Rapaport reports 355 U.S. jewelry-business exits through Q3 2026 as slower spending, supplier collection pressure, lab-grown competition, and rising costs squeeze the trade.
BY ERICA DIGGS, GRADUATE GEMOLOGIST
OCTOBER 30, 2026 • 7 MIN READ
JEWELRY. CULTURE. THE BUSINESS OF DRIP.
Independent jewelry journalism, culture, interviews and education, founded by Erica Diggs, GIA Graduate Gemologist.
Rapaport reports 355 U.S. jewelry-business exits through Q3 2026 as slower spending, supplier collection pressure, lab-grown competition, and rising costs squeeze the trade.
BY ERICA DIGGS, GRADUATE GEMOLOGIST
OCTOBER 30, 2026 • 7 MIN READ

Rapaport reports 355 U.S. jewelry-business exits through Q3 2026 as slower spending, supplier collection pressure, lab-grown competition, and rising costs squeeze the trade.
By Erica Diggs, graduate gemologist
OCT 30, 20267 MIN READ

DMCC’s strategic reset proposes rarity, provenance and craftsmanship as a path forward for natural diamonds, without establishing demand recovery or investment value.
By Erica Diggs, graduate gemologist
OCT 28, 20264 MIN READ

The death of Everest Jewels owner Tara Sinchuri underscores a safety first message: no piece of jewelry is worth a jeweler’s life.
By Erica Diggs, graduate gemologist
OCT 26, 20263 MIN READ

A jury convicted Jaythan Gilder of robbery and grand theft in the Tiffany earring case. Sentencing is scheduled for December 7, 2026.
By Erica Diggs, graduate gemologist
OCT 26, 20263 MIN READ

Kylie Jenner leads five editor-selected jewelry stories this week, from the $50 million Fantasy Bra to major auction results, a hidden estate collection and fall’s expressive jewelry forecast.
By Erica Diggs, graduate gemologist
OCT 19, 20266 MIN READ

A close reading of Dillon Brooks' viral May 11, 2026 courtside moment, where a diamond grill, layered chains, a watch and a ring became part of the story.
By Erica Diggs, graduate gemologist
OCT 2, 20265 MIN READ

The Florida rapper sits down with Drip With Diggs at IFC Factory to talk his viral Texas moment, life after prison, and why he says fake jewelry is more common in rap than fans realize
By Erica Diggs, graduate gemologist
AUG 10, 20266 MIN READ
Style and jewelry moments from sports, entertainment and culture.

Jason of Beverly Hills made the New York Knicks’ 2026 championship rings, a nearly 800-stone tribute with a mechanical miniature of Madison Square Garden. But the choice of an out-of-town maker had already prompted a pointed comment from New York jeweler Alex Moss.
By Erica Diggs, graduate gemologist
OCT 21, 20264 MIN READ

At a New York event featuring former MLB manager Joe Girardi and Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns, DAZN presented its growing regional sports portfolio and the viewing options it is bringing to fans.
By Erica Diggs, graduate gemologist
OCT 7, 20262 MIN READ

Josh Levi sang the national anthem in white-gold Grillz at the NFL’s London game, bringing his R&B style to a familiar American ritual.
By Erica Diggs, graduate gemologist
OCT 5, 20263 MIN READ
Jewelry worn by artists, athletes and culture makers.

A closer look at Jay-Z’s Roc-A-Fella chain, with new images from Lenny S. (@kodaklens), follows an emblem shaped by hip-hop history and personal recognition.
By Erica Diggs, graduate gemologist
OCT 25, 202610 MIN READ

Alvin Kamara turned a short pass into a 52-yard touchdown against Green Bay. Then the camera caught his Johnny Dang VVS diamond grill lighting up the broadcast.
By Erica Diggs, graduate gemologist
SEP 19, 20265 MIN READ

The royal blue custom pair by The Surgeon turned Beckham's Giants return into a wearable spectacle at MetLife Stadium.
By Erica Diggs, graduate gemologist
SEP 14, 20266 MIN READ
Reporting on the jewelry industry, the Diamond District and consumer issues.

The DPC objects to CIBJO’s synthetic terminology recommendation and says it may pursue remedies over deceptive use. Its position is not a court ruling.
By Erica Diggs, graduate gemologist
OCT 26, 20263 MIN READ

Police are investigating four jewelry-store burglaries across Chicago’s North and Northwest sides, according to ABC7 and CBS reporting.
By Erica Diggs, graduate gemologist
OCT 25, 20263 MIN READ

An Annandale jeweler reports approximately $2 million stolen and an insurance gap. The owner’s figures remain unverified.
By Erica Diggs, graduate gemologist
OCT 25, 20263 MIN READ
Diamond and gemstone quality, grading, origin and value.

Rapaport reported that diamond prices rose in September, with the strongest gains among smaller, higher-quality round stones.
By Erica Diggs, graduate gemologist
OCT 8, 20264 MIN READ

Six experienced New York Diamond District professionals share their perspectives on natural and laboratory-grown diamonds, with gemological guidance for informed purchases.
By Erica Diggs, graduate gemologist
OCT 3, 20269 MIN READ

De Beers’ SynthDetect 2 screens loose and mounted diamonds in seconds and a full tray in under five minutes. Pricing is by request, with quotes and demos available directly from De Beers.
By Erica Diggs, graduate gemologist
SEP 19, 20266 MIN READ
Custom grillz pricing, materials, fit and care.

By Erica Diggs, graduate gemologist
SEP 4, 202612 MIN READ

From a conversation at The Bakery in Harlem to a Big Pun-inspired custom set: the story behind Dave East's grillz.
By Erica Diggs, graduate gemologist
AUG 10, 20264 MIN READ
How to clean, store, wear and protect jewelry.

Miss Diggs explains how aftermarket diamond setting can affect water resistance, what buyers should ask and why pressure testing matters.
By Erica Diggs, graduate gemologist
AUG 31, 20266 MIN READ

GIA Gemologist Ms. Diggs breaks down what's really living on your earring backs, and why cleaning the front of the stone isn't enough
By Erica Diggs, graduate gemologist
JUN 30, 20265 MIN READ
Jewelry care and jewelry from Diggs & Co.
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