What is the Rapaport team reading? Our editors and reporters have picked out content from around the web that’s helped expand their knowledge of the diamond and jewelry industry this week.
Are Millennials and Gen-Z buying at Jewelry Auctions? (Solitaire International)
“It’s interesting that since the pandemic, auction houses have seen a demographic shift among jewelry buyers. Most clients are still in their 50s and 60s, yet younger clients have started to show interest as well. Online auctions are attracting the younger generations, especially in Asia and in some European countries, but the trend is less prominent in the US. Phillips auction house in Geneva, Switzerland, noted that as of last year, about 40% of its jewelry buyers were aged 50 and below. Maybe it’s more appealing to buy valuable gems when the opportunity is just a click away.”
“It’s interesting that since the pandemic, auction houses have seen a demographic shift among jewelry buyers. Most clients are still in their 50s and 60s, yet younger clients have started to show interest as well. Online auctions are attracting the younger generations, especially in Asia and in some European countries, but the trend is less prominent in the US. Phillips auction house in Geneva, Switzerland, noted that as of last year, about 40% of its jewelry buyers were aged 50 and below. Maybe it’s more appealing to buy valuable gems when the opportunity is just a click away.”
Suzanne Watkin
News ReporterWhy Emma Roberts and So Many Others Love the Old European Cut (JCK)
“This story caught my eye because it highlights the phrase “everything old is new again.” After witnessing my teenage daughter steal all my old flared jeans and other ’80s clothing because they are once again the height of fashion, it made sense that Hollywood, and those who set the trends, would find the same love for nostalgic and unique jewelry. While I was hoping for a glimpse of Emma Roberts’ bling, which was not featured, the story gave a nice synopsis of why these old cuts are so hard to find.”
“This story caught my eye because it highlights the phrase “everything old is new again.” After witnessing my teenage daughter steal all my old flared jeans and other ’80s clothing because they are once again the height of fashion, it made sense that Hollywood, and those who set the trends, would find the same love for nostalgic and unique jewelry. While I was hoping for a glimpse of Emma Roberts’ bling, which was not featured, the story gave a nice synopsis of why these old cuts are so hard to find.”
Leah Meirovich
Managing EditorWhat Impact Will the Export Controls on Superhard Materials Have on the Lab-grown Diamond Industry? (Weizhang Liang via LinkedIn)
“The rivalry between China and India in the world of synthetic-diamond production appears to be escalating. According to this important article by industry analyst Liang Weizhang, Beijing’s new export controls on components used in diamond synthesis could shift certain production from India to China and change the industry’s supply dynamic. ‘The export control policy on superhard materials will have far-reaching impacts on the lab-grown diamond industry both in China and abroad,’ writes the author. The sector will watch closely how this affects availability and pricing.”
“The rivalry between China and India in the world of synthetic-diamond production appears to be escalating. According to this important article by industry analyst Liang Weizhang, Beijing’s new export controls on components used in diamond synthesis could shift certain production from India to China and change the industry’s supply dynamic. ‘The export control policy on superhard materials will have far-reaching impacts on the lab-grown diamond industry both in China and abroad,’ writes the author. The sector will watch closely how this affects availability and pricing.”
Joshua Freedman
Senior AnalystThe Last Guardian of Turquoise: Mohammad Hanief’s Struggle to Preserve Kashmir’s Dying Art (Two Circles)
“This is a great example of how a good story can take you anywhere in the world in just a few seconds. Despite being hopeless about the future of his traditional craft, the turquoise — a Kashmiri method of making jewelry with stones fixed in brass — Mohammad Hanief displays a true passion for it. He also explains how market trends and a lack of support from authorities can challenge an artist’s work and identity. I would love others to get to know him and, hopefully, to help him show what he is capable of.”
“This is a great example of how a good story can take you anywhere in the world in just a few seconds. Despite being hopeless about the future of his traditional craft, the turquoise — a Kashmiri method of making jewelry with stones fixed in brass — Mohammad Hanief displays a true passion for it. He also explains how market trends and a lack of support from authorities can challenge an artist’s work and identity. I would love others to get to know him and, hopefully, to help him show what he is capable of.”
Vanina Pikholc
Podcast and Video ProducerMain image designed by David Polak.
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