Nonetheless, I must confess that I am, as always, looking forward to Tucson, and experiencing the giddiness and sheer delight of being totally immersed in the global colored gemstone community.

What will be different this year is that everything will be different this year. It will be harder, not easier. More complex, not simpler. The methods and processes that we have become comfortable with may no longer serve us. But, as our President Damian Cody points out in his letter, we as gemstone merchants are engaged in a trade that has thrived for centuries—one that has weathered countless crises and challenges, yet continues to thrive.

One element that can aid in success is membership in a global community of traders that have a shared passion for gemstones and a common commitment to working to improve the integrity and desirability of our products. The benefits of membership in ICA should not be measured in a simple transactional spreadsheet but rather in a reasoned consideration of what it means to be a member of this community:

• the often-unspoken acknowledgement of a client’s higher level of trust and confidence in a purchase due to your commitment to ethical practices and full disclosure requirements that govern all our members;
• the ability to communicate with others who share your values and to do so on a global scale through our member portal and social media platforms;
• the opportunity to reach your colleagues and clients by providing content for our newsletters and InColor magazine;
• and, certainly, the opportunity to participate in our ICA-member pavilions in worldwide trade shows.

I would also like to highlight two exciting developments as we look ahead to 2026.

Yes, the coming year looks to be a challenging one, but a greater effort to utilize the benefits that come with your membership can help. Consider that one or two sales, as a result of being a member, would more than offset the cost of membership.

If you would like to discuss these opportunities and other strategies, contact me by email, WhatsApp, or simply call me at 214-394-4054. If you are interested receiving printed copies of Incolor Magazine, please contact us ica@gemstone.org.

If you are not already a member, we look forward to welcoming you into our family in 2026. To learn more, visit www.gemstone.org and click on Membership.

I genuinely wish each one of you the most pleasant and enriching New Year and hope to visit with you personally at every opportunity.

Douglas Hucker, ICA CEO

The post Confronting new sensibilities in the year ahead appeared first on Incolor Magazine.

Across the globe, we face economic downturns that shake confidence. Political unrest that fuels doubt. Conflicts and wars causing pain and hardship. Trade barriers and tariffs that complicate our marketplace. These challenges create hesitation and fear, which are the natural enemies of our industry.

Jewelry, gemstones, and luxury goods are bought with the heart, not just the mind. They are aspirational. They are emotional. They are discretionary. They flourish only when the world feels happy, secure, confident, and in almost idyllic conditions.

Our industry is like the canary in the coal mine. We are often the first to feel the impact of downturns and, sadly, one of the last industries to recover. We are facing what can only be described as a perfect storm. But, while we cannot stop the waves, we can learn to surf.

Now is the time to look closely at our businesses and ask the hard questions:

• Where are the pressure points?
• Where can we pivot?
• Where can we innovate?

This is a $300–400 billion industry. It is not going away. But the question is not whether the industry survives—it will. The question is—will you survive?

To survive, you must act. Now. Take stock of what you are doing and ask how you can do it better. Work with your local industry bodies. Work with your international associations. Collaborate and support their lobbying efforts for better trade deals.

For example, gemstones exported to the U.S. can qualify for Annex 3 Status which would mean zero tariffs. But, this is only when your country has negotiated a bilateral trade agreement. So, lobby your governments.

Look for alternate opportunities? The largest markets today are China ($90 billion) and India ($85 billion). Both have overtaken the U.S. at $72 billion. Yes, they are difficult markets and present their own challenges, however, there may be opportunities and solutions.

There are a number of emerging markets around the globe that are also growing rapidly and waiting to be explored.

Now is also the time to think creatively:

• Can you source from countries with more favorable trade terms?
• Can you manufacture or finish in locations that attract lower tariffs?
• Can you use foreign trade zones or bonded warehouses to showcase your products efficiently?

This is not a time for stagnation. Not a time for comfort. It is a time for bold thinking. For calculated risk. For creativity. For vision.

The keys are to stay informed, be nimble, embrace flexibility, diversify, innovate, expand your horizons.

Remember, our industry has survived millennia. It will continue to shine. And if we are smart, adaptable, and resilient, so will we.

So, rise to the challenge. Embrace the waves. Learn to surf. Not only to survive—but to thrive.

Happy New Year to all.

Damien Cody, ICA President

The post Riding the Waves Through Rough Times appeared first on Incolor Magazine.

The rare treasures that we pluck from the Earth define beauty, rarity and desirability. But we should also remember that we have a partnership with Nature. She produces these magnificent crystals, and we in turn transform those crystals into works of art that have graced wearers throughout time. Without the lapidary’s art, these gemstones, although still unique and special, would not be the treasures that we have coveted and traded for so many years.

I also assume that, if you are lover of gemstones, you like myself have a bucket list. A list of magical wonderful historical places that have been the center of gemstone production for millennia. Think Mogok, Kashmir, Golconda – legendary sources of the most storied and legendary gem materials in history.

Although the prominence of some of these legendary places has waned, there is one magical name that for years has captured the imagination of gemstone lovers: Idar-Oberstein. While it began as a source of materials that the Romans fashioned into cabochons, cameos and carvings to satisfy the demand during Rome’s Empire, it has not only survived but thrived. This is due in large part because of its hundreds of years of devotion to the craft, with families that have passed down the art of gem cutting and carving from father and mothers to sons and daughters to the extent that it is arguably the historically most important source of carved and cut gemstones.

My first visit to Idar- Oberstein was as a young man, still an instructor for the GIA. While leading a gemological excursion of gem lovers through several European sites, we found ourselves in Idar.

The experience was magical to say the least and we were welcomed warmly as guests into our hosts’ businesses and their homes. We met people whose names we knew to be synonymous with gemstone artistry, many of the names that you will see mentioned in this issue of InColor, which features Idar and its artisans. Many of the people we met became friends and remain so to this day. What soon became evident to me then was that, if we had visited Idar decades before, we would have been greeted by families bearing the same distinguished names, owing to the fact that most of these families have pursued their craft for generations and even centuries.

Years later, my wife Marcia and I were contemplating a gift for her parents’ anniversary and we thought how wonderful it would be to have a cameo of her parents carved by a master carver in Idar-Oberstein. Erwin Pauly, a marvelous gentleman and incredible artisan, agreed and produced a stunning carving from the photograph we provided him. For years, the framed cameo adorned their mantle and now it resides on ours.

Every time I see Marcia admiring the gemstone portrait, I realize how this inexpensive piece of chalcedony, when placed in the hands of a true artist, inspired by a sense of love and devotion, became a true heirloom. It evokes fond memories for her and myself. But beyond those memories, I am reminded of the true power, the visceral impact that gemstones can have on us. How they represent so much more than their mere component parts. Let us never forget that this elegance inherent in gemstones is why we are in this business and why we are blessed with a pursuit that we truly love.

I would like to thank each of the authors who contributed to this exceptional ode to Idar-Oberstein. I hope that one day, if you have not already, you have an opportunity to visit this unique city. Until then, please enjoy the wonderful articles herein.

The post Ode to Idar appeared first on Incolor Magazine.

Jewelry consumption varies across different age demographics. Traditionally, older generations such as Baby Boomers have viewed jewelry as timeless heirlooms and symbols of status. For them, classic designs and precious metals like gold and silver have held enduring appeal, often reflecting economic prosperity and stability. As economic conditions fluctuate, so too does their purchasing power, influencing trends in luxury spending.

Moving to Generation X, who came of age during periods of rapid technological advancement, we see a blend of traditional and modern influences in their jewelry preferences. This group values jewelry not only as a fashion statement but also as a means of personal expression and sentimentality. The rise of digital platforms has transformed how they discover and purchase jewelry, emphasizing convenience and accessibility.

Enter Millennials and Generation Z who were raised in the digital age with unparalleled access to information and social media. These younger consumers prioritize uniqueness and sustainability in their purchases. They seek out ethically sourced materials and personalized designs, often guided by influencers and social media trends. Their tech-savvy approach to consumerism has propelled online platforms to the forefront of jewelry retail, challenging traditional brick-and-mortar establishments.

There are several recent developments that are reshaping the jewelry landscape. Sustainability has emerged as a pivotal concern among consumers of all ages, with a notable surge in demand for ethically sourced and environmentally friendly jewelry. This shift reflects broader societal trends towards eco-consciousness. Businesses need to ensure that any claims they make can be substantiated and will not be branded as greenwashing.

ICA supports and endorses Gems Keep Giving, a charity that provides targeted assistance to artisanal colored gemstone mining and cutting communities. I would recommend that you learn how you can support these most worthwhile projects and align your business with an organization that is changing lives in these communities. Check out www.GemsKeepGiving.org.

Technological innovations are also leaving their mark on the industry. AI is being used heavily in designing and is likely to become a tool to aid customers with their selection of jewelry. The integration of blockchain technology and the rise of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) are revolutionizing how jewelry is perceived and traded. Digital assets are gaining traction as collectors seek unique, verifiable pieces that transcend traditional notions of ownership and authenticity. Brands have embraced this trend, integrating NFTs into their offerings to cater to a new generation of tech-savvy luxury consumers.

The jewelry and gemstone industries are undergoing a transformative period shaped by shifting consumer behaviors, technological innovations, and sustainability imperatives. By understanding and embracing these trends, industry stakeholders can navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving market landscape, ensuring their offerings resonate with diverse demographics and stand the test of time. At ICA, we will continue to be at the forefront and keep members informed.

The post Factors Reshaping the Jewelry Landscape appeared first on Incolor Magazine.

Held in June 2021, Informa’s Market Jewellery & Gem Asia Hong Kong show was the first to be held in Hong Kong 2021. It was therefore anticipated to herald back the jewelry industry but, instead, the four-day event targeted local buyers and endconsumers. There was no ICA pavilion, and the majority of exhibitors were finished jewelry companies or designer houses.

Held in June 2021, Informa’s Market Jewellery & Gem Asia Hong Kong show was the first to be held in Hong Kong 2021. It was therefore anticipated to herald back the jewelry industry but, instead, the four-day event targeted local buyers and endconsumers. There was no ICA pavilion, and the majority of exhibitors were finished jewelry companies or designer houses.

Informa took all the necessary precautions to deliver a safe show to the public. Exhibitors had to be vaccinated or prove a negative Covid-test result prior to the Show. Visitors were required to scan the QR code of the LeaveHomeSafe app (the digital contact tracing app launched by the Hong Kong Government on November 16, 2020) upon entering the Hall. The aisle width was expanded to ensure there would be enough room for social distancing.

The first two days were quiet since the Show targeted B2C business and international travel bans remained in place. The final two days attracted retail customers and local buyers who were looking for “good deals.” Local buyers and jewelry designers attended to source loose stones, and despite the B2C format, loose gemstone exhibitors did surprisingly well.

The March show, the 37th HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and 7th HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, were postponed until July 25. Held at a single venue, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the shows concluded successfully, attracting more than 13,700 industry buyers and, for the first time ever, over 17,000 public visitors, according to HKTDC.

Members commented that the March shows were ok, but not as good as June for three reasons: there were few if any international buyers coming to Hong Kong in July; the economy had slowed, and the majority of buyers went straight to the finished goods section. However, the new normal included a virtual tradeshow, at the conclusion of the physical show and this the online platform enabled global jewelers and traders to engage in business talks via video conferencing.

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JC was a guide and inspiration during my journey at the ICA, and for 14+ years on the board of directors. Behind his serious and strongwilled personality, there was a loyal friend with a big heart. I had come to appreciate and admire his vast knowledge and experience, and he became not only an advisor but a close friend. Despite his desire to retire from the board when I took over as President of the ICA, he remained active only to be my advisor and for as long as needed. I felt deeply at his passing. The entire trade community must recognize his outstanding journey, dedication, and contribution to the development of the colored gemstone industry. Jean Claude Michelou is and will always be greatly missed.

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With the assistance of Italian precious coral expert, Vincenzo Liverino, ICA|GemLab has introduced a simple procedure for describing the color of the Mediterranean coral, Corallium rubrum. Utilizing five designated colors (deep red, red, deep pink, pink and light pink) along with available color comparison samples, this procedure could become the future trading standard for this important gem material. For gem laboratories, technicians have a choice of using the available color comparison samples and viewing in the CIE standard daylight illuminate, D65, or using a spectrophotometer as the Lab* data as each of these color comparison samples is openly available.

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