THIS MONTH’S LETTERS reflect a jewelry industry navigating significant economic headwinds with surprising resilience. Several jewelers note that despite soaring gold prices and tariff uncertainty, sales haven’t suffered as badly as feared — with some even reporting record Februaries and booming estate and scrap purchases. Ethical concerns surface too, with one writer calling out Alrosa for reporting suspiciously high profits amid Russian diamond sanctions. A lighter thread runs through as well: readers express love for the print magazine, excitement about new studio builds, and a plea to protect healthy margins industry-wide.
The online comments add a fun counterpoint — a jeweler who accidentally threw away a five-carat emerald cut diamond (and went digging for it!), a veteran encouraging a newcomer, and a skeptic still unconvinced that selfie corners belong in fine jewelry stores.
- It was inspiring to read other’s experiences building out new studios, having just completed our own. — Jim Tuttle, Green Lake Jewelry Works, Seattle, WA
- It is interesting that Alrosa declared double the profits this year over last year. Prices are down and there is a sanction on Russian origin diamonds. Either they are lying or defeating the sanctions, which is a slap in the face of the jewellery trade. Shame on those knowingly trying to circle around the sanctions. — David Blitt, Troy Shoppe Jewellers, Calgary, AB
- I love your paper magazine. I know everything is going online, but there’s something special about flipping the pages. Please don’t get rid of it … I look forward to it every month. — Sherrie Schilling-Devaney, Sherrie’s Jewelry Box, Tigard, OR
EDITOR’S RESPONSE: Don’t worry, Sherrie — we love the printed version, too! But there’s lots more to read online, so we hope you’ll check out INSTOREMAG.COM regularly as well! — Trace
- Hopefully everyone is on the same page about wanting to have a successful business and keep their employees fully employed! Selling products at ridiculously low margins hurts the entire industry, including the store or individual who is doing it! Keep the value so that customers continue to value the idea of beautiful and lifelong jewelry for engagement rings and other occasions! — Cheryl Kozisek, Nebraska Diamond, Lincoln, NE
- For some reason we had a magical February — customers buying larger, more interesting gemstone pieces, and many customers putting things on layaway for occasions in the spring! — Nancy and Pierre Plante, Plante Jewelers, Swansea, MA
- So glad we are a mom-and-pop. Cannot imagine how a buyer for a small or big chain is coping with the combo punch of insane metal prices and the on/off tariff situation. We are doubling down on our estate case — estate sales are up 245% in the first two months of the year. WOW. — Cliff Yankovich, Chimera Design, Lowell, MI
- The price of gold has been a huge conversation driver. The line of “Yes, it costs more. But it’s also that much more valuable.” It has surprised me how little the rise in cost has affected most sales. Yes, smaller plain gold items have suffered. I don’t think customers are losing sight of the value aspect. — Arron Jones, Tammy’s Jewelry, Waynesville, NC
- Remarkably, tariffs and high gold prices have not really hurt us that much. High metal prices have greatly increased our scrap gold and silver purchases. Lab diamonds have been phenomenal for our business. — James Sickinger, Sickinger’s Jewelry, Lowell, IN
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Comments on Online Stories
Story: Jewelers’ Horoscope: March 2-8, 2026
I love this — so fun. Not big into astrology or anything, but really enjoy. — icibis
VIA DISQUS
Story: Take a 5-Minute Store Tour of Everglow Jewelry (VIDEO)
Good luck to you both. I started small back in 1984 and all my competition laughed at me and told me I’d never make it. I’m happy to report we’re still here setting sales & profits records month after month. Those that laughed, sadly are gone. I hope you are successful in a very difficult environment to start a fine jewelry store. All the best. — Steve Weintraub
VIA DISQUS
Story: Buried Treasure: Why Your Local Landfill May Be Richer Than a Gold Mine
There’s a five carat emerald cut diamond in our landfill. We threw it out, we even went and looked for it after we discovered we had done it. Insurance paid for it. — Jeffrey Hurwitz
VIA DISQUS
Story: Lights. Camera. Action! 14 Jewelry Stores That Encourage Selfies
I remember a few years back reading in INSTORE mag. where they suggested setting up a corner where “customers” could come in, try on merchandise and take selfies. I thought they were crazy. Just what I needed. A steady stream of folks wandering in to take selfies and try on jewelry. I thought they were crazy then and I still think they’re crazy. — Cory
VIA DISQUS
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