweler talent to the area. Gunderson’s Rapid City facility allowed them to produce more of their own inventory and became a hub for inhouse custom work. That manufacturing work was later moved to a 12,000-square-foot facility in Sioux City which also serves as Gunderson’s headquarters.

During his time in Elgin, Illinois, he met Betty Hopp. They married and moved back to Sioux City and worked in the family store. At this point Gunderson’s expanded their product lines with jewelry, Dana’s Fine Jewelry offers watches and small appliances. custom engraving.

In 1968, the Gunderson family business upped their retail game and started on the path of becoming a luxury retail jeweler with a move to 520 Fifth Street.

Gunderson’s purchased JB Hudson, a family-owned Gunderson’s in Fargo, North Dakota.

The half-block relocation was a Minneapolis store. small move in terms of distance, With acquisitions, producbut was a significant step in be- of fine jewelry, watches, and sertion successes, and explosive coming a modern jewelry store vices allowed Gunderson’s to besales growth, Gunderson’s was with additional bridal jewelry, come an authorized Rolex dealer. positioned nicely for a second custom designs and fashion jew- This cemented the family name as a luxury retail jeweler. With that store. Throughout the 1990s, elry.

Sioux Falls, South Dakota, grew “There were now four success came company growth to become a lucrative market. In Gunderson’s working together,” along with the promise of the next 2000, Gunderson’s opened a secsays Brian. “They were soon generation of family business Store-owner Dana Ramseur with her husband, Scotty, Dana’sby Fine Jewelry Newton, Carolina. owners with Brian’s wife Kathy ond store there. joined Dee’s best in friend FayeNorth at the 25th Anniversary celebration.

The Gunderson name beJones and they eventually added joining the team doing accountsuch as thumbprint pen- in really listening to the customer came known throughout the inmore diamonds, or Ron the Strawn, stones items ing work. another watchmaker, and pieces madetoofmultiple memo- - not just trying to sell something. dustry. And, familiarity with the smaller,’ I wouldRichard tell the dants, Before expanding awere jeweler and aand salesman, rial ashes.

Another item that con- I think that sets us apart. customers, ‘If you see a picture of stores Gunderson’s purchased family’s successes grew in tanDanielson.” nects with people is the BitOfMe “Whether they come in want- dem. In 2013 and 2019, a watch something you like, take all your Ten years after the move a diamond mine in Brazil and a pieces, whereinaRapid decorative wishesjoined of what like and what audio production facility City, ing to fix a $5 necklace or a $5,000 supplier asked if Gunderson’s Brian theyou family business soundwave is engraved onto you do not like, and we’ll design officially after completing his South Dakota. The diamond minea necklace, I treat them the same. A wanted to be in additional mara QR codebetween lets the user your dreamGemologist ring.” was a and collaboration dia- big complaint I have is how peo- kets. With the support of this supGraduate certificate piece access a treasured sound, such look down on customers with Ramseur also likes to repuropened a third from the Gemological Institute mond cutter people in the mining ple Gunderson’s newest store is in plier If a Gunderson’s customer wants it, Dana’s pose jewelry people no longer as grandmother’s voice wishing less-expensive pieces: ‘Oh, we store in Omaha, Nebraska (2013), Omaha, Nebraska. can make it!

SJN MAJN SJN MAJN Southern Jewelry News

Mid-America Jewelry News

Southern Jewelry News

Mid-America Jewelry News

Established 1988 Established 1988

Editor, Bill Newnam bill@southernjewelrynews.com Publisher, Chris Smith chris@southernjewelrynews.com Administration and classified advertising Martha Osswald martha@southernjewelrynews.com Staff Writers Wanda Freeman Paul Holewa Diana Jarrett Deborah Yonick Vice President Sales Elesa B. Dillon elesa@southernjewelrynews.com

Contributing ContributingWriters Writers Diana DianaJarrett Jarrett Larry LarryJohnson Johnson Chuck ChuckKoehler Koehler Josh JoshPolsky Polsky Mid-America Jewelry News 2006 New Garden Road - Suite 208 Southern Jewelry News Greensboro, NC 27410 2006 New Garden Road - Suite 208 Phone: 336-389-1950 Greensboro, NC 27410 Fax: 336-389-1952 Phone: 336-389-1950 www.southernjewelrynews.com Fax: 336-389-1952 email: info@southernjewelrynews.com www.southernjewelrynews.com Any views or opinions presented in this email: info@southernjewelrynews.com publication are solely those of the author Any opinions presented this andviews do notornecessarily representinthose publication are solelyJewelry those ofNews. the author of Southern and do not necessarily represent those of Southern Jewelry News.

don’t costume may and a do fourth store jewelry.’ in Fargo,ItNorth not mean anything to you, but it’s Dakota (2019). important to them.

If there’s Growing the Gunderson’sa will, way.” the acquibrandthere’s later aincluded Ramseur says hera favorite sition of JB Hudson, familypart of the jewelry business is getowned Minneapolis, Minnesotating to know customers. based jewelry store. JB Hudson “I’veapproached known some customowners Gunderson’s ers for 25 years, I pierced “through a series of randomtheir acears when they were 2, to and now quaintances,” according Brian. they’re married and invitJB getting Hudson in downtown ing me to their wedding.”

Minneapolis closed (temporarhas been ily) Ramseur only whenherself the building of married 25 years and the Wayzata Gunderson’shas storea 24-year-old sonThe in JBH California. was complete. staff/ She’s a regular at the Atlanta store relocated and opened the Jewelry and attends them WayzataShows Gunderson’s location twice a year forwas 28 years. in 2022.

There always a plan “I love the Atlanta to relaunch the iconic JB Show.

HudsonI know everybody, it’s easy get brand, but a time frame wasto never around, easy to shop, and it’s in place, it was more about findclose home.”location. When the ing thetoperfect A Rotarian, a high opportunity to beshe inplaces the Galleria value on community service. in Edina opened up, that’s when Shortly after Hurricane Herelaunching JB Hudson began, lene ravaged western North Caroopening in the Galleria near the lina, end ofRamseur 2023. obtained a medallion The designed

by Southern Gates addition of four stores and engraved with WNC and happened quickly over two de-a heart used it in cades.and It was time fora afundraiser; pause and she also collected and some reflection. Thesupplies Gunderson’s coats and donated a percentage of always knew the Village Point sales to Carolina Relief for Weststore in Nebraska was a space ern NC.ultimately outgrow. And, they’d thing about they “One definitely wanteddoing the busibenness in a small community is that efits of their own four walls.

In you need to give back,” sheon says.

2022, construction began the Dana’s Fine Jewelry has 25,000 square-foot Heartwood been named best jewelry store Preserve store, which opened in in Newton October. a number of times, and Ramseur credits customer The new storeher wasn’t built service for helping her stand as part of Gunderson’s 80th out anfrom the competition. niversary in 2026. It is, however, “If I could get the people a crowning achievement for that the shop in the malls to come in, I family business and pays homcould their minds.

They age tochange the Gunderson’s journey would understand shopping started by George and Dee local in a -small you store, get better service, in a quality, small town, in and price.” the Midwest.

Jewelry News • January 2025

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Jewelry News • JaNuary 2025

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The Retailer’s Perspective

By Chuck Koehler I think this is where we’re all supposed to say: “Wow, I can’t believe it’s already January!” This New Year comes with a lot of changes moving forward.

There is a new administration in Washington, and the country is going to be moving in a different direction than the path that we’ve been on for the last 4 years. But, with all of those changes coming up, there are some things that should never change. Our industry is unlike any other industry

Happy New Year!

in the world. We face threats and challenges that are unique to us. Below are a few things that should never change.

Lock your doors at home always When I started jewelry school in late 1800s (at least it seems that long ago), one of the very first things they started drilling into our DNA was our personal safety, and the safety and security of the jewelry that was under our care and control. Something they used to tell us was that one of the easiest places to gain access to

the valuables that criminals want to take away from you is at your house - at about 2:00 in the morning.

While at work, most of us always have our heads on a swivel.

We’re always paying attention to what is happening in our places of business. But, once we set the alarm, lock the door, and get about a mile away, we all tend to relax those tendencies a little bit.

The one thing they drilled into us was to get in the habit of always locking your doors at home because that is where you are most

vulnerable. It’s an easy thing to do, but a hard thing to get in the habit of doing.

Always keep jewelry on your person when transporting Yeah, I know, you don’t want to carry it around while you run a few errands before you get to your final destination to drop it off somewhere. I’ve heard people say things like, “But I hide it so well in my car that no one would ever find it.” Yes, I understand.

But what happens if your car gets stolen? The car thief probably won’t find the jewelry either. But

Chuck Koehler the jewelry is still just as gone as your car. And, most of the time, that is not an insured loss. If it’s taken from your person, it is usually covered by your insurance.

Never leave jewelry unattended on the counter This is another one of those things that they drilled into us on day one, and every day after that as well. It seems like a no brainer.

It’s expensive stuff that should never be left just laying around.

But, believe it or not, I actually did that very thing the other day. I was in my showroom waiting on a couple that have been my customers for decades. The wife had never been to my current location, so I gave her and her husband a quick tour of the place. My showroom is small, but the rest of the place is pretty spacious, and she was impressed. As we were walking back into the showroom, I noticed that I had left her 3 carat diamond solitaire just sitting on the front counter.

The fact that we were the only three people in the store at the time, and the front door was locked, didn’t matter. I couldn’t believe that I had done that. I don’t remember ever doing that before. Oops.

Never let anyone see your safe I know this is not possible in some circumstances, but if you can keep your safe out of sight, you should. And here’s why. Most safes have a TR-TL designation, followed by a couple of letters and numbers. TR stands for ‘torch resistant’, and TL stands for ‘tool latency’. The numbers that follow are usually 15 or 30.

Those are actually the number of minutes the safe is designed to resist an attack by torch or tool.

Safes that were manufactured in the last 20 years or so, usually have an ‘x’ followed by a number as well. This is the number of sides the safe is reinforced.

Please see Chuck page 40

Jewelry News • JaNuary 2025

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“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself!”

By Larry Johnson Thanks, Franklin D. Roosevelt for these words.

Sometimes, my clients are hesitant to make changes in their displays or overall stores due to plain old-fashioned fear. They see the need but are immobilized by the unknown. Sometimes it can be a fear of the investment required. Or a question of whether the change will pay dividends. I have even seen a concern about alienating the store’s established customer base - “We don’t want the store to look too nice and polished or people will think we are too expensive.”

During a consulting visit in

the early fall of last year, I met with a client that had a “perfect storm” of all these concerns. This family-owned store was a small location that was over 100 years old. The store prided itself on being like “your grandmothers old jewelry box” where clients would rummage through the showcase in search of treasures.

The store wasn’t very large.

The cases were not 1-level jewelry cases but full view cases that had multiple glass shelves inside.

The inventory was packed inside in trays that mostly held 12 rings or 16 pads of earrings.

I saw the most expensive ring in the store (a $54,000 cushion cut diamond fashion ring) buried in a

tray with 11 other rings that were less than 1/5th that price. There was virtually no space inside the case left unoccupied. When I first walked into the store, I was overwhelmed with the challenge of making order of this explosion of jewelry.

In the following day, I edited the showcases selection of “no or slow sellers” and duplicates. I prioritized the merchandise putting the higher end pieces (we wanted most to sell) in the dominant places in each case. I highlighted the most important piece in each case with a feature display. I put that cushion cut diamond ring in a special display to be certain anyone examining that case would be

sure to discover it.

We collected the components of our “Top 10 Gift Ideas” collection and put those in the case. I removed extraneous clutter from the sales area and redid the wall cases to feature only large pieces.

I suggested we consider expanding the jewelry area of their store selling space into an adjoining room that held giftware, but the owners were hesitant (fearful) of losing the “jewelry box” look.

The client was happy with the changes we did implement and after a few more adjustments; I left for the airport home.

When my plane landed, I had a voicemail from the client asking me to call immediately. When I

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Larry Johnson called, I learned that the $54,000 cushion cut ring had sold 45 minutes after I left the store. That ring that had been in inventory for 17 months and it had just sold at full price.

Over the next few weeks, I kept in touch and learned that several of the Top 10 Gift items were also selling. Salespeople felt the new case organization made it easier to find special pieces. It was easier for them to sell-up.

It was November when I got a call asking me to come back to the store and talk further about the expansion I had proposed earlier. During that subsequent visit, we brought in a showcase manufacturer and spoke to a lighting supplier. I designed the new space in the center of the old giftware space. The new cases would sell new jewelry and the old previous space would focus on estate merchandise, also in new cases.

A new checkout area would provide a second place to ring up the sales. The wall cases would be removed. The estimate for the entire project was just into six figures. The owners had moved from cautionary fear to a position of taking charge of their future with a calculated investment. We made plans to move out old and excess merchandise to make room and generate cash. Everyone went to work at his or her appointed tasks.

The showcases and new overhead LED’s were installed early the first week of February.

We installed the new displays at the end of that week. Despite the fact that we more than doubled the showcase space in the store, we actually reduced the overall number of pieces offered in total.

Finally, we then trained the staff on how to sell from the new arrangement and reopened the store February 8th.

I got a call from the client exactly seven days later with the happy news. The increase in sales in the first week after the remodel had generated enough profit to completely pay for the entire remodel! That amounts to over $100,000 in gross margin in 6 selling days. Salespeople were ecstatic and obviously, so were the owners.

Please see Fear page 12

Jewelry News • January 2025

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The Story Behind the Stone

By Diana Jarrett The story of metal alloys is the story of civilization itself. Today we enjoy the benefits of precious metal alloys in jewelry. But we also take it for granted.

It strengthens the primary metal; it also changes its color.

And in doing so, the setting becomes integral to jewelry design itself. We owe this modern benefit of combining metals to our ancient ancestors.

Ancient Metallurgy You might be surprised to learn that alloys were originally found in meteoric debris. Iron, a naturally occurring alloy of nickel and iron, is the main component of iron meteorites. In ancient days, no metallurgical processes were known to separate iron from nickel. So the early serendipitous alloys were used “as is”.

Meteoric iron could be utilized in making basic objects like tools, weapons, or nails. Some

Mixed Company early cultures shaped this alloyed metal by cold hammering it into knives or arrowheads. Yet meteoric iron was considered rare and valuable, and ancient people had difficulty working with it.

People of early cultures experimented on working with the great variety of natural metals available on earth. Copper was found worldwide, along with platinum, silver, and gold which were later used for both tools and jewelry.

Around 10,000 years ago in the Anatolian mountains of Tur-

Naturally occurring metal alloy made tools in ancient times.

key, humans figured out how to smelt metals like copper and tin from its host metal, ore. Then closer to 2500 BC, people began alloying the two metals to create bronze, a much harder material than its separate ingredients. Ancient civilizations experimented with mixing various metals, to see what resulted - such as hardness, toughness and melting point.

Getting Fancy with Alloys But as cultures developed, people moved on to alloy metals for purely aesthetic purposes.

For example, ancient Egyptians loved their gold and often alloyed it with copper to achieve a highly dramatic red-gold. They also mixed it with iron and created a bright burgundy-gold. During this period of gold experimentation, artisans often alloyed with silver or other metals for artistic reasons, to see just what color of gold resulted. These newly mixed metals were valued for their greater strength than each metal alone.

Diana Jarrett

Gold melts with other metals.

Photo Guardian Gold Mixed Company in Modern Times We’ve come a long way since our ancestors played around with metals, but we’re still discovering new ways to alloy metals for making luxury goods. The combinations of metals, their relative proportions and the number of them used to make an alloy can vary as much as the metallurgist wants.

Platinum, Please Platinum jewelry found favor with the posh upper crust during the Art Deco era. It also became preferred for its hypoallergenic properties. Britain’s Queen Mother, a platinum devotee, cherished her 1920s era platinum emerald shaped diamond engagement ring. Today it’s worn by Camilla, Queen Consort.

Now, platinum is finding its popularity once again. In Japan, it’s a wildly popular jewelry metal. But since platinum is exceedingly soft, its alloys are palladium, and iridium, or sometimes ruthenium, the last alloy increases its hardness while maintaining Please see Jarrett page 12

Jewelry News • January 2025

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Jewelry News • JaNuary 2025

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JaRREtt

Continued from page 10 the material’s oxidation resistance. Cobalt is occasionally used as a platinum alloy to strengthen the metal and also costs less than the other added metals.

Gold Tones While platinum is always a white metal, opting for gold offers an array of precious metal tints. Gold is a unique metal with its malleability, allowing it to be formed into any shape. But pure gold is so soft that it’s rarely used for jewelry making. Gold is alloyed with other metals to improve its strength and modify the tint. 10K, 14K and 18K are common gold purity measurements especially in the US.

Queen Camilla wears a family heirloom platinum engagement ring.

18K yellow gold for instance may combine 75 % pure gold along with zinc and/or cobalt,

plus silver and copper.

Opting for white gold requires another recipe, alloying pure gold with zinc and/or palladium, nickel and copper. White gold may revert to a yellowish tinge over time with daily wear.

So white gold jewelry requires rhodium plating (and sometimes replating) to maintain its pristine white appeal.

Rose or pink gold has a loyal fan base today with modern brides. Wedding jewelry made from gold featuring the pinkish tint exhibits a super feminine and romantic vibe. To get this blushing tone, gold is alloyed with copper.

But some artisanal designers are offering other gold tones in their collections for a look of

Rose gold is more popular than ever. Photo NCY Jewelers

greater individuality. Green gold, used by some jewelry artists is an alloy of gold and silver.

As a jeweler, it’s easy to forget how interesting these facts are to the general public. But they may be completely new to our customers. When showing a special item to your client, you may be surprised at how intrigued they are to learn about gold and platinum alloys. This metal combining has roots as old as time itself.

Award winning trade journalist and gemologist Diana Jarrett is a Registered Master Valuer Appraiser and a member of the Association of Independent Jewellery Valuers (AIJV). She’s a popular speaker at conferences and trade shows. Jarrett writes for trade and consumer publications, online outlets, her blog: Color-n-Ice, and www.jewelrywebsitedesigners.com. Contact her at diana@dianajarrett.com, visit her website at www.dianajarrett.com, and follow her on Facebook and Twitter (Loupey).

FEaR

Continued from page 8 In my practice, I find many independent jewelers talk themselves out of store growth by thinking that having the cheapest price and a huge selection presented in long rows are the keys to their future. I can tell you it isn’t.

Presenting your inventory in an attractive way that matches how customers shop; Guiding your customers toward the pieces you want them to buy; Acknowledging the power of effective jewelry display and using it to underscore value, not price; Helping your sales staff be more effective by giving them showcases that amplify rather than hinder their efforts; These are the real keys to store growth.

Put away your fear of the customer’s shopping priorities, motivations and idiosyncrasies and take charge of the sale.

FDR was right.

Larry is the founder of Larry Johnson Consulting Group, a world-wide jewelry merchandising and marketing advisory firm based in Colleyville, Texas. He is the author of “The Complete Guide to Effective Jewelry Display” and a frequent speaker at jewelry events. His firm has worked with hundreds of independent retailers to improve their sales through better display merchandising. He is the holder of 6 US patents for his display products. He can be reached at Larry@LarryJohnsonConsulting. com or 817-980-2135. His website is www.LarryJohnsonConsulting.com.

Jewelry News • JaNuary 2025

13

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Jewelry News • JaNuary 2025

Rembrandt Charms to celebrate 55 years of craftsmanship and legacy in 2025

(BUFFALO, N.Y.) Rembrandt Charms proudly marks its 55th anniversary, celebrating a legacy of craftsmanship, innovation, and unwavering commitment to quality.

Founded in Buffalo, New York, in 1970 by Christopher Lux, the family-owned company began with a simple misChristopher Lux founded sion: to provide retail jewelers Rembrandt Charms in 1970. with access to the finest quality charms, the most extensive charm collection in sterling silver and gold, unparalleled customer service, and a business-building charm program designed to generate sales and foster lifelong customer relationships.

For over half a century, generations of charm collectors have turned to Rembrandt Charms to commemorate their most treasured life moments, adorning bracelets and necklaces with keepsakes that tell their personal stories. Many charms are converted into cufflinks, lapel pins, or earrings as well.

Christopher Lux started the company in humble beginnings, initially operating out of his parents’ chicken coop and traveling across the country in his station wagon to meet with retailers. As the business grew, operations expanded to his basement - a move so significant it required dynamite to enlarge the doorway to accommodate a new computer system. Today, Rembrandt Charms has grown into a global leader in the jewelry industry, with over 150

Current Rembrandt President Eric Lux with his wife Amanda and their two boys.

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employees in Toronto, Canada, and 50 employees in Buffalo, New York.

Now available exclusively through more than 10,000 retail jewelers worldwide, Rembrandt Charms remains the trusted source for charm collectors and jewelers alike.

“For 55 years, we’ve had the privilege of helping people capture their most sentimental memories through our charms,” said Eric Lux, President of Rembrandt Charms. “We’re honored to be a part of our customers’ lives and to support our retail jewelers with a program that continues to thrive and evolve with time.”

Each piece in the Rembrandt Charms collection is manufactured in the United States or Canada and comes with a Lifetime Warranty, underscoring the company’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

Rembrandt’s new Personalized Collection includes same-day-shipping and enables retail jewelers to offer personalized charms with high resolution painted images and custom engraving. “By manufacturing in North America, Rembrandt Charms provides superior quality, selection, and delivery times,” says Lux. For more information about Rembrandt Charms and to explore their charm collection visit RembrandtCharms.com.

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aGta

Continued from page 3 Upstairs from the GemHall jewelers will find finished contemporary and estate jewelry exhibitors in the Grand Ballroom.

And, lining the expansive hallway of the Galleria are trusted industry professional services, four world-renowned laboratories, and leading trade organizations, with Jewelers for Children, a new AGTA GemFair Tucson partnership, a new addition.

In the convention center’s recently remodeled event and meeting space, AGTA presents its Inspired Seminar Series, sponsored by the American Gem Society. Included in the offerings is an explanation of the new RapNet Gemstone Trading Network, a platform for buying and selling loose gemstones from AGTA members, with AGTA CEO John W. Ford, Sr.; a look at the changing field of gemology with James E. Shigley, distinguished research fellow, GIA; and the popular “Colored Stone Price and Market Trends” with Stuart Robertson, president, and Brecken Branstrator, editor of Gemworld International.

Live gem cutting demonstrations continue in this space, sponsored by Tucson Todd’s Gems, with Nadine Marshall of @ilovegreenrocks on Instagram and Tumbled Upon Faceting, and

Best of Show - Spectrum: Joseph Dardashti, Joseph Dardashti Ltd., Sophia D. Karmel (co-founder) - Platinum and 18K yellow gold “SOPHIA D En Tremblant Butterfly” brooch featuring Emeralds (0.55 ctw.), Rubies (3.02 ctw.), Sapphires (0.65 ctw.), and Diamonds (7.55 ctw.). Photo Jeff Mason Photography acclaimed lapidary Larry Woods.

Other workshops are available courtesy of MJSA Journal Live Jewelers Bench, sponsored by A & A Jewelry Supply, with Rémy Rotenier and Melissa Muir.

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larly Paraiba and rubellite tourmalines and tsavorite and Malaya garnets.

The contest also saw more finished jewelry with fancy cuts, particularly ovals, cites Ford, as well as fantasy-cuts and carved gems as the focal points, trends

Engagement Rings -1st Place Niveet Nagpal, Omi Gems, Inc. - Platinum ring featuring a 10.08 ct. tsavorite Garnet accented by tsavorite Garnets (0.60 ctw.) and Diamonds (0.66 ctw.). Photo Jeff Mason Photography

Best Use of Platinum and Color Craig Slavens, Luxe Fine Jewelry - Platinum “Blue Me Away” ring featuring a 13.59 ct. bezel-set cabochon cat’s eye blue Topaz accented by ombre blue Sapphires (2.16 ctw.) and Diamonds (1.45 ctw.). Photo Jeff Mason Photography Tucson, Ford advises jewelers to take a serious look at their inventory of finished colored stone jewelry.

“Identify what gems you need to restock, that are missing, and areas to expand like engagement and men’s bridal, where colored gemstones are hot,” says Ford. “Make a list, if not by gem variety, then by predominant color, size and dimensions, and set a budget for each. Having a basic list will help you shop the show.”

Kimberly Collins, AGTA board president and owner of Kimberly Collins Colored Gems concurs, adding that jewelers should leave time to explore new gems and colors. “Try something new that your clients have not seen before. Take some risks with your color case!”

With that in mind, Ford advises jewelers dedicate a portion of their budget to what “wows” them while shopping. “A wow gem could be anything from A to Z in color, but if you love it, buy it, you’ll sell it!”

Natural color, in general, is selling very well, Ford underscores, noting that the growth of sales in multi color tourmalines and garnets in jewelry, from rings to earrings is “astounding.”

In fact, trends in the latest AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards show many entries featured these gem varieties, particu-

color gemstones in a traditional market dominated by natural white diamonds, says Ford, who concurs that the sales of natural colored gemstones increased with the general instability of the diamond market. “The gem market is stable, prices are steadily rising, and consumer demand is outpacing the supply.”

Top Takeaways In addition to finding exceptional gems and gem-set jewelry at GemFair Tucson, jewelers can nab key takeaways to help them build their gemstone business, says Ford.

Cutting Edge Best of Show: John Dyer, John Dyer Gems - 33 ct.

Rock Creek, Montana, Sapphire titled “The Montana Sun Sapphire”. Photo Jeff Mason Photography consistent with the prior year.

This year’s Awards unveiled a new Engagement Ring category, which Ford said received 21 entries, all top quality. “Winners represent some of the finest, rarest colored gemstones from which a consumer can choose, such as the First-Place winner, a 10.08 carat tsavorite garnet set in a platinum ring with tsavorite garnet melee and diamonds. Tsavorites are rare in this large size.”

Bridal Boost A standout for Collins in Spectrum was the versatility in designs, with lots of convertible styles. “There’s a new awareness that your jewelry doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s. It’s cool to be unique, especially in bridal!” She describes “juicy bright hues for bridal earrings, lots of multi color rings, and Toi et Moi styles.”

Undoubtedly, the colored gemstone industry has benefitted from the rise and fall of lab-grown diamonds, which hurt the value of natural diamonds and hurt the end consumer, says Collins. “Where consumer confidence has waned around diamonds, many consumers are requesting more color for bridal and their high fashion jewelry.” She describes sales of the precious gem trio “as hot as can be,” with emerald “insane.”

While Collins’ most requested gem for bridal has been sapphire, she says it’s not just traditional blues that are selling. “I’m seeing a wide range of sapphire colors requested for bridal, teals, slate blues, icy purples, brighter pinks, even oranges. Many diamond-only designers are jumping on the color bandwagon. Retailers who’ve always pushed color are reaping the benefits!”

When established markets see segmentation you often see expansion or contraction of products like the growth of natural

AGTA CEO John W. Ford, Sr. First is knowledge. “AGTA has an extremely informative seminar series, curated by Somewhere In The Rainbow’s Shelly Sergent, that is designed to inspire,” Ford says. “I encourage everyone to review the seminars, gain knowledge, and have some fun.”

Second is relationships.

“When walking the show just don’t think of what’s on your list,” says Ford, “think of ways to position your business for success.

Whether it’s meeting a supplier for a gem you may need in the future or discovering how hosting gemstone roundtable events with AGTA suppliers could add to your bottom line. Engage with your AGTA suppliers, ask questions, build a rapport with the exhibitors. Relationships are like a garden, they need a little water. Build relationships that are meaningful, both personally and professionally, and your business will prosper.”

Tucson inspires excitement, creativity and opportunity to share with clients, cheers Collins.

“Tucson gives jewelers reasons to call customers and say, ‘You won’t believe the gem I picked up in Tucson. I’m showing you first because I know how much you love these rare stones!’ That’s a sale in the making, that’s the gift AGTA GemFair Tucson gives.”

To learn more about the exhibitors and products on display at AGTA’s 2025 GemFair Tucson, inspiring seminars, and networking opportunities and events, visit www.agta.org/agta-gem-fair-tucson.

Jewelry News • JaNuary 2025

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Selling jewelry ain’t like selling pizza

By Josh Polsky Back when I was getting my degree at the University of Missourah (that’s my accent), and we would finish the night blearyeyed from, um, studying so hard, we often ended it with pizza.

In those hours of the night, whatever pizza we found along the way would suffice. New places popped up here and there, and we’d try them because it was five dollars for a large pizza and at three o’clock in the morning, it didn’t really matter if we’d tried it before or not.

All the new pizza place had to do to get our attention was to

be open when we walked past it.

Didn’t matter if we’d heard of it before, since it’s really hard to mess up pizza, as long as it is hot enough to cover up the lack of quality ingredients. That was our criteria. Be open and hot, we had refined palettes.

You do not have the luxury of selling so quickly to someone who’s never seen you before for a few reasons.

1. You are a big ticket item.

Most people wouldn’t give five grand to anyone after just meeting them unless that person had a gun in their face.

2. There are tons of other people trying to sell to them at the

same time as you are.

3. If someone is in the market, and you are talking to them for the first time, the smart money says they are further down the sales funnel with other people.

So why should your ads be any different?

When you run ads, do you put up a banner that talks about why you’re so awesome and shows your products and prices, and then you wait around for the sales to roll in or for someone to book an in-store design appointment?

If you are doing this: A. Fire your marketing person, and

B. Turn off the ads now because you’re flushing money down the turlet. If by some stroke of luck you make a sale that way, drop to your knees and thank the Lord because you just witnessed a miracle.

The Big Ticket Item When you are going to buy something big, a smartphone, a TV, a car, a blender, or anything you plan on keeping for a while, do you just flip to the ad section of your newspaper, see what’s featured, and make your decision that way? Of course, you don’t (I really hope you don’t).

According to an LSA study, 73% of jewelry customers start

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Josh Polsky their research with search engines before buying. Meaning, seeing your one ad will not make them buy. Remember that ad you saw yesterday for shoes? Of course you don’t, and your target audience won’t remember you either.

So…much…noise You know running one ad and expecting people to buy from you is pretty self-centered. It’s like saying, I am the only person advertising right now. There are no other ads running except mine, so people will see my only ad on Facebook and buy from me. Now think about the ads in your email inbox, your LinkedIn inbox, and your Facebook feed, and the SMSs you get. There is so much noise online right now, how can you possibly remember one ad?

This is what your customers face.

Just like you, they block it all out.

So what’s the solution?

Get in front of your audience a lot, with different topics and from different angles, show them you know what you’re talking about, and that you understand them. This shows expertise and empathy and builds rapport. Each time you get in front of them, in any capacity, is called a touchpoint. And it takes between seven and 13 touches before someone buys.

Each touchpoint should be further down the sales funnel than the last.

When you run ads, your first ad should be awareness, of who you are and what you know. Blog posts or Instagram reels are a good place to start. If it’s a blog post, write about different styles of jewelry, and run an ad targeting a demographic that would relate to it. Follow it up with an ad that only shows up to people who clicked through on your last ad. This ad could go to a post about sizing, and what you should know. Anyone who clicks on that goes to a page on your site about your custom design process, and anyone who clicks through on that can go directly to an in-store appointment booking calendar.

Please see Pizza page 40

Jewelry News • January 2025

21

The Edge has been a game changer for us.

In 2021 when we purchased this store, we quickly realized the point of sale system was outdated and we needed something new. It wasn’t going to be easy transitioning our 7,000 square foot showroom and huge inventory, but The Edge support was out of this world.

Now my employees absolutely love the dashboards. They come in and check their daily, weekly, and monthly goals and see where they’re absolutely rocking it, or where they need a little improvement. I also use the reports on a daily basis, to see where we can make some improvements with the store. If you’re thinking of making the transition, I can’t recommend The Edge enough.

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2025 Trade 2025 Trade Show Guide Your guide to trade shows and Jewelry News • January 2025

22

your guide to trade shows and events throughout the year

SJN

MAJN JANUARY January 9-13 The Original Miami Beach Antique Jewelry Show Miami Beach, FL - Miami Convention Center https://originalmiamibeachantiqueshow.com/ January 14-16 Continental Buying Group (CBG) Orlando, FL- Hyatt Grand Cypress 305-868-9004 https://www.cbgbuzz.com January 29-February 9 J.O.G.S. Tucson Gem& Jewelry Show Tucson, AZ Tucson Expo Center 213.629.3030 https://jogsshow.com FEBRUARY February 1-2 63rd ACE It Annual Winter Conference Tucson, AZ- Tucson Convention Center 718.893.1536 https://najaappraisers.com February 1-4 Ethical Gem Suppliers Gem Fair Tucson, AZ Scottish Rite Cathedral http://www.ethicagemsuppliers.com February 1-5 Centurion Jewelry Show Phoenix, AZ-Arizona Biltmore Resort 516.331.5586 https://centurionjewelry.com February 1-9 G&LW Show Tucson, AZ - Holiday InnPalo Verde/Holidome 601.879.8832 https://glwshows.com/shows/ February 1-9 G&LW Show Tucson, AZ - The GEM Mall 601.879.8832 https://glwshows.com/shows February 3-8 GJX Gem and Jewelry Show Tucson, AZ - GJX Pavilion 214.742.4367 https://www.gjx.rocks

February 3-9 AGTA Gem Fair Tucson Tucson, AZ Tucson Convention Center 214.742.4367 https://agta.org/agta-gem-fairtucson/ February 5 AGA Tucson Conference and Gala Dinner Tucson, AZ - University Marriott 844.288.4367 https://accreditedgemologists. org/ February 21-24 Retail Jewelers Organization Spring Buying Show (RJO) Phoenix, AZ - Sheraton Phoenix Downtown 800.247.1774 https://www.rjomembers.com MARCH March 1-4 Independent Jewelers Org.(IJO) Palm Springs, CA - Palm Springs Convention Center 800-624-9252 https://www.ijo.com March 9-11 Jewelers International Showcase (JIS) Miami, FL - Miami Beach Convention Center 800.840.5612 https://www.jisshow.com March 15-16 AJS Atlanta Jewelry Show Atlanta, GA - Cobb Galleria 800.241.0399 https://www.atlantajewelryshow.com March 16-18 JA New York Winter Show New York, NY - Javits Convention Center 646.654.4983 https://ja-newyork.com March 16-18 MJSA Expo New York New York, NY- Jacob Javits Convention Center 800.444.6572 https://www.mjsa.org March 22-24 Southeastern Jewelers Org. (SJO) Charlotte, NC - The Ballantyne 877.996.9850 https://www.sjorg.com MAY May 15-18 Permanent Jewelry Expo (PJS) San Antonio, TX - Henry B Gonzalez Convention Center 646 668 3711 https://sunstone.regfox.com/ pj-expo

May 17-20 The Jewelry Symposium Detroit, MI - Detroit Marriott Troy https://www.thejewelrysymposium.com May 27-28 Continental Buying Group (CBG) Las Vegas, NV- Caesar’s Palace 305-868-9004 https://www.cbgbuzz.com JUNE June 4-9 Luxury By JCK Las Vegas, NV - The Venetian & Sands Expo Center 800.257.3626 https://luxury.jckonline.com June 4-7 JOGS Las Vegas The Mirage Events Center +1 (213) 629 3030 https://jogsshow.com/las-vegas/ June 4-8 Couture 2025 Show Las Vegas, NV - Wynn Las Vegas 646 668 3711 https://thecoutureshow.com June 5-8 Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show Las Vegas, NV -Wynn Las Vegas 864-342-6261 https://lasvegasantiquejewelryandwatchshow.com/ June 5-9 AGTA GemFair at JCK Las Vegas, NV - Las Vegas Convention Center South Hall 800.257.3626 https://agta.org/welcome June 6-9 JCK Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV - The Venetian & Sands Expo Center 800.257.3626 https://lasvegas.jckonline.com JULY July 19-22 Independent Jewelers Org.(IJO) Indianaoplis, IN - JW Marriott Indianapolis & Convention Center 800-624-9252 https://www.ijo.com July 25-28 RJO Fall Buying Show Schaumburg, IL - Renaissance Schamburg Convention Center 800.247.1774 https://www.rjomembers.com

AUGUST ACE It Mid-Year Education Conference Dates and Location TBD 718.896.1536 https://najaappraisers.com August 16-18 Southeastern Jewelers Org. (SJO) Charlotte, NC - The Ballantyne 877.996.9850 https://www.sjorg.com August 17-19 Centurion Jewelry Show White Sulphur Springs, WV The Greenbriar Resort 516.331.5586 https://centurionjewelry.com August 23-24 AJS Atlanta Jewelry Show Atlanta, GA - Cobb Galleria 800.241.0399 https://www.atlantajewelryshow.com August 24-25 The Select Jewelry Show Dallas, TX-Ritz Carlton Hotel 646.216.9290 https://selectjewelryshow.com SEPTEMBER September 4-12 Hard Rock Summit Denver, CO - Hotel Westin Westminister 303.946.7965 https://hardrocksummit.com September 7-10 AGS Conclave x GIA Symposium Carlsbad, CA- GIA Headquarters 702.255.6500 https://www.americangemsociety.org September 8-10 Continental Buying Group (CBG) Tampa, FL - JW Marriott Tampa Water Street 305-868-9004 https://www.cbgbuzz.com September 14-15 The Select Jewelry Show Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun Resort & Casino 646.216.9290 https://selectjewelryshow.com

OCTOBER October 10-13 Jewelers International Showcase (JIS) Miami Beach FL - Miami Beach Convention Center 800.840.5612 https://www.jisshow.com

September 28-29 The INSTORE SHOW Rosemont, IL- Donald E Stephens Convention Center https://theinstoreshow.com/

October 23-26 New York City Jewelry & Watch Show New York, NY - Metropolitan Pavilion 561.822.5440 https://www.nycjaws.com

September 28-29 The Select Jewelry Show Washington, DC-Ritz Carlton Hotel 646.216.9290 https://selectjewelryshow.com

October 26-28 JA N.Y. Special Delivery New York, NY - Jacob Javits Convention Center 646.654.4983 https://ja-newyork.com

Please visit Southern and Mid-America Jewelry News at the following shows: RJO, AGTA, AJS, JCK, JIS, The Instore Show *Other shows may be added throughout the year.

Shows that did not have a date set at time of printing: *NAJA Ace It Mid Year *Southeastern Jewelers Organization (SJO) 2025 shows Visit our website for the most up to date 2025 schedule Editors note: All information was provided by show organizers and is subject to change.

Before making plans to attend a show, check with the show’s organizers using the contact information listed.

Show Guide Jewelry News • JaNuary 2025

23

d events throughout the year

Retail Jewelers Organization - RJO Retail Jewelers Organization - RJO February 21-24, 2025 Phoenix, Arizona July 25-28, 2025 Schaumburg, Illinois The Retail Jewelers Organization holds two buying shows each year, strategically timed for members to get an early look at new merchandise and to build inventory for the busiest seasons.

While RJO may call them buying shows, their take on them is much more comprehensive than offering members the latest merchandise. Camaraderie is at the core of RJO, so each show falls somewhere between a reunion, a vacation and a business trip. This makes sense, as RJO was founded back in 1966 by a handful of noncompetitive central Iowa jewelers who were looking for a more eco-

nomical way to buy merchandise.

Now, a half century later, RJO has blossomed into a national jeweler support organization that serves more than 1,100 members while staying true to the original tenets of friendship and support.

In addition to highly discounted merchandise, each show offers members many opportunities to learn and grow their businesses. One of the most popular is each show’s slate of free seminars conducted by leading figures in the industry and experts in their field, covering a broad range of practical topics. Each seminar delves into topics of high importance to the independent retail jeweler.

Buying shows also feature a number of meetings and receptions featuring information on RJO-sponsored foreign buying expeditions and how to leverage

them, jewelry system updates, PR opportunities and nationallyknown keynote speakers. There also are moderated sessions to share what is working for member retailers in the areas of marketing, personnel, jewelry and more, leading to new ways of thinking and important takeaways to implement at members’ stores.

All of the products and services at each show are reviewed and approved by RJO’s memberrun Merchandise Review Committee, and the prices are prenegotiated to eliminate haggling and potential animosity between jewelers and vendors.

RJO’s vendors include internationally-known brands and are the most trusted manufacturers and suppliers in the jewelry industry. The vendor membership carries merchandise in all styles, metals, stones and price ranges

JOIN TODAY

for every demographic. The buying floor also is called home to a diverse range of support service companies, including financial services, operational systems, web services, marketing services, insurance, and assorted supplies from boxes to tools. RJO works to cover all retail jeweler needs through its vendors, thereby offering opportunities to maximize their members’ annual dividends.

Dividends? Yes, dividends.

RJO is unique among jewelry retailer groups in that it is a co-operative, with each member being an owner and shareholder. The board is selected among its membership by its membership. As a co-operative, member/owners receive annual dividends based on the amount of merchandise purchased throughout the year from RJO’s roster of vendors, composed of well-known national and

It just makes cents.

EARN CASH DIVIDENDS. We’re RJO, the premier jewelers cooperative, founded by and for jewelers to achieve greater success.

For over half a century, we’ve put millions of dollars into the hands of our retail members/owners through cash back rebates on their inventory and business purchases. But the savings don’t end there.

RJO members also have access to free seminars, hosted foreign buying trips and low, pre-negotiated vendor prices.

Visit our website to learn all the benefits of RJO and how to join.

PROUD VENDOR PARTNERS:

1.800.241.1774

rjomembers.com

international brands and suppliers. Putting the most money back into the pockets of its owners drives many strategic decisions of the organization.

Members typically receive purchase vouchers at each show to reduce prices an additional 1-3 percent, based on their previous year’s vendor purchase total.

Each show also offers contests and opportunities to win cash prizes. As perquisites, attending, qualified members receive travel discounts to the shows, and hotel nights paid by RJO during the event.

Inquire about attending the exclusive, member-only RJO buying shows or apply for membership with full privileges by completing and submitting the form found at RJOmembers.com or by calling the RJO corporate office at 800-247-1774.

2025 Trade Show Guide

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Jewelry News • JaNuary 2025

JCK Las Vegas es, and find serendipitous pop-ups on the show floor. Your favorite memories are made here.

• Select events and areas opening on Thursday, June 5, opening 1 day early before the JCK Show Floor: AGTA GemFair™ Las Vegas in the GEMS Pavilion, The Hong Kong Pa-

JCK Las Vegas June 6 - June 9, 2025 The Venetian Expo, Las Vegas Join over 30,000 jewelry professionals at JCK, the most renowned jewelry trade event in the world, June 6 - June 9, 2025, at The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas.

JCK is your one-stop shop and home for secure buying, learning, networking and discovering.

You will find a diverse range of products and the brands behind them that cover every facet of the industry. This is where access to the future of jewelry lives.

Attendees can learn more about registering, exhibitors can connect with a member of the team to learn more about space and sponsorship opportunities at http://jck2025.com/SJNMAJN. JCK is open to qualified, trade-only jewelry industry professionals.

The industry’s most important global gathering.

• Global Reach: Retailers, manufacturers, designers and brands gather from over 90 countries making JCK the most important event for the jewelry trade.

• Endless Inspiration: With over 1,900 exhibiting companies,

vilion, and JCK Talks Pre-Show Sessions.

You can browse the exhibitor list, view the event schedule, and learn more about what makes JCK the leading event in jewelry by visiting http://jck2025.com/ SJNMAJN.

JCK offers an array of trending products, cutting-edge technology, finished jewelry, loose gemstones and more - there’s something new to discover.

• Experiences that are Next Level: Network with peers, dine with new customers, envelop yourself in immersive experienc-

The jewelry trade's most important global gathering A T T E N D I N G J C K I S S T E P P I N G I N T O T H E W O R L D O F J E W E L R Y B U S I N E S S , C O M M U N I T Y A N D O P P O R T U N I T Y. A S T H E M O S T I M P O R T A N T JEWELRY EXHIBITION, IT’S YOUR HOME FOR SECURE BUYING, LEARNING, NETWORKING AND DISCOVERING. YOU WILL FIND A DIVERSE R A N G E O F P R O D U C T S A N D T H E B R A N D S B E H I N D T H E M T H A T C O V E R E V E R Y F A C E T O F T H E I N D U S T R Y. T H I S I S W H E R E A C C E S S T O T H E FUTURE OF JEWELRY LIVES. W A N T T O T A K E I T T O T H E N E X T L E V E L? L E A R N M O R E A B O U T H O W A N U P G R A D E D BADGE UNLOCKS A JCK EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER.

Friday, June 6 – Monday, June 9, 2025 | The Venetian Expo, Las Vegas, NV O P E N I N G 1 DAY E A R L I E R O N T H U R S DAY, J U N E 5 : AG TA G E M FA I R ™ L A S V E G A S I N T H E G E M S PAV I L I O N , T H E H O N G KO N G PAV I L I O N A N D J C K TA L K S

JCK2025.COM/SJNMA JN

Jewelry News • JaNuary 2025

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JOIN US IN ROSEMONT THIS SEPTEMBER!

A PREMIER BUYING EVENT FOR THE MIDWEST MARKET!

: SAVE THE DATE 2025 SEPTEMBER 28 - 29

GET YOUR FREE SHOW BADGE TODAY! ROSEMONT, IL | DONALD E. STEPHENS CONVENTION CENTER PRE-SHOW CONFERENCE BEGINS SEPTEMBER 27 theinstoreshow.com | #INSTOREShow

Jewelry News • JaNuary 2025

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SHOP THE LATEST IN

JEWELRY TRENDS AND CONNECT WITH

HUNDREDS OF SUPPLIERS MARCH 9-11, 2025 M IAM I BEACH CONVE N TI O N CE N TE R M IAM I BEACH, FL

SHop. DISCOVER. CONNECT. LEARN MORE at JISSPRING2025.COM/SJN

#JISSHOW

2025 Trade Show Guide

Jewelry News • JaNuary 2025

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Select Jewelry Shows Brings Top-Tier Vendors to Jewelers in Dallas, Mohegan Sun, and Washington, DC. Select provides retail jewelers with comfort and security while working with their suppliers in easily accessible show locations in the South Central-Dallas, TX; North East-CT, and Mid Atlantic/South East-Washington, DC markets.

SELECT SHOWS Dallas: Aug 24-25, 2025 CT: Sep 14-15, 2025 Wash DC: Sep 28-29, 2025

(NEW YORK) - If you plan to discover what’s new or replenish stock for the Fall/Holiday season look into Select Shows.

Better retail jewelers and their suppliers regularly sing the praises of the Select Jewelry Shows for their focus on security, comfort and the right mix of exhibitors.

Select’s professionalism and accommodating management style have contributed to the show’s longevity and popularity.

Held at Ritz-Carlton Hotels and the Mohegan Sun Resort in CT, Select Jewelry Shows are annual Fall, trade only events. Se-

lect Shows are right size, more personal trade events that bring 55-70 fine jewelry designers and top-tier manufacturers to leading markets. For the convenience of the jewelers, Select Shows run for two days, Sunday and Monday.

Delicious, complimentary breakfast and lunch and a fun cocktail party are available to all attendees.

Plan to visit a Select Jewelry Show by pre-registering at www.

SelectJewelryShow.com/register or call 844-285-1103.

RJO Mohegan Sun

Resort & Casino

Sep. 14-15, 2025

Dallas, TX Aug. 24-25, 2025

Washington DC Sep. 28-29, 2025

www.SelectJewelryShow.com/register or call 844-285-1103.

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Jewelry News • JaNuary 2025

Atlanta Jewelry Show’s SoHo Experience 2025: Fresh Trends, Bench Fusion, and Southern Charm Atlanta Jewelry Show March 15-16, 2025 August 23-24, 2025 Atlanta, GA (ATLANTA) - The Atlanta Jewelry Show (AJS), where the jewelry industry comes to shine, is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated SoHo Experience 2025, taking place on Saturday, March 15, and Sunday, March 16, 2025, at the Cobb Galleria Centre. This unique event offers a perfect opportunity for jewelry professionals to rejuvenate their businesses with fresh products, must-have merchandise, and invaluable resources.

The SoHo Experience stands apart from standard industry events by delivering immersive experiences that combine innovation, education, and connection - all infused with the signature warmth of Southern hospitality.

Bench Fusion: A Highlight of the Spring Event After its successful launch in August 2024, Bench Fusion returns to the SoHo Experience in March, featuring a stellar lineup of expert-led sessions and hands-on workshops designed to elevate bench professionals’ skills and creativity.

Highlights of Bench Fusion include: • Jewelry Border Design & Construction Techniques with master engravers Tira and Rob Mitchell.

• Revolutionizing Your Business with Social Media and Video Content by renowned goldsmith and YouTube sensation Jordan Mantzke.

• CAD Training and Alloy Hardening Simplified by Rhinoceros 3D specialist Gary Dawson.

• Mastering the Art of Mokume Gane with awardwinning metalsmith Chris Ploof.

• Interactive Town Hall Sessions hosted by industry expert Joel McFadden and special guests.

Bench Fusion offers attendees a chance to immerse

themselves in a supportive community and refine their craft.

A Complete Experience Beyond the educational opportunities, buyers will enjoy the $10 Buyers Lunch Buffet, conveniently located on the show floor. Additionally, the AJS Kids Jewelry Camp for ages 6 - 16 continues to inspire the next generation of jewelers with fun, hands-on activities.

Kick off your weekend at the Friday Night Icebreaker sponsored by The Edge, an excellent chance to mingle with friends - both old and new. Stay tuned for more exciting details about special social gatherings as we celebrate 75 years of excellence and community with AJS. Don’t miss this vibrant celebration of the jewelry industry’s past, present, and future!

About the Atlanta Jewelry Show Founded in 1950, the Atlanta Jewelry Show is managed and produced by the Southern Jewelry Travelers Association (SJTA), a non-profit 501(c)(6) trade association dedicated to supporting independent jewelry representatives.

For more information, visit www.atlantajewelryshow. com or call 800-241-0399.

The INSTORE Jewelry Show A Premier Buying Event for the Midwest Market

The INSTORE Jewelry Show September 28 - 29, 2025 Pre-Show Conference Begins September 27 Donald E. Stephens Convention Center Rosemont, IL

The INSTORE Jewelry Show is the only trade show and buying experience for independent fine jewelry professionals in the Midwest market. Presented by INSTORE magazine, this event offers a unique platform for buying, networking, learning, and discovering the latest industry trends and product offerings. Join your fellow jewelry pro peers this September 28 - 29, in Rosemont, IL for an unforgettable buying event.

The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center is conveniently located just 6 minutes from Chicago O’Hare International Airport and only steps away from a fantastic variety of restaurants, entertainment venues, shopping and hotel accommodations.

A trade show badge is free and includes a daily conference program crafted for jewelry retailers. For even more education, attendees are encouraged to arrive a day early on Saturday, September 27 for a complimentary PreShow Conference. Sessions will cover the most critical topics for small business owners, delivered by successful jewelry retailers and top industry consultants.

In addition to can’t-miss education, the program includes dedicated time for relaxed networking during the

Saturday Welcome Reception and the Sunday Show Floor Happy Hour. And - of course - plenty of time for shopping!

Stock up on inventory before the busy holiday season during two full days of buying from the vendors and service providers you love while also discovering new products and partnerships.

Registration is now open for The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025. Learn more about the program and register for your free show badge today at www.theinstoreshow.com.

Jewelry News • JaNuary 2025

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2025 Trade Show Guide

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Jewelry News • JaNuary 2025

JA New York Spring Show JA New York March 16-18, 2025 Javits Center New York City Exclusively housed in New York City, the JA New York Show is the leading jewelry trade show in the Tri-state area. The Spring JA New York show will take place March 16-18 at the Javits Center in New York City.

Unlike any other show, JA New York is the heart of the industry, offering an intimate and easy to navigate high-end show and marketplace for new and established retail buyers from around the world. From large scale manufacturers to heritage brands to emerging fine jewelry designers, buyers can spot the latest trends and stock up on the essentials that keep their clients coming back. The show’s venerable roster of exhibitors, its robust education offerings, and the presence of critical industry associations, render JA New York Spring a destination event for shopping, networking with colleagues and forging instrumental partnerships.

New MJSA Pavilion Deepening a longtime partnership that has delivered onestop shopping for jewelry retailers, designers, and manufacturers alike, Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America (MJSA) will launch a new pavilion for the 2025 JA New York spring and fall shows. The “MJSA Showcase” pavilion will bring the latest jewelry-making tools, equipment, supplies, and services to the JA New York show floor.

The move marks a new stage in a partnership that began nearly a decade ago when MJSA’s traditional Expo, the association’s long-time show focused on manufacturing and design, began co-locating with JA New York’s spring show, which attracts retailers from around the world looking for the newest and best jewelry designs.

Continuing the heritage of MJSA Expo, the new Showcase pavilion will emphasize the latest equipment, supplies, and technologies for professional jewelry making and design, with exhibitors able to provide demonstrations and offer buyers the chance

M A R C H 16 -18 , 2 025 JAVITS CENTER , NYC to test new tools. The pavilion will also include premier subcontractors who can expand a jeweler’s capacity or supply a needed skill set.

Companies interested in exhibiting in the Showcase pavilion can contact MJSA Sales Director Lucy Ferreira at lucy.ferreira@ mjsa.org or 800-444-MJSA, ext.

3020. More information about the Showcase can be found at MJSA. org.

JA New York and Piazza Italia Join Forces The JA New York Show has

joined forces with Piazza Italia on the creation of a new pavilion featuring Italian designers and manufacturers, beginning in March 2025. Italy’s long-standing tradition of excellence in jewelry design and fabrication and Piazza Italia’s dedication to launching Italian brands in the United States ensures that the made-in-Italy collections featured in the pavilion will have wide appeal among JA New York’s discerning retailers.

In addition to offering free exhibition space to its Park Lux-

ury Concierge members, Piazza Italia will be inviting non-member Italian manufacturers to exhibit with advantageous pricing, subject to space availability, and will eventually become the exclusive destination for all exhibiting Italian brands. Piazza Italia currently includes membership of approximately 30 companies specializing in jewelry. The organization also enjoys the support of the Italian American Chamber of Commerce, which boasts over 1,300 members, and of Federorafi, which is the National Federation of Gold Jewellery, Silverware and Jewellery Manufacturers and has over 500 members. For more information about participating in the Piazza Italia Pavilion, please contact Marco Giovanelli at Marco@pzitalia.com.

Show Dates & Times: Sunday, March 16: 11AM 7PM Monday, March 17: 10AM 6PM Tuesday, March 18: 10AM 4PM For more information about the JA New York shows, please visit www.JA-NewYork.com.

Experience Color’s Premier Show: 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson AGTA GemFair Tucson February 3-9, 2025 Tucson Convention Center Tucson, Arizona The 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson is set to be the premier destination for the gemstone and jewelry industry, offering an expanded show schedule, a dynamic seminar series, and numerous op-

portunities for networking and discovery.

Expanded Show Dates & Hours: Responding to industry growth and exhibitor demand, the AGTA GemFair Tucson has extended its run. The show will now take place from Monday, February 3rd to Sunday, February 9th, 2025, at the Tucson Convention Center (TCC).

• Monday, Feb 3 – Friday, Feb 7: 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

(Grand Ballroom opens at 9:30 a.m., GemHall floor and Galleria open at 10:00 a.m.)

• Saturday, Feb 8: 9:30 a.m.

– 5:00 p.m.

• Sunday, Feb 9: 9:30 a.m.

– 2:00 p.m. (previously closed at 4:00 p.m.)

This extended schedule provides buyers with even more time to explore the diverse selection of natural colored gemstones, natural Pearls, and cultured Pearls offered by AGTA members.

INSPIRED Seminar Series: A highlight of the show is its comprehensive seminar series, the AGTA Seminar Series, held in the TCC’s newly remodeled event space and meeting rooms adjacent to the exhibition halls. From Wednesday, February 5th to Friday, February 7th, attendees can participate in a variety of educational sessions sponsored by the American Gem Society (AGS).

AGTA Seminar Series Highlights: • Industry Insights: Gain valuable perspectives on the market with sessions like “State of

the Colored Gemstone Market” Lars of The Journal of Gemmolfeaturing AGTA CEO John W. ogy, AGTA’s Jennifer Heebner, Ford, Sr. and Saville Stern from and others, moderated by Gary Rapaport, and “Colored Stone Roskin.

Price and Market Trends” with • Live Demonstrations: Stuart Robertson and Brecken Witness live gem cutting by NaBranstrator of Gemworld Interna- dine Marshall and Larry Woods, tional, Inc. and explore jewelry making tech• Gemological Expertise: niques with the MJSA Journal Deepen your knowledge of gemsR ELive G I SJewelers T E R Bench, sponsored with presentations from renowned by A & A Jewelry Supply.

T O D AY experts like Robert Weldon (“ImNetworking and Special ages of a Lifetime and Their Sto- Events: ries”) and Richard Hughes of LoBeyond the exhibition floor tus Gemology (“Describing Color and seminars, AGTA GemFair in Gems, A Fool’s Guide”).

Tucson offers valuable network• Creative Inspiration: En- ing opportunities: gage with discussions on Ameri• Toast To Tucson Party: can jewelry design featuring Join fellow attendees for a celetalents like Adam Neeley, moder- bratory kickoff party on Tuesday, ated by Shelly Sergent and Eddie February 4th, from 6:00 p.m. to Sakamoto, and explore museum 8:00 p.m. at the TCC. experiences with experts like Dr. • 2024 AGTA Spectrum & Gabriela Farfan, Curator, Smith- Cutting Edge Awards Gala: sonian.

Enjoy an evening of glamor, cel• Media and Industry Dia- ebration, and prestige. During the logue: Gain insights into how Gala, Spectrum & Cutting Edge trade media engages with the Award winners are recognized jewelry industry in the panel dis- and receive their hand-crafted cussion “From Science to Social trophies.

Media: How Trade Media EnFor more information about gages with and Covers the Jew- the show or to register today, elry Industry,” featuring Brendan please visit agta.org or click here!

D I S COV ER T HE I ND U ST RY ’S FINEST JEWEL RY T R A D E EV EN T Showc asing the c lassic designs that form the foundation of our industr y along with the creativity that is shaping the future of fine jewelry.

Professional Bench Jeweler to the Trade

When your REGISTER N OW AT JA-N EW YO R K .C O M company is in need of a reliable repair shop.

Chuck Koehler, Jeweler/Gemologist 992 Davidson Drive, Ste J Nashville,TN 37205 615-354-6361 www.CMKCompany.com

Jewelry News • JaNuary 2025

31

MARCH 16-18, 2 025 JAV ITS C E N T E R , N YC

D I S COV E R T H E I N D U ST RY ’S F I N EST J E W E L RY T R A D E E V E N T REGISTER

Showc asing the classic designs that form the foundation of our industry along with the creativity that is shaping the future of fine jewelry.

T O D AY

R EGI STE R N OW AT JA- N EW YO R K .C O M

2025 Trade Show Guide

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Jewelry News • JaNuary 2025

Registration now open for JIS Spring 2025 in Miami Beach JIS Miami Beach March 9-11, 2025 Miami Beach Convention Center Miami Beach, FL

(NORWALK, Conn.) - Registration is officially open for JIS Spring 2025, the premier jewelry buying event tailored for immediate and seasonal sourcing needs.

Taking place March 9-11, 2025, at the iconic Miami Beach Convention Center, this event is ideal for jewelry trade professionals looking to stock up for key retail moments, including Mother’s Day, the wedding season and graduations.

Your Gateway to 2025’s Top Jewelry Trends As one of the year’s first major jewelry events, JIS Spring 2025 offers access to over 300 world-class exhibitors. From

stunning fine jewelry and brilliant diamonds to trendy silver and gold collections, this is your chance to discover the year’s freshest trends and essential inventory. Attendees can browse dedicated pavilions like The Galleria, Silver & Fashion, Fine Jewelry, Türkiye, Lab Grown and Equipment, Technology & Services, featuring leading brands such as A.V. Diamonds, BA Gold, Heera Moti, Ken Craft Inc., Shy Creation and America’s Gold.

SHOW HOURS • Sunday, March 9: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM • Monday, March 10: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM •Tuesday, March 11: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM A World-Class Destination for Global Jewelry Professionals Located in the vibrant heart of Miami Beach and just 12 miles from Miami International Air-

port, the Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) provides the perfect backdrop for connecting with retailers, wholesalers and industry leaders from the U.S., Caribbean, Latin America and beyond. This certified sustainable and premier event destination boasts accolades like GBAC STAR™ Facility Accreditation, LEED® Silver Certification and

Certified Autism Center™ status, making it a top-tier venue for this highly anticipated event.

Conveniently situated within walking distance of luxury hotels, award-winning restaurants and Miami’s stunning beaches, MBCC ensures an exceptional experience for attendees. Parking is available on Levels 4 & 5 of the outdoor deck off Convention

Center Drive, with limited valet service for $35 on a first-come, first-served basis.

Don’t Miss Out! “This is more than just a show - it’s a cornerstone event for jewelry professionals to build connections, discover must-have products and optimize their buying strategies in an easy-to-navigate environment,” says Sara McDonough, JIS Show Director.

Secure Your Spot Qualified jewelry trade professionals, including buyers, retailers, wholesalers, diamond dealers, pawn brokers, distributors and more, are encouraged to register early and book their travel plans for this premier event.

For registration and additional information, visit JIS Spring 2025 at jisshow.com.

Ivan Levi to present “Grateful to Great: Connection Training” seminar at Feb. RJO Show (PHOENIX) - Ivan Levi jeweler, sales trainer, and author - will present “Grateful to Great: Connection Training” at the Retail Jeweler’s Organization’s conference in Phoenix, Arizona on February 22nd, at 11:30 a.m.

Ivan’s presentation will anchor RJO’s “Perfect Your Pitch” seminar track, helping jewelers refine their selling process in a way that focuses on guest experience and sales success.

Grateful to Great is the culmination of Levi’s 40-year career as a jewelry designer, gemologist, sales trainer, and author. His

Ivan Levi

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2014 book, “Forever Thank You: The Unique Way to Thank Great People”, was a precursor to this gratitude-based series of seminars and sales trainings, focused around the idea that gratitude within sales teams creates great results. As part of RJO’s seminar series, Levi will be sharing one of the pillars of his training: connection.

“Just as the business has evolved towards personal and custom jewelry, Grateful to Great is about personalizing the experience for each guest in a store,” Levi says. “It’s more than sales training, it’s connection training.

And when sales teams have the tools they need to make genuine connections with guests, they’re not just seeing higher sales numbers - they’re seeing a major increase in repeat visits and referrals, which is where the real growth lies.”

All RJO attendees are invited to join the seminar, which is free for attendees, and will include exclusive and actionable content from Grateful to Great trainings.

Learn more about RJO and their upcoming shows at RJOmembers.com.

Jewelry News • JaNuary 2025

33

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Jewelry News • January 2025

34

Hunt

Continued from page 3 Spotlight on Afghanistan One such remote gem-rich region, Afghanistan, presents additional hurdles to overcome - besides being geographically tough for emerald hunters. The largely inaccessible mountains of Afghanistan conceal other gems beside the coveted green crystals.

Ruby, lapis lazuli, garnet, and tourmaline all hail from these ancient hills.

But after the 9/11 terrorist attacks on US soil, the United States launched a war in Afghanistan. It would be another 2 decades before they pulled out completely.

“During America’s occupation of

Afghanistan,” reports Bangkokbased gem dealer Eddie Cleveland, “the USGS did a lot of surveys suggesting the country has over $1 trillion in minerals deposited by the collision of the subcontinent with India.”

Cleveland, a former gemologist at GRS Labs Bangkok, and founder of KashmirBlue, www. kashmirblue.com, understands the region and knows the complexities of extracting gems from these secluded spots. As an expert of emerald oiling, he’s become especially familiar with these goods.

Difficulties notwithstanding, a few brave gem hunters press into the forbidding recesses looking for stones that can become hot sellers at Tucson’s gem fairs

and at other global markets. Better yet, they will eventually adorn an emerald lover’s finger, or ears.

Identifying the Origin Some previously unknown emerald rough began trickling out of the region a while back. According to a scholarly report in Researchgate.net, A New Type of Emerald from Afghanistan’s Panjshir Valley, “a new type of emerald from Afghanistan has entered the gem trade.”

It explained why this was so newsworthy. “This material is commonly of excellent quality and compares with the finest em-

inhabitants; but this does not stop the smugglers who come, from Kabul and elsewhere, well prepared to make a fortune by selling the products of their work in the markets, especially in Kabul, Peshawar, Gilgit and even Tucson.”

So now this district is eyed for its quality emeralds, rivaling those from more well-known sources. The province of Laghman is undeveloped compared to its bordering territory like Panjshir. With no major roads or electricity, the roughly 500,000 inhabitants subsist on agricultural produce - fruits and vegetables,

Laghman Afghanistan emerald rivals goods from Colombia. Image courtesy KashmirBlue; Ed Cleveland

the Laghman district. “Small pockets of rough are found, then cross borders to be manufactured in Thailand, the world’s gemstone manufacturing center.

Smaller, high quality goods are fought over by watch and jewelry designers. Then, the mid-range to lower range material is treated for secondary markets, while single gemmy stones go to collectors.”

Local families known to Cleveland head for the hills in their free time to dig amongst pegmatite-dense rock. “Few if any foreign buyers go to Laghman because there’s no market for buying and selling there,” he confides. The stones are bought and exported by an experienced native, or they may cross the border illegally into Pakistan and be sold in Peshawar.

“The largest faceted stones from the summer’s production are 10 carats, but some rough was found as large as 200 -300 carats.

The families that dig are poor, and they can earn a year’s wage in a few months of mining,” Cleveland explains.

eralds from Colombia, not only visually, but also with respect to inclusions, spectral features, and chemical composition. As a result, some of these stones have entered the market as Colombian emeralds.”

No matter how exceptional an emerald appears, it’s crucial for it to be identified by its true origin. Afghani goods are becoming correctly identified, thanks to technology. Research suggests that Afghani emerald (while looking like Colombian rough) has a higher Fe (iron) content. So it’s possible to make a clear separation between goods from different localities by using t-SNE statistical processing, which is an unsupervised machine-learning method.

Laghman Province Across that wide swath of uncharted land, Laghman, Afghanistan has also come in the crosshairs for good emerald.

The Laghman district has been a particular area of interest to geologists, mineralogists, and gemologists for quite some time.

Pala International, republished a fascinating report called, Famous Mineral Localities-The Pegmatites of Laghman, Nuristan, Afghanistan.

The study provides a window into the mindset of local governing bodies of this forbidding terrain from decades earlier. “Afghan law prohibits anyone from exploiting deposits of any kind whatever, excepting the employees of the Ministry of Mines, who work periodically on the most interesting zones. That prohibition even applies to the local village

The Enduring Hunt for Emeralds Finding exceptional emeralds will always be a risky venture, in Afghanistan and elsewhere. Local artisanal miners who immerse themselves in this strenuous vocation may be rewarded financially to better their lives - as they should. The outside world can revel in some of nature’s most dazzling stones that have been hidden for millennia.

The isolated Laghman province in particular, situated in the Hindu Kush (meaning ‘killer of Hindus’) mountains, just East of Kabul, makes mining problematic. Yet the small production in recent years pinpoints a new and exciting addition to the world’s emerald landscape.

Its similar appearance and chemistry also challenges our trade with regard to this emerald’s identification. Cleveland reflects, “I believe the high altitude coupled with the hard metamorphic rock conditions will keep the Laghman emeralds a rare collector’s item.”

Censortron introduces new carat scale Censortron, a division of Censor & Co. Diamonds, has introduced a new carat scale featuring a roll-top shield design, allowing convenient frontal access for easy weighing and requiring half the counter space of other brand scales.

Features of the new Model CT700 scale include: • 700 carat capacity • High accuracy - 0.001 (1/1000) carat accuracy • High stability • Durable mechanism • Auto external calibration • Large bright digital display (16.5 mm) easy to read • 12 weighing modes (carats, gram, dwt, etc.) so it weighs precious metals as well • Light weight (3 1/2 lbs.)

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Local tribesmen try their hand at mining emeralds in their free time.

Image courtesy KashmirBlue; Ed Cleveland nuts, lumber, plus cheese and livestock.

The region certainly holds a wealth of mineral assets too, Cleveland confirms. “For example, the Laghman district shares rare-metal pegmatites that contain lithium (Li), cesium (Cs), neodymium, zinc, mercury, tantalum, etc. All the rare earth metal mines are state (Taliban) owned and government controlled with cooperation from China & India.”

Similar to some gemstone mining elsewhere, small artisanal, private mining in this region is done by locals with no supervision. So It’s basically illegal.

Moving Emeralds Just how do these lively green stones reach a global exposure - particularly with vendors in major markets like Tucson? Precious stones historically hail from dangerous locales where political unrest complicates matters. So the old saying, “where there’s a will, there’s a way” is well-suited for this gemstone niche.

Cleveland sheds light on the transportation of emeralds from

Jewelry News • January 2025

35

Jewelry News • JaNuary 2025

36

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Jewelry News • JaNuary 2025

Furry Friends on the Job!

FF Do you have a furry friend that helps out in your store?

Tell us about it and send a picture to bill@southernjewelrynews.com.

Say hello to Diego! Diego is a 2-year-old, 3 lbs soaking wet Yorkie. He has been working with his mother, store manager Rachel Young, at Reeds Jewelers in Chesapeake, Virginia since he was 12 weeks old. The dapper Diego is a very charming little fellow. He never goes to work without dressing to the nines! He helps the associates of the store break the ice with customers and he also assists in closing sales. Diego is a great morale boost for the staff and all of Reeds’ customers absolutely adore him. Reeds Jewelers is the largest family owned jewelry store in the country and their motto is treating customers like family, and that is exactly what Diego does. No one is a stranger.

A big how do you do from Marley! Marley is a 3-year-old Yellow Labrador Retriever that works as a full time greeter at Rolfs Jewelers in Shelby Township, Michigan. The store is family owned and operated under the leadership of owner, Scott Rolfs. Marley loves to greet everyone by jumping up and standing on the display and happily accepting affection and treats. She enjoys swimming and playing fetch in her free time, and she comes to the store to relax!

Jewelry News • January 2025

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Jewelry News • January 2025

40

Chuck

Continued from page 6 Most new safes are now ‘x6’, which means ‘times 6 sides’. So, a ‘TR-TL 30x6’ rating means that all 6 six sides of the safe are TRTL rated to resist an attack for 30 minutes before being defeated.

But, that’s not the real story here.

Those ratings and times, designated by the safe manufacturer, are based on several factors. The main factor being the attack on the safe is conducted by someone who knows how to breach the safe with very specific tools and torches. The safe is placed in a controlled environment, with access to all sides, and all of those tools and torches on hand. Then, the safe has to resist that attack for at least 30 minutes.

In the real world, your safe is inside a secure location, with alarms and cameras, and no tools or torches are on hand. In order to breach your safe, the bad guys need to first overcome your alarm system, and then drag in all of the tools and equipment that will be needed to get inside the safe.

If the bad guys know what kind of safe you have, then they know exactly what kind of equipment they need to bring. If they don’t know what kind of safe you have, they have to guess.

The bad guys are good, really good. But one simple thing you can do to protect yourself, and make it harder on the bad guys, is to never let them see what kind of safe they need to breach in the first place.

Never using post-it-notes This one is not specific to our industry; it’s just a pet peeve of mine I thought I’d pass along. Every person that has ever worked for me was given their own notebook on their first day at work. If I need them to write something down, I want them to write it in that notebook, not on a post-itnote. Trust me, there is a method to my madness here.

As a rule, if I’m asking someone to ‘write something down’, it means I’m probably going to need that information at some point in the future. If it’s on a post-it-note, there is no telling where it will be when I need to find it. If it’s in a notebook, then I only need to find that notebook.

It’s easier to find a notebook than

it is to find a post-it-note that was probably thrown away 2 months ago. Like I said, it’s just a weird quirk of mine I thought I’d pass along. If you have a habit of using post-it-notes, then you know what it’s like to not be able to find it at a later date when you really need that info - that was so important that you wrote it down.

If you have any tips or tricks that you’d like to pass along, my contact info is below. I’ll compile them and include them in a future column.

It’s a new year, with a lot of changes that will be coming to the country, starting on the 20th of this month. I hope all of the changes do nothing but enhance your business and allow you to thrive in 2025!

Chuck is the owner of Anthony Jewelers in Nashville, TN. Chuck also owns CMK Co., a wholesale trade shop that specializes in custom jewelry and repair services to the jewelry industry nationwide. If you would like to contact Chuck or need a speaker or instructor for your next conference/event he can be reached at 615-354-6361, or send e-mail to info@southernjewelrynews.com.

Pizza

Continued from page 20 Once you’ve gotten in front of your audience, and they recognize you, they will start to research you - another touch - and even call you, again another touch.

When you are the one that is standing out and being remembered by your target audience, you will be the one they think of in spite of all the noise, because they saw you multiple times. As a result, you will be the one whose campaigns work, not the store up the street that only has one ad trying to sell diamonds.

Unless of course, it’s diamond pizza.

Josh is the owner of 4 C’s Marketing, a marketing boutique for custom jewelers. With over a decade of local marketing experience for jewelers and other small businesses, Josh has honed the skill of driving leads and revenue for local businesses.

If there is anything in this article that you’d like more explanation about, want to know about other strategies, or want Josh to execute it for you, he can be reached at clarity@4csmarketing.com, or you can book a coffee chat by going to www.4csmarketing.com.

Jewelry News • January 2025

41

Marsden Brothers Promotions THINKING ABOUT

Retirement? Going Out of Business?

Moving? Transferring Ownership?

LET US HELP Being an RJO member, I had always heard about Marsden Brothers and others, but now was the time to make the decision. Did I want to do this on my own or should I get someone to help me? I realized I will only get one shot at this and it will be a part of my legacy and how clients will remember me. I did some research on Jewelers Helping Jewelers. Then, I made some phone calls and, after calling MBP’s references, Marsden Brothers became the easy choice. They are a straight forward talking family business and all around good people.

- Chris Harrison

“The sales numbers were just amazing as we doubled our sales goals. We did 2 years business in just 7 weeks! we could not imagine this success in our wildest dreams!”

Marsden Brothers having run over 900 sales, cements the fact that they know what they are doing. If anyone asks me about them and are considering a promotion like this, my words would simply be that they have a recipe for success. They care about their clients and it shows in every detail. I was amazed at the organized machine they have built. I am very grateful and blessed to have made the right decision in hiring Marsden Brothers Promotions to transition into retirement and the next chapter of life.

- Chris Harrison Christine & Chris Harrison

www.marsdenbrotherspromotions.com

208.523.0792

Jewelry News • January 2025

Jewelry News Classifieds

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BUSINESS & STORES FOR SALE Jewelry Store for Sale in Mentor, OH

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Located in mountain city out west, in busy strip mall - 900 square feet (60% production space, 40% sales floor) Email serious inquiries to martha@southernjewelrynews.com

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2025 Trade Show Guide..........22 AGTA...........................2 Ashi....................................5 Atlanta Jewelry Show.........29 Box Brokers.......................15 Casker.................................8 Channel Jewelry...................14 Darling Imports....................18 E-filigree..........................4 Essential Lab Grown............33 GemStar.............................7 HH Gold...........................37 Heraldica.............................10 IDD Jewelry......................13 Instore Show........................25 JA NY Show...........................31 JCK Show.............................24 Jewelry Store Marketers.......40 JIS Miami............................26 Kim International...............9 Marsden Brothers...............41 Metal Marketplace...............17 Mia Katrin......................38,43 NAJA.................................28 Namano...........................16 Noble..................................20 Pickens.............................34 RJO......................................23 Sanchi & Filia P .......................6 Select Show............................27 Shefi................................11 SoutheasternFindings..........32 Sunstone........................36 Stuller..............................44 The Edge.............................21 UPMR................................35 Variety Gems.......................39 WFN Enterprise....................19 Wilkerson..........................12

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Jewelry News Classifieds SERVICES TO THE TRADE

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FURRY FRIENDS WANTED! Do you have a furry friend who helps out in your store?

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Professional Bench Jeweler to the Trade When your company is in need of a reliable repair shop.

Chuck Koehler, Jeweler/Gemologist 992 Davidson Drive, Ste J Nashville,TN 37205 615-354-6361 www.CMKCompany.com

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We would LOVE to have them in the paper on our furry friends page! Tell us about them and send a picture to bill@southernjewelrynews.com

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