Program aims to educate young consumers about mined stones’ positive qualities.
Expansion of store network and lab-grown line also contribute to fourth-quarter hike.
Appraisals need fixing, says Dustin Lemick of BriteCo.
Revenue from synthetic diamonds up 83% year on year in fourth quarter.
Mastercard also reports a strong overall performance for the category.
Recovery in bridal demand has been slower than expected, jeweler says.
Spending will increase 3% to 4% this year, National Retail Federation projects.
A changed approach to diamond inventory is causing a slowdown in polished trading.
Revenue rose 17% year on year in third fiscal quarter, driven by expansion in Europe.
Unfavorable comparison with October’s early holiday shopping also dented November figure.