My first day at the Las Vegas shows focused on three powerful themes shaking up the diamond world: 💎 lab-grown diamonds, 💖 reigniting desire, and 🛍️ the changing retail experience.
The best insights weren’t on stage — they came from spontaneous, passionate conversations on the floor. Trade shows like JCK are where you truly feel the pulse of the industry. It’s thrilling, complex, and full of unexpected takes.
Let’s dive deeper 👇
1. Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Creating Disruption 💥
They’re growing fast — and so are the questions. Why is a lab-grown diamond so much cheaper at Walmart than at a traditional jeweler? The pricing is inconsistent and customers are noticing. Retailers? Many still don’t have a good answer.
2. It’s Time to Talk “Desire” Not Just “Demand” 💫
Natural diamonds aren’t just commodities. They’re stories, aspirations, emotions. That’s why some in the industry are pushing to shift the language. It's not about needing diamonds — it's about wanting them.
3. Branding Diamonds vs. Diamond Jewelry 🧠
This distinction matters more than you think. Brands like Hearts On Fire are leading the way, moving beyond just stones to build an emotional connection with customers. They’re selling not just sparkle — but a feeling.
4. Retail Must Evolve — Or Risk Losing Ground ⚠️
With pressure from both luxury and discount ends, middle-market jewelers are being squeezed. The solution? Elevate the experience. According to Hill & Co, the top 5 retail sales drivers for 2025 are:
- ✨ Personalization
- 🌐 Strategic omnichannel
- ⚙️ Efficient backend systems
- 🤖 AI-powered clienteling
- 🛍️ Experience-first retail
The message is clear: Retailers must create emotional, memorable buying moments if they want to stay relevant in today’s crowded landscape.