Events & Awards

3 Consumers Share their Jewelry Shopping Habits

Events & AwardsMar 11, 2016

3 Consumers Share their Jewelry Shopping Habits

A trio of consumers took center stage Thursday afternoon at the WJA In the Know conference, answering questions about lab-grown diamonds and where, when, why and how they shop for jewelry.

20160311_WJA-Article.jpg
Moderator Ben Smithee questions, from left, Elizabeth, Kia and Holly about their jewelry buying habits at the WJA In the Know conference held Thursday at Convene in New York.

New York--A trio of consumers took center stage Thursday afternoon in New York, answering questions about lab-grown diamonds as well as where, when, why and how they shop for jewelry.

The panel discussion, “What Do Consumers Want?”, took place at the Women Jewelry Association’s In the Know conference. Ben Smithee, of the Smithee Group, was the moderator and the panelists, Elizabeth, Kia and Holly, were all New York City residents.

Clad in a sharp cobalt blue suit, Smithee guided the discussion with wit and warmth, taking the three women through a variety of topics, including where they shop for jewelry, what their favorite brands are and how brands and retailers can reach them.

The discussion also veered into the territory of lab-grown diamonds, which none of the three panelists seemed completely sold on despite two of them, Holly and Kia, reiterating numerous times how much they “loved” diamonds.

Kia, a Los Angeles native who is 30, single and works on Wall Street, said while she definitely doesn’t want to buy “blood” diamonds, she doesn’t feel that lab-grown diamonds have the same value as mined diamonds.

Holly, who also works on Wall Street and lives in Manhattan’s Tribeca neighborhood with her husband and child, concurred, noting that “When I hear the word lab-created, it sounds (like) less quality.”

The third panelist, Elizabeth, who is married with no children and lives in Brooklyn, brought up the emotion factor. “Scientifically it’s the same but I don’t know if it has that same sentimental feeling,” she said.

During the Q&A portion of the discussion, one audience member asked the panelists if calling the stones something else--cultured--would change their opinion of man-made diamonds.

They did not seem swayed by a simple change in nomenclature.

The trade has argued against the use of the word “cultured” in connection with lab-grown diamonds, contending that that word should be used in connection with organic processes only, such as the one for pearls.

In its proposed revisions to its jewelry guides, however, the Federal Trade Commission has proposed incorporating the word cultured into the guides for lab-grown diamonds, but only if it is immediately accompanied by the terms lab-grown or lab-created. Those revisions remain a work in progress and are open for comment until June 3

Kia said she would still have to “do her homework” on a lab-grown diamond’s value, even if it was called cultured.   When it comes

to where they shop for jewelry and what they buy, the panelists, not surprisingly, didn’t seem to have much awareness about jewelry brands beyond those with big advertising budgets: Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, David Yurman and Tiffany & Co.

Holly also mentioned Mimi So, Temple St. Clair and Ivanka Trump.

Holly and Kia seemed to stick to department stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale’s when it came to shopping for fine jewelry. Elizabeth mentioned she would frequent smaller neighborhood shops where she lives in Brooklyn, though she noted, “I really don’t have one specific place I go to.”

In a bright spot for brick-and-mortar retailers, the panelists did express a bit of reservation about buying fine jewelry online. Elizabeth said she would not buy fine jewelry if she could not see it first, and Kia said she would only purchase from the websites of brick-and-mortar retailers because she likes to have a place to visit in person if there’s a problem.

Also not surprisingly, the two younger panelists, Kia and Holly, said social media was the best way to reach them, Pinterest in particular.

In an interview following the panel, the two also shared some of the hashtags they used to find jewelry on social media, and they were pretty simple: #diamonds, #jewelry, #gemstones and, from Kia, #bling.

“Every company and brand needs to leverage that (social media) because that’s the best way to communicate with a lot of people,” Kia said on stage.
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Future Fortune sapphire ring
TechnologyMar 28, 2024
Pinterest’s 2024 Wedding Report Is Out

The report shows that couples are searching for vintage and antique rings, gold jewelry, pearls, and colorful pieces.

David Ettinger
IndependentsMar 28, 2024
David Ettinger of Bechdel Jewelers Dies at 69

He’s remembered as a “font of passion,” leaving behind a legacy of dedication to his craft and community.

Jewelers of America logo
IndependentsMar 28, 2024
JA to Host Series of Learning Workshops

The first one will take place next month during the Jewelers of Louisiana’s and Mississippi Jewelers Association’s conventions.

Jewelers of America Fly In Washington, D.C.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your Business

For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Madison Avenue NYC store
WatchesMar 28, 2024
Peek Inside Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Revamped NYC Flagship

The redesigned boutique features interactive displays and a workshop space for hands-on learning about watchmaking.

Weekly QuizMar 28, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Take the Quiz
Asian Star’s diamond manufacturing facility in India
SourcingMar 27, 2024
Compliance, Caution, and Concern: The Current Outlook of Indian Diamantaires

There is a willingness to comply with new government-mandated regulations, with an insistence that they should be practical and realistic.

Kira Diam solar plant
Lab-GrownMar 27, 2024
Indian Lab-Grown Diamond Manufacturers Keep Growing

A combination of factors is driving growth in the industry despite the precipitous drop in prices across the board.

BTYB-HoBrothers-updated.png
Brought to you by
The Scalable, Professional, and Effortless Solution for High-Demand Custom Jewelry Retailers

Ho Brothers offers scalable solutions for the future of custom jewelry.

Bharat Ratnam, a Mega Common Facilitation Centre (CFC)
SourcingMar 27, 2024
Reinvigorating SEEPZ, the Epicenter of India’s Studded Jewelry Exports

The zone’s modernization will enhance and increase India’s jewelry manufacturing capabilities while aiding small and mid-sized businesses.

SRK Empire and SRK House
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 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.

Georgia May Jagger Tommy Hilfiger ad campaign
FinancialsMar 27, 2024
Movado’s Full-Year Sales Sink 11%

The company plans to invest $25 million in marketing initiatives to boost awareness around its namesake and licensed brands.

Hand holding shopping bags
SurveysMar 27, 2024
Consumer Confidence Held Steady in March

Optimism about the current state of the economy was offset by anxiety around inflation and the political environment.

Bernadette Mack
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
Mercury Free Mining Hires Bernadette Mack

The former WJA executive director is MFM’s new managing director.

April Is Diamonds Do Good Month
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces Its April Initiative

DDG encourages retailers to educate customers on the positive impact of purchasing natural diamonds.

Tiffany & Co. With Love, Since 1837
MajorsMar 26, 2024
Tiffany & Co. Debuts ‘With Love, Since 1837’ Campaign

Highlighting the most iconic Tiffany collections, it’s inspired by the company’s late window designer, Gene Moore.

National Jeweler columnists Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams
ColumnistsMar 26, 2024
Creative Connecting: AI Tools and Tips for Social Media

Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen explore how jewelers can save time and money by using AI to analyze engagement and create content.

Nordstrom Men’s Store New York City
MajorsMar 26, 2024
Nordstrom May Go Private, Says Report

The retailer previously turned down an $8.4 billion offer in 2018.

Interior of Miami Lakes Jewelers
IndependentsMar 26, 2024
Miami Lakes Jewelers to Close After 37 Years

The Florida store’s owner Miguel Gonzalez is retiring.

 International Gemological Institute
GradingMar 26, 2024
IGI Announces Tech for ID’ing Lab-Grown Colored Diamonds

The lab stresses the importance of accurate identification, as the difference in price is “substantial.”

Kendra Scott lab-grown diamond jewelry
CollectionsMar 25, 2024
Kendra Scott Debuts Lab-Grown Diamond Fashion Jewelry

The brand also plans to expand its retail footprint from 138 to 200 stores over the next three years.

Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice
MajorsMar 25, 2024
Borsheims Announces New VP of HR, Assistant Manager

Longtime employees Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice have received promotions.

My Next Question graphic vintage jewelry webinar
Recorded WebinarsMar 22, 2024
Watch: How to Buy and Sell Vintage Jewelry

Three guests joined National Jeweler and Jewelers of America to discuss trending time periods, spotting reproductions, and more.

Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere
MajorsMar 22, 2024
David Yurman Announces New CFO, Chief People Officer

Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere join the company with 50 years of combined experience.

Nakard pyrite earrings
CollectionsMar 22, 2024
Piece of the Week: Nakard’s Pyrite Earrings

The trendy, metallic earrings wink at classic spring colors.

Stock image of police cars with their lights on
CrimeMar 21, 2024
Sparks Fly as Burglars Lose Safe on California Freeway

JSA said a man and woman pulled the safe out of an Oakland jewelry store but couldn’t quite get it into their van.

Grizzly Mining rough emeralds
SourcingMar 21, 2024
Grizzly Sells 4,145-Carat Emerald for Over $1M

The miner’s March auction generated $19 million.

Helen McCluskey
MajorsMar 21, 2024
Signet Jewelers Names New Board Chair

Helen McCluskey will succeed H. Todd Stitzer when he meets his 12-year term limit in June.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy