This month’s issue of Rapaport Magazine tackles some of the biggest questions of our time: What is happening with natural diamonds, and what does the future look like for synthetics?
We have tapped into a wide array of opinions — from those who think the trade should turn its back on laboratory-grown gemstones as wholesale prices sink, to those who champion the creativity and new possibilities these stones offer. Our writers have delved into how synthetic diamonds are performing across multiple sectors, including bridal, fashion and watches.
In this issue, Rapaport Group Chairman Martin Rapaport shares his thoughts on natural diamonds. Drawing on his recent webinar, he outlines many of the challenges facing this segment of the industry, but also highlights what he sees as an enormous opportunity for diamond sellers who can capitalize on natural stones’ luxury story.
With the number of synthetic diamonds on the market increasing, the use of testing equipment is picking up as well — but could these machines be hazardous to our health? Rapaport Managing Editor Leah Meirovich sets out to answer this question, sending machines to experts to evaluate whether the ultraviolet-C (UVC) lighting these devices use heightens the risk of cancer.
Our other main focus in the October-November issue is the bridal market. We look at the latest stats and data to help shape a picture of what consumers want and how the market might be shifting. Rapaport writers have also drilled down into specific niches within bridal jewelry to find out the latest retail innovations and engagement-ring design trends, the most popular estate styles among today’s couples, and how to upsell customers with gifts for the bridesmaids.
In our style section, we look to the luxury fashion industry’s obsession with Scotland and explore how jewelers can tap into the hype. We’ve also curated a selection of jewels that will help retailers meet the unrelenting consumer demand for symbols of luck. The growing craze for personalized pet-themed jewelry à la Taylor Swift gets some attention as well.
Our colored-gemstone focus in this magazine is the ruby, which has been a hot topic in the industry as prices shoot up and supply dries up. We take you inside the ruby industry to learn why this is happening, with Bonhams New York jewelry head Caroline Morrissey weighing in on how the current supply-demand dynamic is playing out at auction.
More voices of note include Wempe vice president and director of jewelry Michaela Kesselman, who shares how her store is turning the diamond market’s current challenges to its advantage. Designer Cora Shebani tells us about her collaboration with lapidary expert Yoram Finkelstein — one result of which is a ring that visually tells the history of diamond cuts. Author Carol Woolton takes us through her new book tying today’s trends to legacy styles. And jewelry influencer Julia Hackman Chafé of InterColor USA relates her experience attending the spectacle that was the Ambani wedding and shares her tips for growing a digital following.
The October-November issue of Rapaport Magazine is an in-depth read that covers timely topics shaping our industry — a read I hope you will enjoy over the coming weeks as our team gets ready to bring you more insights that mean business in the next edition.
Image: An original illustration created for Rapaport by London-based artist Eoin Ryan.
Stay up to date by signing up for our diamond and jewelry industry news and analysis.
