[ Registration Deadline is January 20th ]
The Premier Jewelers Cooperative
Expertise
DURING A FAMILY GATHERING this past Christmas, there was a gift exchange, and one of my cousins received a wireless shower speaker. Many wanted to hear how it sounded, so my cousin attempted to show us. She couldn’t get it to turn on for a bit, but when she did, she couldn’t get it to connect to a phone. Unfortunately, the directions were of no help, but at least there was a receipt.
When I saw her after the New Year, my cousin described how she took the speaker back to the box store where it was purchased, but no one there could help her get the speaker to work. She wound up with a store credit to a store she never shops.
This experience highlights the value of independent retailers and the expertise they offer customers. Unlike chain and box stores, independent jewelers know what’s important.
They know the community they serve. From area celebrations and milestones to unique seasonal trends, local jewelers enhance their town’s character and traditions.
They know the products they sell. When customers buy from a local jeweler, they have the comfort of knowing they’ll get earnest help with any questions that may arise.
They know the value of their offerings. Whether it’s something fun and trendy or a more
RJO Board News
traditional heirloom, local jewelers understand what their items mean to their customers.
They know their customers.
While it’s always nice to have new customers, local jewelers can count on generations of customers and know many by their first name.
And possibly most importantly, they know where the buck stops.
For customers who may have questions, suggestions, thank yous, or complaints, those who shop local jewelers know they can talk to an owner—in person.
I hope you were able to appreciate your value and expertise, particularly during the busyness of the last month. In a related nod to the value of expertise, this issue’s cover story has pulled together a number of retail experts who share their thoughts on what to look for in the year ahead.
If you haven’t registered for next month’s Winter Buying Show, please do so today. In addition to the expertise we’ll make available in Phoenix, you’ll also find much-needed sunny skies and warmth.
Happy new year,
Sarah Streb RJO CEO
THE RJO BOARD OF DIRECTORS, along with RJO management (and our esteemed CPAs), will be determining your 2024 RJO Dividend this January, and your 2024 RJO Dividend will be announced the week of January 20th!
Important: Your account must be paid in full and in good standing for your dividend check to be processed and sent to you. Please take a moment today to verify your account status. Watch RJO’s Facebook Exclusive page and your inbox for more RJO Dividend information.
S E R V I C E S
Centralized Billing
Patronage Dividend
RJO Website (rjomembers.com)
Buying Shows (Summer/Winter)
In the Loupe – RJO’s newsletter
RJO Exclusive on Facebook
Educational Seminars (at the Buying Shows)
Member-to-Member
Incentive Program (Recruitment Program)
Organized Buying Trips to Antwerp and IdarOberstein
RJO Directory
Travel Vouchers at Shows (offered at varying times)
Free Hotel Room Incentive (at the Buying Shows)
RJO Informational Email Blasts
Purchase Vouchers (at the Buying Shows)
RJO Membership Certificate
RJO Next Gen and RJO Succession Experiences
JewelConnect, RJOmeet.me, and RJOCustomHatch
Scholarship Opportunities (from the RJO Foundation)
From RJO’s Facebook Page
THE MEMBER-ONLY RJO EXCLUSIVE PAGE ON FACEBOOK hosts a variety of interesting discussions every day. Here is an edited exchange from late last year.
Post: I have not crossed this bridge yet but want to plan ahead. How do you handle maternity leave as far as pay goes? I’m familiar with FMLA and 12 weeks of guaranteeing a team member’s position is held. But I was hoping for some insight on how you pay or do not pay during this period, or even if you extend it? Do you offer it to the men too? I just want to know how others in our specific industry handle maternity leave financially.
Response One: We offer Aflac supplemental insurance to our team. They have so many different coverages, and their family members can be covered too. I send it monthly to Aflac directly through payroll deduction. It is perfect for maternity/family leave.
Response Two: When I opened my current li’l Mom ‘n Pop in 2012, my tiny crew was older. Today, one is 55 and one is 60, and their husbands’ insurance covers them. And my bench jewelers are contractors. So now I get to just think about paying them more. Bonuses? Yes. Benefits? No. I have always had low, low turnover.
Original Poster: I have a younger team, but that’s kind of what I’ve been doing. Pay well enough they can make their own care decisions. I’ve worked for the majors and even though they had good benefits at one point, the higher pay still works out better for most team members.
Response Three: Great topic. We have a diversity in age at our store and this is going to be something we are going to be dealing with in the near future. I believe paid family covers 60% for 12 weeks. We will look into Aflac as well. My thoughts on medical are some of the staff appreciate it while some don’t—or won’t—until they need it. No matter how well we pay, some would choose to live dangerously with no insurance. We just think it’s a good business decision to take care of the staff and make sure they are all covered, as well as assist in retirement.
Response Four: If you can afford it and you have a good employee, pay for 6 or all 12 weeks. We offered paid health insurance and a 401(k); even if they chose not to contribute, we did 3%. In the end the health insurance costs got way out of hand. I was paying $2,300 a month for one employee and his wife! He had been with us for more than 30 years. My dad always wanted to help people and teaching them to save was important to him!
Response Five: FMLA regulations only apply to companies with 50 employees or more.
Response Six: Be sure to check on state laws. Minnesota has a new law going into effect requiring paid maternity and paternity leave.
Response Seven: What is “maternity leave?” We are family owned, so we just brought our babies to work!
RJO Foundation Has Got You Covered
ATTEND THE BUYING SHOW in Phoenix in style and comfort, with apparel offered via the RJO Foundation. Funds raised will aid the Foundation in its ongoing mission and support efforts.
Available now are: Winter Buying Show Logo Tees (shown above, and to be worn on the Sunday of the
Buying Show); Stretch Jersey Polos; Full and Half-Zip Fleece Pullovers; Polos; and a Women's Interlock Cardigan.
Clothing is available in men's and women's styles, and prices range from $28 to $63.
View and purchase items here.
Taco Soup
Lisa
Pribyl Cahill-Pribyl Jewelry & Gifts Keokuk, IA
1 pound ground beef
1 large onion
1 envelope taco seasoning
1 envelope Hidden Valley Ranch
dressing mix
1 can whole kernel corn
1 can chili beans
1 can stewed tomatoes
1 can Rogelio Bueno Adobo with green chilis
1 can pinto beans
Brown and drain ground beef and onion. Mix in both envelopes of seasoning. Add, but DO NOT drain, the five cans. Simmer 30 minutes or so. As it heats, the juices come out. Serve with shredded cheese and top with Fritos or taco chips. So easy! Enjoy! If you like it really thin, you can add tomato juice.
RJO Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund Enters First Full Year
IN TIMES OF UNFORESEEN DISASTER and crisis, the RJO Foundation remains committed to supporting our community.
“We understand the immense challenges our members face during these difficult times, and we are proud to provide financial assistance through the RJO Foundation Disaster Relief Fund to those in need.,” said Sarah Streb, Executive Director of the RJO Foundation.
This fund is designed to help RJO members, vendors, and their families recover from natural disasters or unexpected crises, offering critical resources (between $500 - $1,000) when it matters most. Whether you or someone you know has been affected by a recent event, we encourage you to apply for support.
To apply, simply complete an application form, and our Foundation Board of Directors will review submissions promptly to provide timely assistance.
To view the RJO Foundation Disaster Relief Press Release, click here.
The Future of Website Search: A Glimpse into 2025
By Andy Boundy MyStore.Jewelry
THE JEWELRY INDUSTRY IS undergoing yet another transformation in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) age. We have already seen game-changing tech like online shopping, the rise of social media, mobile-first design, mobile apps, and more. In 2025, advancements in AI will be reshaping the way stores design, market, and sell jewelry online and in-store. This evolution is not just a trend, but a shift in how stores can stay competitive.
AI is starting to replace traditional search methods, introducing intuitive and personalized user experiences. Customers no longer sift through endless catalogs or rely on generic filters. Instead, AIpowered search engines analyze user behavior, preferences, and even visual cues to deliver recommendations. For example, a customer can upload a photo of a necklace they admire, and AI can instantly generate options with similar designs, materials, and even price ranges—along with potential stores and suppliers. Google and the traditional search engines, it seems, may not be the only game in town to find what you need in ’25.
Voice and conversational searches also are on the rise (think “voicebots”). Consumers can talk to their phone (or chat on a website) and describe what they’re looking for (say, “a vintage-inspired sapphire ring under $1,000”) and receive curated results. While this is “cool” as an input method, it’s the AIpowered results discussed that really set this apart from older voice recognition. In an age where typing is being replaced by voice inputs, this is certainly an area to watch.
Generative AI (using AI to generate media and ideas) is proving to be a powerful tool for creativity in the jewelry sector. Using AI, stores (and customers) can generate intricate and innovative designs that blend their inputs with trends and recommendations; traditionally this is the purview of the experienced jeweler. Customization also is more accessible, as consumers can “cocreate” their dream pieces virtually. AI tools can even simulate how a piece will look when worn, reducing uncertainty and boosting confidence in online purchases.
Beyond jewelry, generative AI is enabling easier content creation for websites. From automated blog posts, banners, ads, and social media posts to product descriptions and more, this technology enables websites to engage their audiences with much less manual effort.
Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) will be further enhancing online shopping experiences. Virtual try-ons—where customers can see how a ring or necklace looks on them using their smartphone—are becoming popular features. “VR showrooms” may become more commonplace, allowing customers to explore a jewelry store as a virtual boutique, browse collections, and consult with experts—all from the comfort of their homes. These experiences begin to bridge the gap between the tactile nature of jewelry, and the convenience of ecommerce.
With all this in mind—and massive companies investing millions in tech, competing for every buyer— the marketing and positioning of the store’s competitive advantage is even more important. I believe the online marketing of the local store will move from a traditional product focus to that of service, expertise, and community. While browsing jewelry online is no doubt important, stores will need to connect even more deeply with their market to ensure their specific advantages are known by their customers.
In a nutshell, I think stores need to start imagining all these online giants—with AI tech and advanced systems—are on their Main Street! Today independent jewelers can market to their community to show why they are the best option for jewelry, services, and all their store provides. Tech has always increased the level and complexity of competition, and this new AIpowered movement is no different. A store’s value will always be needed, so it’s more important than ever to ensure the customer understands and embraces it.
Jeweler Profile
Grace Marie Jewelry & Design: Thriving on Main Street
FOR MOST OF HER LIFE, ELISE ROSE was simply a member of a second-generation jeweler family.
“My family had a jewelry store in Springville, NY, called Sheret Jewelers,” says Elise. “My grandfather, Don Sheret, opened the store after coming home from World War II. My father, Charles “Andy” Sheret, bought the store from him in the late ’70s and early ’80s. When my father passed in 2013, my husband Mike Rose and I inherited the business.”
That was when the couple became a third-generation jeweler. At the time, Mike was a restaurant manager and Elise was bartending, while holding a degree in psychology. She had helped her dad here and there growing up, but Elise says the two knew nothing about actually running a business.
“We moved to Springville and took a chance on a new business,” she recalls. “After running the business for a little over a year, and sending all repairs out, Mike said the only way for us to be able to continue to do this, was to bring repairs in house. Mike went to the threemonth intensive at New Approach School for Jewelers, and he quickly learned the skills he needed. Fortunately, he had the talent. Once home, Mike started teaching himself CAD and casting.”
Elise says after a few years in New York, they decided they wanted to be back in Virginia, so they sold the family business to a cousin. They moved to Virginia and started a new business in Forest, a community of 11,000 just outside of Lynchburg. This was the birth of Grace Marie Jewelry & Design. The store officially opened in November of 2020, with Elise and Mike as the owners. Elise says the name was a combination of their daughter’s middle name, Grace, and her grandmother’s name, Marie, which is also Elise’s middle name.
“In October of 2023 the owners of the oldest jewelry store in Lynchburg announced their retirement and called us to see if we wanted their location,” says Elise. “We quickly decided it would be an awesome location being on a Main Streetour previous store in New York also had been on a Main Street.”
Lynchburg is a three-hour drive southwest of Washington, DC, with a population of 80,000. The jewelry storefront sits among a downtown featuring stone and brick buildings, just a few blocks west of the shore of the James River and its riverfront park.
Among the many assets the couple brought with them to Virginia was their membership in RJO.
“When we were in NY we knew we needed help to grow and succeed,” says Elise. During a visit to Bridge at Stuller, we met Lewis Pacheco, and he told us how great RJO was, and he talked us into joining. We joined RJO initially because of how family friendly it seemed, the education offerings, and of course, the dividend!”
“I love the relationships we have built through RJO,” she continues. “We have so many people to gain knowledge from, and there is always someone that has been where you are or has advice. It has been invaluable to be a member of RJO while we have grown and continue to grow our business!”
Also helping the couple grow their business are the members of the potential fourth generation.
“We homeschool our three children, Charlie (11), Chloe (9), and Asher (7),” says Elise. “We think hands-on experience and trial and error are the best ways to learn. At RJO’s Buying Shows, we give them a budget and they get to pick out some items. Before the next Show, we will run the reports and see how each one did! Depending on how they did, they will either get the same amount to budget again, or we will increase it. This also gives them incentive to try to sell the items they picked. They are not on the Show Floor full time, but they do pop out when they are needed.”
Grace Marie Jewelry & Design is located at 825 Main Street in Lynchburg, VA. Phone: (434) 386-8422
Website: www.gracemariejewelers.com
show information at-a-Glance
Show location
Phoenix Convention Complex North Hall 4 & 5 (Lower Level) 100 North 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ
$250 TRAVEL VOUCHER
Register by January 20th, to receive one $250 travel voucher for each dues-paying store. Note: to qualify, your account must be in good standing with RJO, and registration must be received by the deadline. This voucher is being brought to the members by the RJO vendors.
Important!
PHOTO ID REQUIRED FOR ALL ATTENDEES
To ensure the safety of all our members and vendors, we will be requiring a photo ID and business card at registration check-in. These items will need to be presented to receive your badge for access on the Show Floor and ANY sponsored events held at the host hotel.
Complimentary Accommodations
RJO will cover up to three (3) night’s stay at the base rate for qualifying retailers. Qualifying nights may only include Friday, Saturday, Sunday, or Monday night stays. RJO does not cover suite upgrades or additional persons.
Hyatt Regency Phoenix (Overflow Property) 122 North 2nd Street (602) 252-1234
By phone: Be sure to mention you’re a part of the Retail Jewelers Organization (or RJO) group block.
Online: Login at rjomembers.com to make a reservation with your username and password. If you do not have a username and password, contact the RJO office at: (800) 247-1774.
Purchase Vouchers Discounts
Purchase vouchers will be in effect during the Show, and applicable on all of your purchases from our vendors. Your specific voucher percentage—up to an additional 3 percent off each purchase—will be based on your store’s 2024 purchase total. This information will be available at the Show Registration Desk, or you can call us.
2024 Purchase Total Additional Discount on All Show Purchases $1,000,000 or greater: 3%
1%
Important: All vouchers must be completed by you and submitted to the RJO Registration Desk prior to the end of the Buying Show. Show voucher terms are six months.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21
Vendor Affiliate Meetings
2 – 6 P.M.
Leadership/Retailer Roundtables
5 – 6:30 P.M.
Early Member & Vendor Registration
5 – 8 P.M.
Next Gen Meet & Greet
5:30 – 6:30 P.M.
New Member Reception (Invitation Only)
5:30 – 6:30 P.M.
Show & Event Schedule
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23
Gather for Moments of Reflection (A Non-Denominational Event)
7:30 – 8 A.M.
Member/Vendor Joint Breakfast (Registration Required)*
7:30 – 9 A.M.
Brain Gain Breakouts
RJO Kick-off Reception & Tower Displays (ID Required)
6:30 – 8 P.M.
. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22
Educational Seminar Continental Breakfast
7:30 – 9 A.M.
Educational Seminar / Member Show Registration
7:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.
Educational Seminars
8:30 A.M. – 12:20 P.M.
General Membership Luncheon (Registration Required)*
12:30 – 2 P.M.
Member Show Registration
1 – 7 P.M.
Buying Floor Grand Opening
2 – 7 P.M.
Buying Floor Welcome Reception
5:30 – 7 P.M.
Next Gen Excursion: Stand-Up Live (Registration Required)
6:30 P.M.
Rock Tour Reception
7 – 8:30 P.M.
MONDAY FUNDAY
JEWELER'S JACKPOT!
8 – 9:30 A.M.
Member Show Registration
8 A.M. – 6 P.M.
Buying Floor Show Hours 9:30 – 6 P.M.
RJO Buying Floor Show Happy Hour 5 – 6 P.M.
Excursion: Mystery Mansion Dinner Theater (Registration Required)* 6:30 P.M.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24
Sharing the Best of Your Show Experience & Continental Breakfast
8 – 9:30 A.M.
Show Registration Desk Open 8:30 A.M. – 3 P.M.
Buying Show Floor Hours & Monday Funday 9:30 A.M. – 3 P.M.
Buying Show Floor Farewell Event 2 – 3 P.M.
*Cost of optional excursions is the responsibility of the participant.
Enjoy these fun games created to encourage your participation on the Show Floor. You’re not going to want to leave early!
RJO BINGO
RJO will have a drawing for our retailers at the Show. The winner will receive a JACKPOT to spend at participating vendor’s booths on the Show Floor Monday ONLY. Winner will be announced Monday, February 24, at 12:30 P.M. All winners must claim their prize within five minutes of the drawing. If a prize is not claimed, a new winner will be drawn. Sponsored by your RJO participating vendors.
Stop by the Registration Desk beginning at 9:30 A.M. Monday morning to collect your BINGO card, game sheet, and instructions. One BINGO card per store. Our sponsors have provided a fun list of activities to complete to earn their square! For every BINGO, you will receive entry ticket(s) for a drawing to win a travel voucher(s) for the 2025 Schaumburg Summer Buying Show! Bingo cards need to be turned in at the Registration Desk by noon. Winner will be announced after the Jeweler’s Jackpot. Must be present to win. Winners must claim their prize within five minutes of the drawing. If a prize is not claimed, a new winner will be drawn. Sponsored by your RJO participating vendors.
Friday Vendor Affiliate MEETINGS
2 – 3 P.M.
• How To Be Relevant in the Age of Social Media Forever Diamonds & Gems
• A.Jaffe Unveils the Most Innovative Men’s Collections Ever A.Jaffe
2:30 – 3:30 P.M.
• The Power of Fine Collectible Jewelry Rembrandt Charms
3 – 4 P.M.
• Repairs 101: Helping Your Jewelers Help You Jewel-Craft, Inc.
• Saving Money, Keeping You Organized, & Improving Sales Everspark
3 – 4:30 P.M.
• Promo Palooza: Review the Best Holiday Promos All in One Stop Collected Concepts
3:30 – 4:30 P.M.
• Avoiding Pitfalls in Data-Driven Decisions and Turning Insights into Action Allison-Kaufman Co.
3:30 – 5 P.M.
• How to Reignite and Pivot to Natural Diamond Sales Gems One Trading
4 – 5 P.M.
• Lab Grown Diamonds: How to Navigate the Murky Waters with Essential LGDs Essential Lab Grown Diamonds
4:30 – 5:30 P.M.
• Our RJO Exclusive Web Configurators for Engagement Rings and Eternity Bands Cynergy Trading Corp.
4:30 – 6 P.M.
• Unlocking The Latest Enhancements in The Edge
The Edge By Abbott Jewelry 5 – 6 P.M.
• Unlocking the Brilliance of Rare Diamonds in Retail Pancis Gems, Inc.
• ODI 2.0: RJO Never Out of Stock Catalog Program ODI/Tache
SATURDAY Educational Seminars
Prioritize Security to Ensure a Successful Year
By Jewelers Mutual Group®
SAFEGUARDING YOUR JEWELRY business is essential to its success. By implementing robust security measures, you can significantly reduce the risk and protect your team, customers, and valuable inventory. Let’s explore essential strategies to achieve this goal.
Create a Culture of Security
Security isn’t a one-time effort—it’s an ongoing commitment. Fostering a culture of vigilance and preparedness will help you protect your store, staff, and customers effectively.
•Conduct regular training on security protocols and emergency procedures to ensure everyone is prepared.
•Foster a security-conscious atmosphere where your team takes ownership of security and feels confident sharing any suspicious activity.
•Acknowledge and reward your team members who demonstrate exceptional attention to security to keep everyone motivated.
Fortify Existing Security Systems
Your alarm and camera systems are the backbone of your store’s security. Ensure these systems are fully operational and installed correctly. Regular maintenance and testing are critical to their effectiveness.
•Test alarms regularly to confirm they’re connected to monitoring services and functioning as intended.
•Review camera placements to ensure they cover all critical areas, such as entrances, display cases, and storage rooms.
•Verify recording capabilities to confirm cameras are capturing clear footage and storing it securely for later review if necessary.
Update Call Lists & Define Roles
Make sure everyone knows their responsibilities and who to contact. Quick, coordinated action is critical in a crisis.
•Keep your emergency contact list current.
•Define roles for all team members and assign specific responsibilities.
•Establish clear emergency procedures and conduct regular drills to ensure everyone is prepared.
Respond
to All Alarms, Even on Nights and Weekends
Alarms should never be ignored, regardless of the time or day.
Immediate action is essential.
•Always contact local law enforcement when an alarm signal is triggered, even if it’s a communication failure.
•Avoid entering the premises without law enforcement present. They will inspect the property and surrounding areas to ensure it’s safe to proceed.
Partner with Law Enforcement
Building a strong relationship with local law enforcement and mall security can enhance your store’s safety.
•Inform security personnel and law enforcement on the unique vulnerabilities and request increased surveillance and patrols.
•Invite them to tour your store to familiarize them with the layout, identify potential security risks, and better support you in case of an incident.
Build Relationships with Neighboring Businesses and Security Teams
A collaborative approach to security can benefit everyone in your immediate vicinity.
•Strengthen relationships with neighboring businesses and local or mall security teams.
•Share information about suspicious activity to foster a vigilant community prepared to respond to threats collectively.
Vigilance Is Key to Prevention
Even with robust systems and procedures, human vigilance remains a critical layer of defense. Train your staff to recognize and report unusual activity, such as:
•Individuals loitering near the store or acting nervously.
•Suspicious vehicles, especially those with out-of-state or temporary tags, parked nearby for extended periods.
•Unusual construction work in or near the store.
•People walking around with earpieces, possibly coordinating a group.
•Individuals carrying devices or cases with antennas that might disrupt communications. Encourage staff to trust their instincts and report any concerns immediately. A quick response to potential threats can prevent incidents before they occur.
The Time Is Now for Robust, Preventive Action
A well-secured jewelry business is not only a deterrent to criminals but also a reassurance to your team and customers their safety is your top priority. Start the year strong with a robust security plan and stay prepared to handle any challenges that come your way.
Contact the expert Asset Protection team at Jewelers Mutual Group at assetprotection@jminsure.com with any questions about your specific store security needs.
Five Technologies to Reduce Ecommerce Fraud
By Courtney Huff MSG Payment Systems
MANY INDEPENDENT JEWELRY STORES are embracing ecommerce to reach more consumers and compete with larger retailers. This can open new revenue streams, but it also brings new challenges— particularly the risk of fraud and financial loss. Ecommerce fraud costs businesses billions of dollars annually. In 2021 alone, U.S. retailers lost more than $20 billion to payment fraud, a figure that continues to grow as online shopping expands.
To protect your business, it’s essential to leverage the right tools and technologies. Here are five key solutions that can help mitigate ecommerce fraud and keep your business safe.
3D Secure (3DS)
3D Secure is a fraud prevention tool that allows the merchant and card issuer to exchange transaction data behind the scenes. By analyzing data points, the card issuer can verify the true account holder is making the transaction. This process increases approval rates while reducing the likelihood of fraud.
One major benefit of 3D Secure is it shifts the liability for chargebacks from the merchant to the card issuer when a transaction is fully authenticated. For instance, if a fraudulent purchase of $500 is made with a stolen card, your business could lose the money, merchandise, and additional fees. However, with 3D Secure, this liability would shift to the card issuer, protecting your business from losses.
Take Action: Consider incorporating 3D Secure into your ecommerce platform. Work with a trusted payment provider to ensure seamless integration.
Address Verification Service (AVS) Match
Address Verification Service (AVS) helps verify the billing address provided by the customer matches the records on file with the card issuer. A mismatch could indicate potential fraud, such as the use of a stolen card.
Take Action: Many payment gateways offer enhanced AVS filtering, automatically rejecting transactions with a mismatched billing address. Review your AVS settings and ensure your policies align with your fraud prevention goals.
Card Verification Code (CVC/CVV)
The Card Verification Value (CVV or CVC) is the threeor four-digit number printed on most credit and debit cards. When customers provide this code during a
transaction, it helps verify they physically possess the card, adding another layer of security.
Take Action: Implement CVV filtering through your payment gateway. Automatically reject transactions when the CVV does not match and fine-tune your settings to meet your security requirements.
Geographic Location Filters
Geographic filters can help block transactions from certain regions, preventing fraud from high-risk areas. Many payment gateways allow businesses to reject transactions based on the billing address, shipping address, or IP address. For example, if your business only ships within the U.S., you can block transactions originating from other countries.
Take Action: Customize your payment gateway’s geographic filters to restrict transactions to your serviceable regions. If you’ve experienced fraud from specific locations in the past, consider blocking those IP addresses.
Velocity and Amount Filters
Velocity filters limit the number of transactions processed from a specific IP address or customer within a set time frame, helping prevent bots or fraudsters from testing stolen cards. Amount filters allow you to set minimum and maximum transaction values, which can help prevent card testing attacks where fraudsters make small purchases to test stolen card information.
Take Action: Implement velocity and amount filters to monitor unusual transaction activity. Setting a high minimum payment amount can help prevent fraudulent microtransactions used in card testing attacks.
Final Thoughts
Fraud prevention is an ongoing challenge for ecommerce businesses, but leveraging these technologies can significantly reduce your risk. Each tool can be customized based on your specific needs, ensuring your ecommerce platform is secure while maintaining a positive customer experience. Protecting your business from fraud will not only save you money but also help build trust with your customers.
Setting Transforming Goals for Business & Life
Bhavin Mehta NUNU
THE NEW YEAR IS MORE than just a change in the calendar—it’s an opportunity to hit the reset button and design a better future. Whether you’re a business leader, an entrepreneur, or someone who craves personal growth, goalsetting is your secret weapon. But how you set goals can be the difference between success and setbacks.
So, let’s ditch the vague resolutions and dive into setting goals that are actionable, transformative, and downright inspiring.
The Power of Goal Setting
Goals give you direction. They turn your ambitions into a clear roadmap and keep you from wandering aimlessly. But there’s more:
•They create focus. Instead of getting distracted by every shiny opportunity, goals help you zoom in on what truly matters.
•They provide motivation. Clear goals give you a reason to keep pushing forward, even when challenges arise.
•They measure progress. You know exactly how far you’ve come and what you need to do next. But goals aren’t just for business— they’re just as critical for personal growth. Let’s break it down.
Business Goals: Make Your Vision Crystal Clear
If you’re running a business, it’s time to move beyond vague targets like “We want to grow this year.” Instead, craft goals that are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Here’s how to make it happen:
Identify Growth Areas: What’s the one thing, if improved, would make the biggest difference in your
business? Maybe it’s increasing sales by 20%, launching a new product, or improving customer retention. Zero in on that.
Innovate to Stay Competitive: The market doesn’t stand still, and neither should you. Explore new technologies, optimize processes, or create a unique offering. For example: “Automate our customer service system by Q2 to reduce response times by 40%.”
Empower Your Team: Your business is only as strong as your people. Set goals that involve team development, like skill-building workshops or leadership training. A motivated team drives growth faster.
Track and Tweak: Set monthly milestones and review progress regularly. If something isn’t working, adjust. Flexibility is key to achieving big results.
Personal Goals: Because You Are the Foundation
Behind every successful business is a leader who prioritizes their own growth. The new year is the perfect time to ask: “How can I be a better version of myself?”
Prioritize Well-Being: You can’t pour from an empty cup. Set goals for self-care, like getting 7 hours of sleep, dedicating time for things you enjoy, or scheduling regular breaks. A healthy you is a productive you.
Commit to Learning: Whether it’s reading one book a month, taking an online course, or learning a new skill, growth thrives on knowledge. Personal development fuels professional success, and coaching mentors can be incorporated to guide and accelerate your journey. Practice Mindfulness: Stress is the enemy of clarity. Small habits like 10-minute meditations or daily journaling can sharpen your focus and reduce anxiety.
Balance is Key: Set boundaries between work and personal life. For example, no emails after 8 p.m. or dedicating Sundays to family. Balance isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Turn Goals into Action
Having goals is great, but execution is everything. Break your big goals into bite-sized tasks. Each week, ask: “What’s one thing I can do that brings me closer to my goal?” Small steps compound into big achievements.
Track your wins, learn from setbacks, and celebrate progress. Progress fuels momentum
Sometimes, You Might Need a Guide
Here’s the truth: Goal setting is powerful, but it can also be overwhelming. If you find yourself stuck or unsure how to take your business or personal growth to the next level, guidance matters.
That’s where a business coach comes in. Coaches offer the clarity, strategy, and accountability needed to ensure your goals aren’t just dreams—they’re achievements waiting to happen.
This year don’t just set goals. Set yourself up for success.
Starting the New Year Right
Expert Insights
With the end of 2024 comes a need to look forward to the year ahead. To help us know where to direct our gaze, we've asked a number of experts in their field to provide us their thoughts about what to look for and what retail jewelry trends we might see.
AI and Automation
Jimmy DeGroot
Train Retail www.trainretail.com
When asked what the most important trend for jewelers is in the year ahead, I have to go with artificial intelligence (AI). Retailer costs are always growing, and it’s more important now than ever we maximize every single sales opportunity. AI (through apps like Podium) can capture customer data when browsing online, capture their data when phone calls are made to your store, create enticing product descriptions for your online store, and be an immediately responsive chatbot that can tee up sales for your team.
Available right now is phone technology that will record phone calls from customers, transcribe the discussion directly into their file in your POS, and give you reminders to follow up with them if needed. AI cannot and will not ever replace salespeople, but it WILL give them incredible tools to be more effective if used properly within a great outreach program.
It can also create online descriptions of your current stock for enticing online descriptions beyond your POS appraisal-style copy. Finally, while you’re at home comfortably enjoying Netflix, AI can be a stunningly real chatbot to be pre-selling jewelry as people shop online. Imagine going in to work tomorrow and finding there’s an order already paid for the customer will be picking up today.
Anish Desai Stargems, Inc.
www.stargems.com
In 2025, AI and automation trends poised to significantly impact retail jewelers include personalized customer experiences, AI-driven design tools, and predictive analytics. Retail jewelers can harness AI to deliver hyper-personalized experiences, using customer data to recommend jewelry styles, metals, and gemstones tailored to individual preferences. This trend will help jewelers build stronger customer relationships and drive repeat business.
AI-powered design tools—like generative AI and 3D modeling—will continue to revolutionize custom
jewelry creation. Jewelers can leverage these tools to streamline the design process, offering customers instant visualizations of bespoke pieces, reducing production timelines, and enhancing collaboration between designers and clients.
Predictive analytics, fueled by machine learning, will enable retailers to forecast demand, manage inventory efficiently, and identify market trends. By analyzing purchasing patterns and market data, jewelers can strategically stock products and launch targeted marketing campaigns.
Additionally, automation in communication, such as AI chatbots and text-based customer engagement platforms, will streamline customer service and improve response times, ensuring seamless interactions in an increasingly digital marketplace. Embracing these trends will help retail jewelers stay competitive, enhance operational efficiency, and deliver exceptional value to their customers.
Can AI provide insight into the year ahead?
We asked ChatGPT. Click here.
Marketing
Tammy Benda Buzz Advertising Agency www.buzzadvertisingagency.com
Running a jewelry business is like crafting the perfect necklace: you need creativity, originality, and sparkle. Every retail jeweler can use these tips to grow their business, regardless of technical prowess.
Show Off That Shine
Showcase your jewelry with eye-catching photos and Reels on Instagram and TikTok. Content does best when it includes you and your employees.
Get Comfortable with a Camera
Every jeweler has their own passion, history and message. Share your story via video as an easy, affordable way to bond with your customers.
Go Local, Stay Charming
Participate in local markets, collaborate with nearby boutiques, or host pop-up events. Bring your personality along and turn visitors into loyal customers.
Shine Sustainably
Highlight your eco-friendly practices, like ethical sourcing and recyclable packaging, to charm the 80% of young customers who identify as eco-conscious.
Influencers Are Real Gems
You no longer need influencers with thousands of followers. Use friends, family, and associates on social media to show off your jewelry and share authentic stories about how much they love it.
Meet Your Customers Everywhere
Omni-channel advertising gets your message in front of target customers repeatedly. Advancements in targeting let you deliver more personalized, persistent messaging via socials, TV, email, and more.
Shine All Year
Make every day a great occasion to buy jewelry— don’t wait until the holidays. Figure out where you shine (bridal, custom, etc.) and make a plan to reach new customers year-round.
The Millennial/Gen Z Consumer Base
Alisa Bunger
ANIA HAIE
www.aniahaie.com
AURELIE GI
www.aureliegi.com
Focusing on trends for Gen Z / Millennials and the latest Gen Alpha is at the heart of what we do every season. One of the biggest trends we’ll be launching product for will be an expansion of the ”Coquette“ vibe, with 2025 updated bows and corset-inspired fashion accessories. Pearls, which have seen a focus for the last 18 months, will see even more trajectory with pearl styles incorporating the celestial trend. Think stars, moons, celestials with pearls. Bold designs, such as larger hoops, bubble hoops, and chunky graphic necklaces, have taken over as the dainty trend is on its way out. Lastly, the charm trend isn’t going away anytime soon. If anything, it has really taken off the last quarter, and Gen Z / Millennial and Gen Alpha consumers are clamoring for more personalized options to create their own
jeweled masterpiece. How can you use all of this to help your sales? Double it up! Besties want to match! We’re seeing friends creating their own coquette charm combo with a pearl cross, a large chunky heart, and then personalized with a bubble letter charm. It’s the 2025 version of combining trends.
Retail Law
Sara Yood Jewelers Vigilance Council www.jvclegal.org
The incoming presidential administration has signaled levying tariffs and renegotiating existing trade agreements will be a significant policy focus of their administration. Retail jewelers can reasonably expect to see rising prices on goods manufactured in China and possible changes to trade agreements with other countries going forward. It will be important for retail jewelers to work with suppliers who can diversify their manufacturing locations to mitigate the financial impacts of these tariffs.
Security
Greg Holland-Merten HMH Consultants
www.hmhconsultants.com
In 2025, retail jewelers will face evolving security challenges driven by technological advancements and increasingly sophisticated criminal tactics. Three critical trends are shaping the landscape:
Hybrid Threats Combining Cyber and Physical Tactics
Criminals are leveraging cyberattacks to disable security systems, track inventory, or gather intelligence before committing physical thefts. For example, hacking into a store’s network to access surveillance cameras or inventory logs can provide perpetrators with key insights. To counter these threats, jewelers must integrate robust cybersecurity protocols with physical security measures.
Surge in Smash-and-Grab Robberies
Smash-and-grab crimes remain a significant threat to retail jewelers, with offenders using brute force to steal high-value items in seconds. These incidents are often highly coordinated and can cause severe financial and reputational damage. Jewelers can
mitigate risks by installing reinforced display cases, implementing time-delay safes, and employing enhanced surveillance systems. Visible deterrents, such as on-site security personnel or bollards, can also discourage would-be criminals.
Increased Focus on Insider Threats
With insider threats on the rise, jewelers must be vigilant against risks posed by employees or contractors with access to sensitive systems or inventory. Implementing stricter access controls, conducting comprehensive background checks, and providing ongoing employee training are essential. Regular audits and monitoring of both physical and digital systems can help identify vulnerabilities linked to internal actors.
By proactively addressing these trends, retail jewelers can safeguard their assets, protect their reputation, and enhance overall resilience in a complex security landscape.
Social Media
Bri Black & Bailey Rebh Buzz Advertising Agency www.buzzadvertisingagency.com
Can we just say how much fun TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are right now? These platforms are the go-to for engagement, and they’re perfect for jewelers! Short-form video continues to dominate, with an average engagement rate nearly 10x higher than static posts in 2024. For jewelers, this is the ultimate chance to shine—literally! Imagine wowing your audience with behind-the-scenes clips of jewelry being crafted, heartfelt customer testimonials, or quick styling tips for every occasion.
The key? Lean into snackable content that’s scrollstopping and easy to digest. Did you know 73% of consumers say they’re more likely to buy a product after watching a video about it? TikTok has
undoubtedly reshaped how we consume content, trends like autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR)-style unboxings, and day-in-the-life vlogs, which are perfect for showcasing your brand’s personality.
Even if TikTok evolves, one thing’s clear—the video-first era is here to stay. Static images alone just don’t grab attention like they used to. So, jewelers, it’s time to embrace dynamic storytelling with trending sounds, text overlays, and call-toaction captions. Get that camera rolling and let your sparkle take center stage!
Trends
Sherry Smith Edge Retail Academy www.edgeretailacademy.com
At the start of each new year, I’m often asked: What will retail look like for independent jewelry retailers in the year ahead? It’s in these moments I find myself wishing for a crystal ball. How wonderful it would be to provide our industry with an accurate forecast of consumer behavior for the upcoming year?
But the truth is, making such predictions is rarely effective— especially in times of uncertainty. As entrepreneur Scott Galloway aptly puts it, “Predictions are a terrible business. If you get it right, the events leading up to the prediction render it less bold. If you get it wrong, you’ll be reminded of your gaffe 10,000 times a day.”
When I’m asked about the trends or priorities retailers should focus on in 2025, my answer is simple: Focus on what’s within your control. Success lies in mastering
these controllable factors and executing them with precision. Start with customer experience— make every interaction, whether in-store or online, personalized and memorable. Invest in your team by providing training that ensures they are knowledgeable, motivated, and prepared to deliver exceptional service while confidently closing sales.
Prioritize inventory management by stocking the right products, reducing slow movers, and leveraging data to forecast demand. A well-curated inventory supports cash flow and profitability. Commit to a strong digital presence, including an optimized website, active social media, and seamless omnichannel integration, to meet customers where they are.
Track key performance indicators such as sales goals, margins, and inventory turnover to make datadriven decisions. Finally, maintain consistent marketing efforts, combining local community engagement with digital strategies to drive foot traffic and build brand loyalty.
Success in 2025 won’t depend on guessing trends or chasing the latest buzzwords. It will be determined by a retailer’s ability to master and execute what’s within their control. Rather than worrying about the unpredictability of external factors, focus your energy on what you can directly influence. Disciplined execution, consistency, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence in these key areas will set the foundation for sustainable growth. Remember, success is built on the small, intentional actions you take every day—over time, these actions compound into measurable results.
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