Pure Grown Diamonds. Millennials understand the high-tech of man-made diamonds and can connect the dots and then choose a bridal semi-mount. — J. Dennis Petimezas, Watchmakers Diamonds & Jewelry, Johnstown, PA
- Gabriel & Co. and Unique Settings Of New York. Both lines have appealing styles, great customer service, fair prices and are very willing to take on custom orders. — Alex Weil, Martin’s Jewelry, Manhattan Beach, CA
- Halos are still popular. Seldom do we do an engagement ring with no halo. Rose gold is rising in popularity, and Todd Reed is selling pretty well for our men, as are titanium and alternative metal bands. — Andrea Riso, Talisman Collection, El Dorado Hills, CA
- Vintage inspiration, a touch of art deco, and designs with intricate swirls are what’s selling. White gold remains the most highly requested, but rose gold is peaking in interest! — Annette Kinzie, Leonard Jewelry, Stillwater, OK
- For the younger crowd, it’s the halo ring and vintage ornamental designs. For the “second-time around” crowd, it’s a more creative statement. We sell our own contemporary designs best. — Betty Peterka, Aurum Design, Rochester, MI
- Custom pieces I made myself, Bridal Bells and Niki J (Gems One). In wedding bands: Camelot Bridal. — Bill Warren, The Gold Mine, Hudson, NC
- Valina (Simon Golub). Customers love the mix-and-match concept and the fact it is so easy to use heirloom diamond sizes. — Elysia Demers, Barnhardt Jewelers, Spencer, NC
- Haloed or cathedrals with ovals from 1 to 1.50 carats and rounds in sensational sizes were just sizzling for July. Olympian, E&M Trading and RDI make the grade in diamond dealers. — Denise Oros, Linnea Jewelers, La Grange, IL
- We’re still selling the halo look and have been using some from Roseco — the “Margarita” design — and putting them in some of our 1-carat center semi-mounts to fit a price point for couples. — Steve Neel, Steve Neel Jewelers, Palestine, TX
- Alternative gemstone engagement rings. Garnets, emeralds and sapphires are outselling diamonds for us by four to one. — Deric Metzger, DeMer Jewelry, Oceanside, CA
- One-carat platinum diamond bands by American Jewelry Designs. Men’s bands by Benchmark in 14K or 10K white gold. Lots of semi-mounts by Coast, mainly in white gold, but also in yellow and in rose gold. — Dorothy Vodicka, The Gem Collection, Tallahassee, FL
- Allison-Kaufman, titanium rings from Stuller, ceramic from Jewelry Innovations. — Karen Fitzpatrick, Harris Jewelers, Rio Rancho, NM
- Facets USA and REKO sell quite well. Facets USA pieces are designed, cast and set in Boston. Our customers love that. REKO bands are more cost-effective for some. — Mark Snyder, Snyder Jewelers, Weymouth, MA
- Empire Corp. and Victor are our top sellers. Cluster centers (that don’t look like clusters) by Empire are selling very well. — Rosanne Kroen, Rosanne’s Diamonds & Gold, South Bend, IN
What’s the Brain Squad?
If you’re the owner or top manager of a U.S. jewelry store, you’re invited to join the INSTORE Brain Squad. By taking one five-minute quiz a month, you can get a free t-shirt, be featured prominently in this magazine, and make your voice heard on key issues affecting the jewelry industry. Good deal, right? Sign up here.