SourcingApr 18, 2024
Diamond Trade Remains Cautious Amid Economic UncertaintyDe Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
TrendsAug 11, 2016
7 great studs for the holiday season
Studs in geometric shapes and with colored gemstones are styles retailers should consider stocking alongside classic diamond earrings this Christmas.
“I think no matter what, your top stud is going to be a diamond stud,” says Jennifer Gandia, co-owner of Greenwich Jewelers in Manhattan. “The diamond halo (stud) is a classic style, we sell a lot of those during the holidays, but there are companies that are now reinterpreting that.”
How, you may ask? By substituting the diamonds for gemstones, Gandia says.
“I think colored gemstones as a stud will be very popular this year. Designers are giving the stud a little bit of a fresher look by adding a rose-cut labradorite with a diamond frame, or some other kind of popular, contemporary gemstone. We buy that style, as well as a lot of Jamie Joseph bezel-set stud earrings we sold last year.”
Gandia says her store also sells a lot of Zoe Chicco studs, specifically her pyramid-shaped earrings.
“Geometric shapes are definitely popular, and we did order a lot of geometric styles this year. It will remain to be seen if that’s a popular item, or if it’s more of a self-purchase. But that’s OK too, because when women shop they think, ‘One for you, one for me.’ They buy it for themselves, so you still need to have that product.”
Self-purchasing might extend beyond trendy geometric styles this holiday season.
In Brattleboro, Vt. at Evan James Ltd., owner Evan James Deutsch says he recently had a woman self-purchase a pair of diamond studs. Still, he says the majority of people buying this style are husbands for wives, or boyfriends for girlfriends.
However, there’s a newer style at the store--“a different take on diamond studs,” Deutsch says--that will be popular this year.
“We’re starting to sell multi-diamond studs, like four 20-point diamonds that together look like a 1-carat diamond, but at a much less expensive price point,” he says.
Traditional pearl studs are also a best-selling category at the store, the American Gem Society jeweler says. Pearls ranging in size from 4 to 7 mm with a diamond accent or diamond bezel sell for weddings, Valentine’s Day and the holiday season.
Price-point wise, Deutsch
says $199 to $399 retail is the sweet spot for a pair of gemstone or pearl stud earrings, while some customers will spend $400 to $500 to snag studs of a larger size.
“But, the $200 to $300 range is the bread-and-butter of any successful retailer jeweler,” he says.
When it comes to diamond studs, Deutsch says he carries pairs that range anywhere from $100 into the five figures, “but I think that a $700 to $1,200 is a good price point for diamond studs. We have a diamond trade-in guarantee, so if you buy a pair from us and want to change it for a larger pair (later), then you get all of your purchase price back.”
Aside from being a staple holiday season jewelry purchase year after year, stud earrings were a common fixture on the red carpet in 2014.
At the Golden Globes in January, celebrities wore large diamond stud earrings and gold earrings with diamond pave on the red carpet. The same looks were spotted at the Emmy Awards and at MTV’s Video Music Awards, among other star-studded events.
At the JA New York Summer show in July, Jewelers of America’s Director of Public Relations and Special Events Amanda Gizzi stated in a seminar on trend forecasting that “abstract minimalism” would be a trend for the upcoming holiday season and into 2015.
She defined abstract minimalism as jewelry with clean lines, unfussy silhouettes, diamond pavé, pearl accents and high-quality materials, noting that “A focus on quality is what allows the minimalism to work, with pavé and pearl accents.”
Stud earrings can provide all of these on-trend qualities: clean lines and unfussy silhouettes rule geometric pieces, and diamond pavé around gemstones fits with popular diamond-framed gemstone pairs that sell well at Greenwich Jewelers. High-quality materials include studs made in gold, platinum and silver with gemstones and diamonds.
“Larger cluster ‘stud’ earrings give maximum impact and bling for the budget,” Gizzi tells National Jeweler. “Colored gemstones and diamond versions are great gifts.”
This story originally appeared in the inaugural issue of National Jeweler’s online-only magazine. View the entire publication here.
More on Trends
The Latest
Supplier BulletinApr 18, 2024
Discover History’s Hidden Gems at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
WatchesApr 18, 2024
Watch E-tailer Collectability Hires Kelly YochThe Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
WatchesApr 18, 2024
TAG Heuer Opens Its Largest Standalone Boutique at SeaThe 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
Weekly QuizApr 11, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this seven-question quiz.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2024
NDC Prevails in U.K. Case Over Lab-Grown Diamond AdvertisingNDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
Events & AwardsApr 17, 2024
And the 2024 Winner of the Shipley Award Is … John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your BusinessFor over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
FinancialsApr 17, 2024
LVMH’s Q1 Jewelry Sales Fall 5%LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
MajorsApr 17, 2024
Stuller’s B&D Opens New HeadquartersB&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
CollectionsApr 16, 2024
Akaila Reid Launches ‘Eat Cake’ CollectionIt’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
MajorsApr 16, 2024
Loudr Adds 2 DirectorsEmily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
MajorsApr 16, 2024
Stuller Releases First Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CatalogIts updated book for mountings is also now available.
SourcingApr 16, 2024
Karen Rentmeesters Takes Over as Interim CEO of AWDCShe has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
TechnologyApr 15, 2024
Judge Rules Jeweler’s Lawsuit Against PNC Bank Can Move ForwardJoyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
IndependentsApr 15, 2024
Alfred W. DeScenza of DeScenza Diamonds Dies at 95He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
AuctionsApr 15, 2024
Madeleine K. Albright Jewelry, Pins Coming to AuctionHosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the sale will take place May 7-8.
AuctionsApr 15, 2024
All of Sotheby’s ‘Rough Diamonds’ Sold in Less Than an HourThe auction house said all 24 timepieces offered in its underground sale of rare and avant-garde watches quickly found buyers.
Events & AwardsApr 15, 2024
10 Can’t-Miss Sessions at AGS Conclave 2024From lab-grown diamonds and AI to the inevitable Taylor Swift mention, here are some of Conclave’s most intriguing educational offerings.
Recorded WebinarsApr 12, 2024
Watch: What Jewelers Need to Know About InsuranceFrom cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.
CollectionsApr 12, 2024
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s Evil Eye Gemstone CharmThe charm is a modern rendition of the evil eye amulet that has been worn for thousands of years.
Events & AwardsApr 12, 2024
The Jewelry Symposium Announces 4 Scholarship WinnersAhead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.
Policies & IssuesApr 11, 2024
SRK Exports’ Journey Toward Net Zero Impact By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
Lab-GrownApr 11, 2024
AGTA Bans Lab-Grown Diamonds, Gemstones at GemFairMembers can still sell lab-grown stones, it said, but only natural gems are allowed on the show floor.
IndependentsApr 11, 2024
Steven Rosdal, Co-Founder of Hyde Park Jewelers, Dies at 77He is remembered for his charisma, passion, integrity, kindness, and wit.
MajorsApr 11, 2024
Macy’s Opens Books for Possible BuyoutThe retailer also appointed two new board members, avoiding a proxy fight from a potential buyer.
CollectionsApr 10, 2024
Sylvie Launches New Nature-Inspired Collection, ‘Tulira’The bridal collection consists of 35 engagement rings and seven wedding bands.
