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Articles by Emmanuel Raheb
Matt Stuller to Receive 2027 Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement
New York—Jewelers of America and the Gem Awards committee have named Matt Stuller as the recipient of the 2027 Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement.Stuller, the founder and executive chairman of Stuller Inc., is being honored for his impact on the jewelry industry.He was named executive chairman in November 2025 , with Danny Clark succeeding him in the role of CEO.“The Jewelers of America board of directors and the Gem Awards committee are thrilled to have Matt Stuller as the Gem Award for...
Your Holiday Marketing Has a Bridal Blind Spot
Every jeweler knows what December looks like. The store is decorated, the new inventory is out, and the ads are running. Everyone is focused on buying gifts for the holidays.However, there’s another customer shopping during all of this.
The Local Listings Leak That’s Losing You Holiday Customers
EVERY HOLIDAY SEASON, jewelers spend a lot of money trying to get people into their stores. They run Google campaigns, send emails, post on social media, and promote special events. They put holiday merchandise in the windows and make sure the store looks its best. A lot of work goes into getting somebody to walk-in. Then something as simple as a wrong business listing online can send that same customer somewhere else. Imagine a shopper who is looking for a last-minute gift.
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of Americas
Paris—Messika has named Arnaud Michon as president and chief executive officer for its Americas business.Michon’s appointment as leader of the Parisian jeweler’s Americas region marks a new chapter for Messika as it aims to make the region a central pillar of its global development, said the company.In his new role, he will lead Messika’s expansion across the region, strengthening its organization and distribution, developing its retail footprint, and further establishing the jeweler as a...
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’
First, the Coconut Grove Jewelry & Watch Show (CGJWS) will return to the Hangar at Regatta Harbour from Nov. 13-15. It will feature a global range of antique, vintage, and estate jewelry and timepiece dealers. The following week, The new Couture show will take place in the same venue from Nov. 20-22. Glitter in the Grove will provide collectors with unprecedented access to best-in-class design, organizers said.
Kering Names New Pomellato, DoDo CEOs
Sabina Belli, who Italy is especially important to the luxury giant, with more than one-quarter of its workforce based in the country. The region is also home to several of Kering’s brands, including Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Brioni, Pomellato, DoDo, Ginori 1735, and Kering Eyewear, as well as its corporate offices, product development centers, manufacturing facilities, and strategic logistics hubs.
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry Box
The woman’s mother, who lived in Camborne, had told her daughter that she had an expensive watch tucked away, even noting it in her diary in a 2011 entry. When Darren Ashley, senior valuer at auction house Hansons Cornwall, examined the watch, it became clear the woman was not exaggerating. The watch turned out to be a rare Patek Philippe & Co. Calatrava Ref. 448, circa the 1930s, with serial number 822731 and case number 610667.
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal Problem
For years, jewelry marketing has had a favorite customer. He’s looking for an engagement ring, has a partner, a budget, and (hopefully) a deadline. Jewelers know this type of customer, and they spend a lot of money trying to find him. However, more people today are buying jewelry without a wedding, a proposal, or an anniversary attached to the purchase. They’re buying because they got a new job, are turning 40, or are going on vacation and want something new and fun to wear.
Why Isn’t Your Website Asking This Question to Drive Add-On Sales?
WALK INTO ANY SUCCESSFUL jewelry store and you’ll notice something interesting. The top-performing sales associates rarely stop once the customer says, “I’ll take it”. They always ask one more question. They explain what happens after the purchase. They talk about inspections, maintenance, sizing, cleaning, and, when it makes sense, a care plan. They know the sale really isn’t over until everything is covered. And none of it feels like selling, it just feels like good service.
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy Board
Annie Doresca has served as Jewelers of America’s chief operations officer and chief financial officer since 2008 and as of January 2026, is She is also the founding president of the Black in Jewelry Coalition. Gem Legacy said Doresca brings a “rare combination” of nonprofit financial expertise and frontline industry leadership to the board. Mark Smelzer is vice president of business development for Jewelers Mutual Group.
Columbia Gem House To Offer Alexandrite Melee Online
Known for its color-change phenomenon, alexandrite displays a rich green color in daylight and shifts to a reddish-purple to purple hue under incandescent light. Large stones are rare and CGH said calibrated melee that is carefully sorted, graded, and accompanied by origin information is rarely offered online. Its new release features parcels of calibrated rounds in 1–2 mm sizes.
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-Trend
New York—Greenwich St. Jewelers has partnered with jewelry content creator Xarissa B.
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online Cart
There’s a good reason why. According to the research firm Technavio, a Yet, one of the biggest sources of lost revenue isn’t happening before the sale. It’s happening after the customer has already decided to buy. In the rush to sell online, many retailers have accidentally left something behind. Walk into any jewelry store and buy an engagement ring and chances are a sales associate will talk to you about a care plan. They’ve become good at suggesting complementary purchases and services.
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026
Dallas—The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) announced it is accepting entries for the 2026 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards.The annual contest, established in 1984, recognizes design excellence in the world of colored gemstones and cultured pearls.The winners of the awards set the standard for beauty and innovation, launch trends, and earn worldwide recognition, said AGTA.They will receive mentions in the press and on social media and will be recognized at the Spectrum & Cutting Edge...
Meet The 17 Newcomers to Couture’s Design Atelier
The Design Atelier is a curated section of up-and-coming jewelry designers who have been in the business for two to eight years. It is located in the sun-filled corridor just outside the main ballroom. Emerging designers can exhibit in this section for up to three years before graduating to the salons or villas. There are 17 brands new to the Design Atelier this year.
5 Security Tips for Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week 2026
Las Vegas—The annual run of jewelry trade shows is set to kick off Thursday in Las Vegas. Prior to the shows, the Jewelers’ Security Alliance’s weekly email crime alert featured a list of safety tips for exhibitors and retailers. It included advice on managing booth traffic and storing merchandise overnight, and advised against doing business off the show floor, such as in hotel rooms and parking garages.
What Jewelers Can Learn From Luxury Fashion’s Digital Playbook
Luxury fashion figured out something years ago that much of our industry is only now waking up to: digital isn’t just a marketing channel anymore. Digital is the customer experience. Think about the brands dominating the luxury space today. They didn’t win online simply by carrying more styles. They won because they cracked the code on how to create emotion and inspire aspiration.
Couture’s ‘The Iridescence’ Will Showcase 7 Emerging Jewelry Designers
New York—There’s always a lot of new jewelry to see at Couture, and this year will be no different, from the Design Atelier to the seven jewelry designers to emerge from the show’s mentorship program, Belonging @ Couture. The group, collectively called “The Iridescence by Couture,” will be exhibiting in the Cristal ballroom. Now in its third year, the mentorship program aims to support and amplify underrepresented voices in the jewelry industry.
The Revenue You Don’t See: How Jewelry Retailers Are Losing Sales in Plain Sight
MOST JEWELERS MEASURE the wrong thing. They obsess over the final score with completed sales, average ticket amount, and monthly revenue. But very few track what almost happened. Think about the customer who spent 18 minutes comparing engagement rings on your website only to vanish. Or, the client who submitted a form for a custom design but never received a follow-up call.
Stop Treating Mother’s Day Like an Afterthought
Every year it plays out the same way. Mother’s Day gets closer and jewelry stores suddenly “turn on” their marketing. A homepage banner goes up. A few emails get sent. Social media gets active for a couple of weeks. Some ads are launched. Then it all winds down as quickly as it started, and for a moment, it feels like “marketing” is happening. But, if you look closely at what’s being done, most of it is surface level.
12 Years Later, the ‘Ocean Dream’ Diamond Resurfaces at Christie’s
Named “The Ocean Dream,” the diamond is the largest fancy vivid blue-green diamond certified by the Gemological Institute of America and is believed to be the largest diamond of its color to exist. It is estimated to sell for CHF 7 million to CHF 10 million ($8.9 million to $12.7 million). A stone of this color and size is extremely rare, the auction house said.
Longnecker Jewelry Celebrates 30 Years
Founder Bill Longnecker opened the jewelry store in August 1996 with “a single jeweler and no customers,” he said. When the doors opened, he had six direct jewelry competitors. To stand out, he focused on craftsmanship, personal service, and artistic integrity. The competition has faded, and Longnecker Jewelry is now a go-to jeweler in the region, which includes Southwest Nebraska and Northwest Kansas.
JBT Re-Elects Jeff Corey as Board Chair
Warwick, R.I.—The Jewelers Board of Trade announced the results of its elections, held earlier this year during the organization’s annual general meetings. The following officers and directors were re-elected to a one-year term on the board: Chairman: Jeffery Corey, H. E.
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry Retailers
Brought To You By GIA Do Your Customers Trust You? Jewelry customers might come to your store through advertising or word of mouth, but it’s the in-store experience that ultimately converts a browser into a buyer. Every moment at the counter matters. Retailers are embracing new training solutions that prepare associates to answer customer questions with confidence and clarity. Knowledgeable sales professionals inspire customer trust, and trust is the foundation of long-term loyalty.
How Smart Jewelers Are Using AI To Train Better Sales Teams
MOST JEWELRY STORES don’t have a training problem, they have a practice problem. Salespeople are told what to say, then they’re taken through your showcases while they shadow someone with more experience. Finally, they’re put on the floor and expected to perform with real customers, real objections, and very real consequences. That’s where things start to break down. Because knowing what to say is one thing. Saying it confidently, naturally, and at the right moment is something else entirely.
Emmanuel Raheb: The Jewelry Shopper Has Changed; Has Your Sales Strategy? | the Centurion
Emmanuel Raheb: The Jewelry Shopper Has Changed; Has Your Sales Strategy? | New York, NY--The customer walking into your store in 2026 is not the same one who walked in five years ago. That is not an opinion. It is a pattern playing out across every segment of the jewelry market, from bridal to gifting to repeat buyers. Consumer behavior has shifted, not just in how people shop, but in what they expect, what they value, and what it takes to earn their trust.
AGA Opens 2026 Gemological Scholarship, Research Grant Applications
Protect Your Customers and Your Business You deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
Foundrae Sues Pandora for Allegedly Copying Its Medallion Designs
New York—Foundrae is taking Pandora to court, accusing the jewelry giant of copying its designs for “Talisman,” Pandora’s first collection of medallions.The New York-based jewelry brand filed a lawsuit against Pandora on Feb.
Q1 Clues That Reveal Where Your Jewelry Store’s Sales Are Heading
Revenue tells you what happened. Behavior tells you why. As the first quarter wraps up, many jewelers will be pulling their reports and focusing on the same number: revenue. Did sales grow? Did they fall short? Are we ahead of last year? Yes, those numbers matter, but they rarely tell you the full story. Revenue is a lagging indicator. It reflects decisions customers already have made.
Mejuri Adds Silver to ‘Puzzle’ Collection
New York—Mejuri has expanded its most popular “Puzzle” collection with sterling silver designs.The collection is now comprised of 28 rings created to be worn in a stack where each piece honors a milestone in the wearer’s life.The 14 sterling silver rings include a style for each birth month using garnet, amethyst, aquamarine, lab-grown white sapphire, lab-grown emerald, pearl, lab-grown ruby, peridot, lab-grown blue sapphire, opal, citrine, and Swiss blue topaz as well as one plain band and...
Buddha Mama, Ashley Longshore to Host Pop-Up in Dallas
The pop-up will be held April 9-10 at The Platform at Katy Trail in Turtle Creek, a neighborhood in uptown Dallas. The Miami-based jewelry brand was founded by jewelry designer Nancy Badia who works alongside her daughter, Dakota Badia. The brand will showcase a curation of its 20-karat gold and gemstone jewelry, including one-of-a-kind jewels, such as a watermelon tourmaline and diamond butterfly pendant inspired by a piece of Longshore’s artwork that Badia owns.
The Visibility War Has Changed | the Centurion
The Visibility War Has Changed | New York, NY--Ranking higher used to be the goal. Today, it is only the beginning. Search has changed. Consumers are no longer typing keywords into a search bar and scrolling through a list of blue links. They are asking questions. They are reading AI-generated summaries. They are discovering jewelers through maps, reviews, voice results, and platforms they may never even visit directly.
Mother's Day Starts in March, Not May
EVERY YEAR, I WATCH jewelers treat Mother’s Day like a promotional sprint. The emails go out in late April. A few boosted posts run on social. Maybe there’s a small in-store event. And then they wonder why performance feels unpredictable. Mother’s Day doesn’t sneak up on consumers. It sneaks up on retailers. The truth is, success on Mother’s Day is rarely about the campaigns you launch in May. It’s about the strategy you start in March. Demand will happen whether you run a promotion or not.
Anglo American CEO Gives Insight Into De Beers Sale
London—Anglo American CEO Duncan Wanblad shared some previously undisclosed details about the company’s sale of De Beers Group, which is expected to happen sometime this year.
Practical Ways Jewelers Can Leverage AI in 2026
Most jewelers I speak with have a similar relationship with artificial intelligence. They know it’s important, and they hear about it constantly. But they’re not exactly sure where it fits into their day-to-day business. It feels big, technical, and slightly disconnected from what actually drives sales. The truth is, AI is already affecting your business by changing how customers actually discover jewelry. Buyers today don’t start with store names. They start with questions.
Noonans to Auction Lady Wardington’s Jewelry
London—The jewelry collection of the late Lady Wardington will be up for auction as part of Noonans’ upcoming sale.The “Jewellery, Watches, Silver, and Objects of Vertu” sale will be held on March 10 at its Mayfair location in London.Several of her jewels are accompanied by jewelry cases signed by London jewelers active in the mid-20th century, including John Haynes & Co. and Searle & Co. Ltd, Jewellers & Silversmiths.From humble beginnings, she would go on to be a high-profile model, a...
Three Sentenced in California Jewelry Heist
According to a press release from the Ventura County District Attorney’s office, on Feb. 20, Manuel David Ibarra, 37, and Camilo Antonio Aguilar Lara, 32, were each sentenced to four years and four months in the Ventura County Jail. Heidi Trujillo, 26, was sentenced to four years. The sentencing hearing for a fourth crew member, Sergio Andres Mejía-Machuca, 27, will be on March 26.
From Optional to Essential: How AI Search Is Raising the Standard for Jewelry SEO
FOR YEARS, MOST JEWELERS treated SEO the same way they treat their website in general: something they know they should care about, but rarely prioritize unless something breaks or sales dip. It was optional. Helpful, maybe. But, not essential. AI search has changed that permanently. Most jewelry purchases today begin long before a customer ever thinks about visiting a jewelry store. They begin with a question typed into a phone late at night, usually followed by another, and another.
Last-Minute Valentine’s Marketing That Doesn’t Feel Last-Minute | the Centurion
Last-Minute Valentine’s Marketing That Doesn’t Feel Last-Minute | New York, NY--For years, jewelers treated the final stretch before Valentine’s like a sprint. More posts. More promos. More urgency. And for a long time, it worked well enough. That era is over. Today’s shopper doesn’t want to feel rushed. They want to feel confident. They want the gift to arrive on time. They want it to look premium. And they want the buying process to feel simple from the moment they reach out.
Why Most Jewelers Lose Valentine's Sales Without Realizing It
EVERY YEAR, VALENTINE’S DAY exposes the same uncomfortable truth for jewelers: most websites are built to look good, not to close sales. Between now and Feb 14th is when that gap becomes too impossible to ignore. The reason is rarely demand. It’s the user experience. By February, jewelry shoppers are no longer just browsing. They’re searching with a purpose. They know who they’re buying for, they have a budget in mind, and they’re working against a hard deadline.
Stuller Names New Chief Merchandising, Marketing, Sales Officer
Lafayette, La.—Stuller has promoted Taylor Burgess to chief merchandising, marketing, and sales officer.Burgess played a key role in shaping merchandising and customer-focused strategies while building strong relationships across the industry, said Stuller.The newly created position is an expanded role from Burgess’ previous title of chief merchandising officer.In the new role, Burgess will lead the company’s merchandising, marketing, sales, and customization teams.“Over the last decade, she...
De Beers To Release ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ Book
New York—A book delving into the evolution of De Beers’ natural diamond marketing efforts is coming out next week. It is titled “A Diamond Is Forever,” named for the iconic tagline at the core of the mining company’s advertising for decades. The book, published by Assouline, celebrates the cultural, artistic, and emotional legacy of diamonds as nature’s oldest treasure and one of humanity’s most enduring symbols. De Beers is credited with bringing the wonder of diamonds to a wider audience.
Lugano Diamonds Finds a Buyer
Newport Beach, Calif.—Lugano Diamonds & Jewelry Inc. has found a buyer following its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in November.The retailer had reached an agreement with Enhanced Retail Funding to help continue operations during the sale process. The investment firm also served as the stalking-horse bidder while Lugano hunted for a buyer, meaning it submitted the bid that served as the baseline for the sale process.Enhanced Retail Funding ultimately was the buyer, as per a Dec.
Swarovski Appoints New North America President
She succeeds Kolja Kiofsky, who stepped into the role in March 2023. He was Culas, who is based in New York City, will be tasked with bolstering Swarovski's physical and digital presence, as well as its brand awareness, in the U.S. "We are thrilled to welcome Sindhu to Swarovski. Her vast leadership experience and passion for the brand make her an exceptional addition to our team,” said Kiofsky.
4 Men Charged in $1.7M California Smash-and-Grab Jewelry Store Robbery
A federal grand jury indicted Afatupetaiki Faasisila, 20, of San Bruno, Jose Herrada-Aragon, 20, of Concord, Andres Palestino, 19, of Concord, and Tom Parker Donegan, 19, of Fairfield. The Dec. 18 indictment, unsealed last week, charges each man with one count of robbery affecting interstate commerce, according to a statement shared by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California.
Jewelers Mutual’s ‘Conversations’ Retreat Returns to Discuss AI
Neenah, Wisc.—Jewelers Mutual Group’s “Conversations” leadership retreat is returning for its third edition. The 2026 event will take place April 10-12 at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, in Half Moon Bay, California. The event will bring jewelry industry leaders together to discuss the future of the business, evolving customer expectations, innovation, and long-term industry resilience, said organizers.
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes
Features like unique cuts or an interesting presentation of color, as well as rare pieces, are appealing to consumers and, thereby, to the retailers who sell to them. According to vendors, it’s a trend that’s set to continue at this year’s Tucson gem shows.
Delaware Jeweler Felice Morris Dies at 91
Philadelphia—Independent jeweler Felice Korr Morris died on Jan. 11 at the age of 91.Morris was born Feb. 3, 1934, in Philadelphia to Rae and William Korr.She was the second born of three children, which included her sister Zelda Pearl and brother Leonard Korr.Morris began her career as a fashion model and make-up artist, according to an online obituary , and she was once the Miss Pennsylvania runner-up.She met her to-be husband Albert Morris in 1962 while on a date with another man.
Bulgari Weaves New Collection of ‘Vimini’ Creations
Italy—Bulgari has launched its “Vimini” collection, the first chapter in its “Bulgari Eternal” collection.Bulgari Eternal looks to the jeweler’s archives and interprets the pieces from the past into modern jewels.“With Bulgari Eternal, we open a new chapter in our creative story, one that bridges past and future through the power of reinvention,” said Jean-Christophe Babin, the outgoing CEO of Bulgari “By delving into our archives, we honor the timeless spirit of Bulgari while projecting it...
Borsheims Hires New Assistant Facilities Manager
Omaha, Neb.—Borsheims has appointed Heath Yarges as its new assistant facilities manager. In this role, Yarges will oversee cleaning, maintenance, and supply operations for retail stores and corporate office spaces, ensuring that facilities remain safe, efficient, and welcoming for both customers and employees. Yarges brings two decades of experience spanning HVAC systems, electrical work, plumbing, and grounds maintenance. He also brings a well-rounded background in facility operations.
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