International News
Decline in the number of active US jewellery companies decelerated in Q2: JBT
The United States jewelry industry, has recently shown a nuanced trend in its business landscape. While the overall number of active companies continues to decline, the pace of these closures has notably decelerated in the second quarter of 2025. This shift, as highlighted by the Jewelers Board of Trade (JBT) data, suggests a potential stabilization or a more gradual contraction within the sector, offering a glimmer of cautious optimism amidst ongoing adjustments.
During the three-month period ending June 30, 2025, a total of 174 US jewelry businesses ceased operations. This figure represents a significant 23% decrease in closures compared to the same quarter in the previous year, indicating a less volatile environment for existing firms. Despite this slowdown in closures, the total number of active jewelry companies in the US still stands at 22,218, a 3.1% reduction year-on-year and a marginal decrease of 112 firms from the preceding quarter. This suggests that while the industry is still contracting, the rate of this contraction is easing.
A closer examination of the reasons behind these discontinuations reveals a multifaceted picture. Mergers and takeovers accounted for 28 closures, pointing to a degree of consolidation within the industry as larger entities absorb smaller ones. Bankruptcies, often a stark indicator of severe financial distress, were responsible for only three closures, a relatively low number that might suggest underlying resilience or successful restructuring efforts by struggling businesses. The majority of closures, 143 to be precise, were attributed to “other reasons,” a broad category that could encompass factors such as retirement, strategic shifts, or simply a decision to exit the market without formal insolvency proceedings. Encouragingly, the period also saw the emergence of 97 new businesses, an increase from 83 in the prior year, indicating continued entrepreneurial activity and innovation within the sector.
The various segments of the jewelry industry experienced differing degrees of impact. Retailers, who form the largest component of the sector, saw their numbers decrease by 3% year-on-year, settling at 16,873 active businesses. This decline, while present, is in line with broader trends affecting brick-and-mortar retail across many industries. The wholesale trade also experienced a contraction, sliding 2.6% to 3,241 firms. The manufacturing sector, perhaps facing pressures from global supply chains and evolving production methods, recorded the steepest decline at 4.7%, reducing its count to 2,104 firms. These figures underscore the ongoing structural adjustments occurring across the entire value chain of the jewelry business.
Further insights into the financial health of the industry come from the JBT’s credit rating adjustments. During the second quarter, 561 companies across the US and Canada saw their credit ratings downgraded, an improvement from the 633 downgrades recorded a year earlier. More positively, 639 businesses received improved credit scores, and a substantial 663 companies experienced upgrades between April and June 2024. This trend in credit ratings suggests a stabilization, and in some cases, an improvement in the financial standing of many jewelry businesses, potentially reflecting better cash flow management, reduced debt, or stronger market positions for certain firms.
In conclusion, the latest JBT data paints a picture of an evolving US jewelry industry. While the sector continues to navigate a period of contraction, the marked deceleration in business closures, coupled with an increase in new entrants and an overall improvement in credit ratings for a significant number of firms, offers a more optimistic outlook. This suggests that the industry may be moving towards a more stable equilibrium, adapting to market dynamics, and potentially laying the groundwork for future growth, albeit with ongoing shifts in its composition and operational landscape.
International News
Vicenzaoro September 2026 Closes With Stronger International Footprint
The Five-Day Trade Show Recorded A 4% Increase In Total Visitors Compared With The September 2025 Edition, While International Attendance Rose By 9%.
Vicenzaoro September 2026 concluded on 8 September with further growth in visitor traffic and international participation, reinforcing its position as a key global meeting point for the jewellery, gemstones, precious metals and technology industries. Organised by Italian Exhibition Group (IEG), the five-day trade show recorded a 4% increase in total visitors compared with the September 2025 edition, while international attendance rose by 9%.
The edition marked the first major presentation of the expanded Vicenza Expo Centre following the opening of the new Hall 2. The upgraded infrastructure, combined with the show’s Boutique Show format, brought the jewellery supply chain together under one roof—from manufacturing technologies and machinery at T.Gold to finished jewellery, gemstones, packaging and related services.
International attendance reaches new markets

Vicenzaoro attracted visitors from 136 foreign countries, a 4% increase compared with September 2025. Attendance from Europe grew by 9%, while non-European participation also rose by 9%, reaching 91 countries. Visitors from the United States increased by 2%.
The largest international visitor groups came from:
- The United Kingdom.
- Germany.
- China.
- India.
- Romania.
- Switzerland.
- Spain.
- Denmark.
- Colombia.
- Belgium.
The strongest growth in visitor numbers was recorded from South Korea, Singapore, Kuwait, South Africa, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Indonesia, Cyprus and Saudi Arabia.
India’s presence among the top five international visitor markets underlines the importance of the country to Vicenzaoro’s global strategy and reflects the continued strength of business links between Italian manufacturers and the Indian jewellery trade.
“This growth confirms the work carried out during the transitional editions when construction of the new Hall 2 was underway,” said Matteo Farsura, head of IEG’s Jewellery & Fashion division. He noted that international attendance has risen steadily since September 2024 and, boosted by T.Gold, is now 12% higher despite an increasingly complex global environment.
MAECI and ICE programme delivers 910 buyers
The show’s international business programme, organised in collaboration with Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) and the Italian Trade Agency, brought 700 hosted international buyers to Vicenza. A further 210 Italian buyers participated, taking the total number of hosted trade visitors to a record 910.
The buyers represented 73 countries and were reported to be 33% higher in number than at the September 2025 edition.
Farsura said the programme was designed not only to increase visitor numbers but also to identify buyers according to the profiles of exhibiting companies and the markets they serve. The network of approximately 70 Italian Trade Agency offices worldwide played a significant role in supporting the initiative.
New Hall 2 reshapes the exhibition
The opening of Hall 2 represented a significant milestone in IEG’s development of the Vicenza Expo Centre. The two-storey facility covers approximately 23,000 square metres and connects Halls 1, 3, 4 and 6, improving movement across the exhibition complex and creating a more integrated environment for exhibitors and visitors.
The expanded layout hosted 1,300 exhibiting brands from 40 countries, with international exhibitors accounting for 45% of the total. T.Gold, the specialised exhibition dedicated to jewellery manufacturing technologies and machinery, was brought inside the Expo Centre for the first time, strengthening the show’s ability to present the complete value chain in a single location.
In a period marked by uncertain demand, margin pressure and changing consumer expectations, the format enabled Vicenzaoro to combine commercial activity with a focus on innovation, production efficiency and future market trends.
CIBJO centenary adds global relevance
A major feature of the September edition was the centenary congress of CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation. Led by President Gaetano Cavalieri, CIBJO brings together the international jewellery industry around standards, nomenclature, responsible business practices and consumer confidence.
Held in Vicenza to mark the organisation’s 100th anniversary, the congress attracted more than 600 delegates, including representatives of luxury groups, mining companies, retailers, laboratories and other parts of the global supply chain.
The congress addressed several of the industry’s most pressing issues, including sustainability, market transparency, the classification of natural and laboratory-grown diamonds and coloured stones, and the need to strengthen consumer trust. Its presence further positioned Vicenzaoro as a forum where businesses, associations and institutions can discuss the structural changes shaping the jewellery sector.
Networking remains central to the show
Beyond its exhibition and sourcing functions, Vicenzaoro continued to emphasise the value of professional relationships. The event provided a platform for companies, buyers, institutions, associations and international industry leaders to exchange views and develop new commercial connections.
This networking-led approach has become one of the show’s defining characteristics, allowing business discussions to extend beyond individual transactions to wider conversations on market development, technology, distribution and consumer behaviour.
The September edition also featured the ninth edition of VO Vintage, which brought together 53 selected exhibitors specialising in vintage and modern jewellery and watches. The event, open to the general public, combined sales with an educational programme featuring expert speakers and initiatives aimed at strengthening interest in watchmaking culture.
Broad industry support
Vicenzaoro’s strategic partners include MAECI and the Italian Trade Agency. Its international partners are CIBJO, GJEPC India, the Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association and Francéclat.
National partners include Confindustria Federorafi, Confcommercio Federpreziosi, Confartigianato Orafi, CNA Orafi, Club degli Orafi Italia, Confimi Industria’s Gold and Silver Category, Assogemme, Assocoral and AFEMO. The regions of Sicily and Campania also participated as institutional representatives.
IEG’s jewellery calendar will continue with JGTD—Jewellery, Gems and Technology in Dubai—from 27 to 29 October 2026. Italy’s jewellery industry will meet next at the Valenza Gem Forum on 22 October and the Italian Jewellery Summit in Arezzo on 3 December.
The next edition of Vicenzaoro and T.Gold will take place from 15 to 19 January 2027, while VO Vintage is scheduled for 15 to 18 January 2027.
-
National News9 hours agoLimelight Lab Grown Diamonds Inaugurates Showroom In Kalyan, Its 8th Exclusive Store MMR
-
National News10 hours agoThis Ganesh Chaturthi, Gift Blessings Wrapped In Gold With Aspect Bullion & Refinery
-
National News10 hours agoThis Ganesh Chaturthi, Celebrate New Beginnings With The Timeless Brilliance Of A Natural Diamond Solitaire By Divine Solitaires
-
GlamBuzz11 hours agoKalyan Jewellers Celebrates The Joy Of Togetherness With Actress Ms. Pooja Sawant This Ganesh Chaturthi

