DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER: FUTURE OF JEWELRY AND JEWELERS KEYNOTE SPEAKER TALKS EMERGING TRENDS

It’s no secret that the global jewelry industry has experienced steady growth, but key trends around traceability, customization, and changing consumer values stand to further redefine the market:

(1) Supply Chain Visibility – Mandates around ethical sourcing coupled with customers wanting transparency into origin materials will pressure jewelers towards supply chain visibility. Blockchain and IoT standards enabling the tracking of gems from mines to stores will gain adoption to showcase commitment to human/earth friendly practices.

(2) Lab-Grown Diamond Growth – The wider embrace of lab-grown diamonds offering ethical, eco-friendly alternatives to mined stones will prompt expanded design creativity, while also potentially disrupting traditional diamond pricing. Younger buyers especially appreciate the personalized customization, environmental benefits and cost advantages attainable.

(3) AR/VR Integration – Augmented and virtual reality will revolutionize every link in the jewelry chain – from designing with 3D visualization, enhanced customization options for online shoppers and personalized in-store consultations to virtual try-ons eliminating the need for sample inventory. Streamlining processes through AR/VR remains in early phases but shows promise.

(4) 3D Printing Adoption – Large-scale binder jetting and photopolymer vat polymerization 3D printers allow direct moldless production of intricate jewelry pieces in precious and non-precious metals at competitive per-item costs at lower volumes. Enabled personalization and reduced waste will make 3D printing increasingly central.

(5) Resale Platform Growth – Online marketplaces focused on buying and selling pre-owned estate jewelry or vintage pieces are surging in popularity thanks to buyer value consciousness and preference for environmental sustainability. Digital selling removes friction. Augmented trade-in programs may also gain acceptance as new sales models.

While appreciating jewelry’s enduring role marking milestones, consumers want assurance pieces are responsibly sourced, express individuality, and align values around mindfulness of people and planet. By interweaving emerging technologies with transparency and personalization, the industry can cater to contemporary buyer sentiment.