Rapaport Magazine Takes Deep Dive into US Jewelry Market

The May-June 2023 edition of Rapaport Magazine has now landed on subscribers’ doorsteps and in inboxes, turning readers’ attention this month to the American jewelry retail market.

Rapaport Senior Analyst Avi Krawitz delivers a seven-page report on the retail landscape: the financial state of the market, the pandemic pivots that continue to serve jewelers well, and how retailers are diversifying digitally. Martin Rapaport sits down with Ben Bridge chief executive Lisa Bridge to get her thoughts on the industry, bridal sales, Gen Z, and natural versus lab-grown diamonds.

Other retail stories include a focus on Silicon Valley retailer Stephen Silver, and some expert advice on where jewelers should be spending their marketing budgets. Plus, we have a roundup of intriguing innovations, including a jewelry rental service at the Four Seasons Houston hotel.

Elsewhere in the issue, Editor in Chief Sonia Esther Soltani interviews New York-based jewelry designer Lorraine West about her recent trip to Botswana to see the diamond industry on the ground. Rachael Taylor speaks with AGTA CEO John Ford about a joint research project that could inspire new standards in the colored-gemstone sector. And Sophie Quy, international CEO of Suzanne Kalan, shares her career journey with us and gives us a peek into her life outside of work. 

The “Style” section shines a spotlight on Sicis Jewels’ micromosaic artisans, the trends you can expect to see at the Couture show in Las Vegas, and what’s hot in the bridal market. In the “Colored Gemstones” segment, you’ll discover what it took to unearth blue-green gem Aquadité. You’ll also get an update on the markets for tourmaline and Bahraini pearls, and learn about the record-breaking Lion of Merelani tsavorite.

Another extraordinary gem, the 55-carat Estrela de Fura ruby, kicks off our “Auctions” section, which includes an interview with Phillips global head of jewelry Benoit Repellin and a discussion of how the stories behind private collections can inflate hammer prices. In estate jewelry, we cover the latest online course from Christie’s Education, plus intel from leading dealers on today’s best-selling pre-owned styles.

Our watch reporter Carol Besler returns from the Watches and Wonders show brimming with trends and new collections to share with us — including a close encounter with Jacob & Co.’s $20 million yellow-diamond masterpiece — while correspondent Anthony DeMarco has gathered some top tips for improving sales pitches to women watch collectors.  

The May-June issue also includes all the essential Rapaport insights and data on the diamond market, including the Price List – exclusively for subscribers to the print issue.