Jewelry industry insurance provider Jewelers Mutual Group has announced that LUX Digital Vault—an app with a 15-day insurance trial that jewelers can offer customers—is now available to its waiting list and select retailers.

During beta testing of the app, Jewelers Mutual has reported that 80% of customers who purchased jewelry at a participating retailer downloaded LUX Digital Vault, leaving the store with their new jewelry insured for a 15-day period while they evaluate their specific insurance needs.

“The cutting-edge technology is increasing consumer confidence to protect their jewelry,” said Mike Alexander, chief operating officer at Jewelers Mutual Group, in a statement. He said the app is a way for jewelers to serve their customers in a more meaningful and innovative way, using the tool as an added “digital gift” to enhance the retail store experience. LUX Digital Vault, which can be customized and branded for retail stores, is free for jewelers to offer or for their customers to use.

For more information, visit jewelersmutual.com/luxsurance.

The International Gemological Institute (IGI) will host the first-ever Dubai edition of its IGI D Show at the Hilton Al Habtoor City from May 5 to 7, 2023.

The show, which has held 14 successful editions in India, will bring together 33 manufacturers from India, Turkey, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to exhibit their exclusive diamond creations.

“The core of all editions of the IGI D Show has been thought-provoking ideas, quality designs, and long-lasting relationships,” said Tehmasp Printer, president and managing director of IGI India, in a statement. “Over the years, we have created and curated a community of visionaries and enthusiasts who will bring a paradigm shift in the industry. The international edition is a step towards integrating with international players who share similar ideas and visions for the global fraternity.”

“The IGI D Show has become an organized marketplace for industry members to network, share ideas, and discuss growth plans,” Roland Lorie, CEO of IGI, said in the statement. “Being a global certifying authority, IGI is dedicated to catering to the developing dynamics that make the gem and jewelry industry what it is.”

For more information, visit dshow.world.

Stuller Releases 2023–2024 Bridal Catalog…

Jewelry industry supplier Stuller has announced the release of its 2023–2024 bridal catalog, featuring 800 pages of on-trend and core styles, best-sellers, new pieces, and customizable options, including more than 600 new styles. The catalog also now contains “scan to shop” QR codes.

“Our research shows that consumer-driven desire for custom bridal styles is on the rise,” said senior bridal director Alex Stuller in a statement. “Because of this, we’ve expanded our selection of flexible 3C designs, which allow jewelers to easily create unique engagement rings and bands their customers will cherish for a lifetime.”

For more information on the catalog, visit stuller.com/bridalcatalog.

Photo courtesy of IGI

New York–based jewelry house Mark Henry is collaborating with jewelry industry consultant and author Peter Smith to sponsor Smith’s sales master class, a 90-minute training session for select retail sales teams with retailer’s asset program commitment, for a limited time.

The class focuses on topics like essential traits for successful salespeople and main characteristics of communication. The value of the complimentary class for qualified retailers is $5,000; retailers are responsible for Smith’s travel expenses.

Opt-in is required by April 30, and the class can be scheduled through spring.

For more information, contact Mark Henry’s vice president of sales, Kristen Scheibel, at kristen@markhenryj.com or 315-941-1362.

Imagine Bridal Introducing Retailer Referral Program

Imagine Bridal has announced a new referral program for its retailers.

If a referral makes an appointment or views a collection, the referring retailer will receive a $200 gift card or account credit. If the referral makes a purchase, both the referring retailer and referral earn a $500 gift card or account credit.

For more information on the program, visit imaginebridal.com.

Royal Chain has announced the debut of its spring collection, focused on the brand’s best-selling items in an expanded assortment of styles.

“Amid recent economic uncertainty, the company continues to see the jewelry industry invigorated by more people going and being social, as well as the continued presence of fashion influencers on platforms like TikTok and Instagram that are bringing back looks from decades ago,” read a press release from the company. “Responding to these trends, the new collection from Royal Chain has classics that are refreshed, remixed, and ready to resonate with a broad range of customers.”

Classic chains in paper clip and curb styles—available with or without colored gemstones—along with layerable earrings and animal-inspired jewels are just some of the collection’s highlights. Royal Chain is also enlarging its line of permanent jewelry, featuring 14k gold spool chains, a popular option that continues to see growing interest.

“We are pleased with the steady demand from our retailers and continue to bring to market the most relevant product they need to continue this momentum,” said vice president of marketing Phillip Gabriel Maroof in a statement. “We’ve developed our new products with great insight into what’s selling and what will be on trend for this year.”

The spring 2023 collection is now available at Royal Chain retailers nationwide, and the digital catalog can be viewed at royalchain.com.

Jewelers Mutual Announces Safety and Security Academy

Industry insurer Jewelers Mutual Group, in collaboration with the Jewelers’ Security Alliance and UL Solutions, has introduced the Safety and Security Academy, a free online training program for owners and employees of jewelry stores in the United States and Canada.

“Security is always a concern in the jewelry industry, and knowledge is power when it comes to jewelers’ safety,” said Mike Alexander, chief operating officer at Jewelers Mutual, in a statement. “With crime on the rise, it is more critical than ever to make security education a top priority. Our goal in introducing the Safety and Security Academy is to help our jewelers and pawnbrokers advance their knowledge and skills to keep themselves, their staff, and their businesses safe and secure.”

The Safety and Security Academy consists of 16 courses with a total of 200 minutes of e-learning, coursework that can be tailored to business and staff needs. Lessons include reducing the likelihood of criminal targeting, decreasing crime-related losses, traveling safely with valuable inventory and staying safe during and following a criminal incident.

“Complacency can be dangerous to jewelers and pawnbrokers, their staff, and their businesses,” said Alexander. “The Safety and Security Academy is intended for repeat use. We recommend that the coursework is used for new-employee onboarding, monthly group training sessions, and ongoing staff refreshers to keep best practices top of mind.”

For more information, visit jewelersmutual.com/security-academy.

Pitched as “a content-sharing platform with a youthful community” on its App Store page, Lemon8 looks a lot like Instagram with a Pinterest-y concept, where users share text, photos, and videos based on hobby or category.

Lemon8 has been around since 2020, but a recent meteoric rise in downloads has experts saying it’s a paid user acquisition effort on the part of ByteDance.

“This is a dramatic move for the little-known app and one that points to paid user acquisition efforts powering this surge,” says an article on the subject written by TechCrunch. “Prior to [March 27], the Lemon8 app had never before ranked in the top 200 overall charts in the U.S.”

As of this writing, Lemon8 ranks No. 1 on the App Store’s lifestyle chart, so even if its increase in users began with a paid push, it’s getting in front of eyeballs now. Which is a bit of tricky timing for the app, considering its ownership is under scrutiny by the U.S. government (and in other countries as well). If TikTok is banned, Lemon8 would be at risk of the same fate—it’s ByteDance’s Chinese ownership of TikTok that has it scrutinized by lawmakers, so why would this app be any different?

ByteDance’s motives in pushing Lemon8 now are unclear, but possibly it hopes to have another successful app on its hands so that it can sell it to Silicon Valley.

Removed from all the legal entanglements, here’s the question that matters most to users: Is Lemon8 any good?

I poked around in the app for a short time to get a feel for it (you can log in through Facebook or Twitter to make it easy, if you want), and it’s fine, even good. But necessary? Not really. It basically combines Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok—you create photo or video content in your main feed (à la Instagram), which becomes searchable through the use of hashtags. Content is available via category for browsing (similar to Pinterest), allowing users to connect with one another and save under their own personal collections (which are set to private as a default, also like Instagram).

Lemon8 has plenty to keep creators and hobbyists busy; the best thing it’s got going for it at the moment, according to many of the app’s reviews, is its lack of any ads (if it were to become highly successful, that would likely change). For our industry’s purposes, there’s not much to go on: The #jewelry hashtag is filled with mostly fast-fashion-like content and even a post to suggest Amazon dupes for designer jewelry—which ought to make your blood boil.

But you will undoubtedly be hearing at least something about Lemon8 in the near future, so do you ignore it and move on? It’s tempting to say yes—ByteDance feels on shaky ground as it is, and Lemon8 is highly repetitive of apps that have yet to be successfully topped—but you can never say never. Invest time on Lemon8 right now? Probably not, but logging on as an early adopter to secure a presence might help appeal to that young generation of shoppers so many brands have been trying hard to reach.

Top: Lemon8 logo via Google app store

Hardrock Summit will return to Denver’s Colorado Convention Center, with registration now open for the show that runs Sept. 15–18, 2023.

An estimated 250 exhibitors will show at the fair, offering fine gems, jewelry, and minerals from around the world to silversmiths, bench jewelers, high-end jewelry designers, manufacturers, and collectors.

For the third time Hardrock Summit will host the American Gem Trade Association, with the Denver GemFair marking AGTA’s third presence this year, in addition to Tucson and Las Vegas. Hardrock Summit will also once again host the Denver Gem and Mineral Show.

“We would like to thank our exhibitors and all attendees for their support over the last two years and are excited to enter a new phase with Hardrock Summit’s third edition,” Christoph Keilmann, co-founder of Hardrock Summit, said in a statement.

For more information and to register, visit hardrocksummit.com.

Kingswood’s Kristie Nicolosi Inducted Into Private Label Hall of Fame

Kristie Nicolosi, president and CEO of the Kingswood Company, has been inducted into the Private Label Hall of Fame by the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) and Store Brands magazine, the jewelry care product manufacturer announced.

The induction, which took place during PLMA’s 2023 Annual Meeting and Leadership Conference in Orlando, recognizes Nicolosi’s contributions to the growth and development of the global private label industry.

“It is such an honor to be chosen to join the Private Label Hall of Fame,” said Nicolosi in a statement. “I am very proud of all the Kingswood Company has done to elevate the private-brand jewelry care space over the past 17 years, and am grateful to my outstanding team for the work we have done together that led to this honor.”

For more information on the offerings of the Kingswood Company, visit thekingswoodcompany.com.

GCAL Introduces 8X Proprietary Cut Grades With Singapore Diamond Retailer

GCAL announced it has partnered with Singapore-based retailer JannPaul Diamonds to offer its new 8X proprietary certificates for patented and specialty cuts, which can be customized to include a client’s brand and logo. This news comes as the company expands on the success of its 8X cut grades, certifications introduced by GCAL in 2021 with both traditional cut analysis and direct assessment of light performance of a diamond, resulting in eight aspects of evaluation.

“JannPaul is world-renowned for their exacting standards and exceptional patented diamond cuts. It’s an honor that they’ve selected GCAL as their grading laboratory,” said Angelo Palmieri, COO and co-owner of GCAL, in a statement. “They have an amazing ability to design and execute innovative diamond cuts that deserve to be recognized through a multitude of metrics that help consumers appreciate their outstanding precision.”

“At JannPaul, we are always looking for ways to improve our customers’ experience and provide them with the best possible products and services,” said Paul Hung, founder and CEO of JannPaul. “After 20 years of searching for a laboratory that can grade diamond cuts accurately, I have found that GCAL, especially with their 8X cut grade, meets all the criteria that I have been looking for. It allows consumers to look at a certificate, understand it, and walk away knowing that they have purchased the most beautiful diamond.”

For more information, visit gcalusa.com and jannpaul.com.

Stuller has announced that entries are now open for its March Bridal Madness, an annual design contest hosted on the company’s Facebook page.

To enter, jewelers must submit an image or sketch of a custom-designed engagement ring or wedding band created from a modified Stuller style by March 15. Once the submissions have been collected, fans will have the opportunity to vote in the first round of the contest on Stuller’s Facebook page, from March 17 to 30, 2023.

The top three designs with the most likes or reactions—to be announced on March 31—will move on to the final round of judging, conducted by a panel of experts at Stuller. The grand prize winner will receive a $1,000 Stuller account credit.

“We look forward to our March Bridal Madness contest year after year,” said Nichole Guillory, Stuller’s public relations and social media manager, in a statement. “We are constantly amazed at the custom designs jewelers create, and we love sharing them with the world via social media.”

The grand prize winner will be announced on April 11, 2023.

Click here to read the official contest rules, and head to Stuller’s Facebook page to enter now through March 15.

Lagos has raised more than $100,000 with its limited-edition ceramic Caviar bracelet designed to support the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, the brand announced.

The funds were raised at the annual Power of Love gala put on by Keep Memory Alive (KMA), an organization dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by brain disorders.

“Each year we look to expand our commitment to this important cause,” said Lagos founder and creative director Steven Lagos, in a statement. “Jewelry helps build memories, and our collectible pieces act as mementos for future reflection. We’re honored to contribute to Keep Memory Alive in this way, to help support their ongoing work.”

In addition to proceeds from the bracelet, a curated selection of styles totaling more than $50,000 was featured as a part of Lagos’ contribution to the gala’s silent auction. To date, Lagos has raised over $1 million for the cause.

The 2023 limited-edition bracelet is available for purchase on lagos.com, with 100 percent of its proceeds going to Keep Memory Alive.

Arch Crown Releases New Catalog

Arch Crown has released its 2023 Tags & Labels catalog, featuring more than 100 styles of stock, preprinted, and custom-printed tags and labels and a full line of barcode technology products.

Other notable offerings from the 48-page catalog include new barcode packages comprising everything a retailer needs to print and scan bar tags using their own computer; durable plastic molded relief tags ideal for internet sales; and a variety of customizable items that can incorporate a store’s logo.

For more information, free samples, and the new catalog, visit archcrown.com.

GSI Offering Gemology Program in Jaipur

Gemological Science International (GSI) has announced the inauguration of its expert gemology program, Colored Stone Professional, a 14-week diploma program offered in Jaipur, India.

Designed for beginners as well as industry professionals, the course promises to revolutionize the way students learn about the science of gemstones, blending theory and practical elements to provide a comprehensive understanding. The curriculum will cover a variety of topics, including crystallography, identification, geographic origin determination, recent treatments and enhancements used to improve the appearance of gemstones, and more.

“We are thrilled to launch Colored Stone Professional, which we believe will set a new standard in gemological education,” said Debbie Azar, president and co-founder of GSI. “Our global education team includes some of the industry’s most renowned experts, who have designed a comprehensive curriculum that will equip students with the knowledge and skills required to excel in the industry.”

For more information about the course, and to enroll, visit gemscience.net.

Top: All proceeds from Lagos’ Power of Love bracelet goes to Keep Memory Alive, an organization supporting those affected by brain disorders. (Photo courtesy of Lagos)

GemFind Digital Solutions has announced its 2022 Diamond Trend Report is now available for download. In its annual report, the technology and digital marketing agency for the jewelry industry identifies click data for both natural and lab-grown diamonds via GemFind’s DiamondLink network, a retail diamond sourcing app.

“This is the first year lab-grown diamond searches have been reported in the trend report,” said GemFind CEO and founder Alex Fetanat in a statement. “The report extensively compares diamond cut, color, clarity, size, shape, and price for each respective category. Furthermore, the Diamond Trend Report details buying trends per month and gives valuable insight for jewelry retailers and diamond suppliers to better plan inventory and grow diamond sales through effective target marketing.”

To download the report, visit gemfind.com/2022-diamond-trend-report.

Watch & Jewellery Initiative Partners With the UN Global Compact…

The Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030 recently announced a new collaboration with the United Nations Global Compact to introduce the Small Medium Enterprise (SME) SDG 2030 Solutions Lab.

The Solutions Lab was created in an effort to assist SMEs, which reportedly constitute more than 70% of businesses in the global jewelry and watch industries, by offering practical guidance and alignment on sustainability issues. It will present education for SMEs on key topics such as design thinking in sustainability, decent labor, human rights due diligence, climate action, biodiversity, and inclusiveness, with a focus on gender and intersectionality.

“SMEs are at the heart of the global jewelry and watch industry. The 2030 agenda is about leaving no one behind,” said Iris Van der Veken, executive director and secretary general of the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030. “It is an important moment to step up and work closely together and take the SDGs [sustainable development goals] as a catalyst for responsible business, growth, and innovation across the value chain with a focus on the SMEs.

“We will invite key stakeholders around the table to share best practices, develop practical and meaningful tools to strengthen transparency, and operationalize sustainability into their businesses. We have an enormous opportunity and duty to attract young talent to inspire them to work for our industry. That will require a new mindset of design thinking in sustainability and more cooperation than ever.”

For more information, visit wjinitiative2030.org.

Top: GemFind has released its 2022 Diamond Trend Report

Stuller has announced the release of Tools, Equipment & Metals, its first catalog for 2023.

The nearly 700-page catalog is said to offer everything bench jewelers need for their customers, including nods to tools Stuller uses in its own manufacturing processes; new sections on consumable items such as burrs, drill and beading tools, bags and envelopes, pliers, cutters, and shears; product-specific navigation on each page; and complementary product groupings within the catalog and on the web.

“Jewelers can anticipate expanded product offerings to suit every need within this 680+ page catalog,” said Chis Leonard, director of tools for Stuller, in a statement “We’ve also enhanced features to improve the shopping experience on more than 350 new and featured products.”

With the release of its catalog, Stuller is offering jewelers an opportunity to win a Sunstone Orion Pulse-Arc Welder or a Stuller account credit by participating in the Fix My Bench catalog contest. To enter, participants should submit a wish list of products from the new catalog at benchjeweler.com.

For more information on the catalog and the contest, visit stuller.com/toolscatalog.

Berkley Asset Protection Names New Assistant Vice President

Berkley Asset Protection and Berkley Canada jointly announced the appointment of Olivia Cinqmars-Viau to the position of assistant vice president and territory manager for Berkley Asset Protection in the Canadian marketplace.

Cinqmars-Viau joined the insurance provider last quarter after nearly 10 years at global insurer AXA XL, where she held roles in underwriting, management, and sales spanning North America in the insurer’s fine art, collectibles, and high net worth departments. She holds a Master of Arts from Sotheby’s Institute of Art London, where she began her career in the auction house’s contemporary art department. She maintains her designation as a Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) in Canada.

“We are thrilled to have Olivia join the Berkley Asset Protection team,” said Chip Dowd, Berkley Asset Protection president, in a statement. “Her extensive experience and knowledge in the specialty fine art and collectibles space is vital to expanding our global reach and branching out further in the Canadian market.”

For more information on the company, visit berkleyassetpro.com.