Big Survey

Lab-Grown Diamonds Predicted as ‘The Next Big Trend’ by Big Survey Respondents

The category received more than twice as many unsolicited votes as the next-most-predicted category, colored gemstones.

Published

2 years ago

October 22, 2023

Trace Shelton

BY OVERWHELMING MAJORITY, respondents said lab-grown diamonds are the next breakout category, particularly in fashion jewelry. (It’s interesting how many wrote something along the lines of, “I hope I’m wrong, but lab-grown diamonds.”) Unfortunately for those “hoping they’re wrong,” naturally occurring diamonds only received 10 votes (compared to 66 for lab-grown).

Colored gemstones were also a popular prediction, receiving 31 votes. Yellow gold was suggested by 18 respondents, with one writing, “Anything yellow gold; people are wanting items that have an individuality to them and stand apart but are still simple and elegant.” Men’s jewelry, pearls and estate/vintage were all projected as future successes as well.

Other interesting predictions were stackable bracelets, transformational pieces (necklaces and earrings that can be worn multiple ways), heavy bangles and choker necklaces. And one respondent cited recent experience: “Just attended three shows. I saw a lot of stamped jewelry and basic flat metal rings and bracelets, as well as pendants with diamonds and/or color gemstones flush set in.”

Family Legacy, New Chapter: How Wilkerson Turns 89 Years of History Into Future Success

After 89 years of serving the Albany community, Harold Finkle Your Jeweler faced a pivotal decision. For third-generation owner Justin Finkle, the demanding hours of running a small business were taking precious time away from his young family. "After 23 years, I decided this was the time for me," Finkle explains. But closing a business with nearly nine decades of inventory and customer relationships isn't something easily managed alone. Wilkerson's comprehensive approach transformed this challenging transition into a remarkable success story. Their strategic planning handled everything from advertising and social media to inventory management and staffing — elements that would overwhelm most jewelers attempting to navigate a closing sale independently. The results speak volumes. "Wilkerson gave us three different tiers of potential goals," Finkle notes. "We've reached that third tier, that highest goal already, and we still have two weeks left of the sale." The partnership didn't just meet financial objectives—it exceeded them ahead of schedule.