International News
The Jewelry Symposium to spotlight AI, traceability, and sustainable practices
The Jewelry Symposium (TJS), formerly known as the Santa Fe Symposium, the premier international event for jewellery manufacturing technology, will convene at the Detroit Marriott Troy from 17-20 May 2025, with a focus on cutting-edge technologies and sustainability.
This year’s symposium will expand beyond its traditional focus on metallurgy and craftsmanship to address critical industry issues like responsible sourcing, AI integration, and advanced manufacturing processes.
“We had an unprecedented number of proposals and abstracts for 2025, and we are delighted that many of our respected presenters will be focusing on timely and important issues like sustainability and technology,” says Linus Drogs, TJS Chairman of the Board. “We are grateful to the experts who will be sharing the latest information on CAD, AI, and additive manufacturing (3-D printing), as well as the group of professionals focused on sustainability related to a responsible supply chain and the tracing of coloured gemstones.”
The symposium will feature presentations from leading experts worldwide, catering to a diverse audience of bench jewellers, designers, manufacturers, students, retailers, and press. Among the technology-focused sessions, Scott Bradford of Gesswein will explore CAD techniques and software for enhanced jewellery design, while Jenny Luker of the Platinum Guild International (PGI) will unveil a new platinum alloy. Consultant Anne Miller will delve into the potential of generative AI, and Joseph Strauss of HJE Company, Inc. will discuss advancements in sinter-based 3-D printing.
Sustainability and ethical sourcing will also take centre stage, with Eric Branwaurt of Columbia Gem House and consultant Frank Cooper examining the traceability of coloured gemstones.
International News
US Jewellery Companies Continued To Shrink In The Third Quarter:JBT
During Q3, Business Closures Dropped To 116 Compared To 126 In The Prior Year’s Third Quarter, Driven By 88 General Operational Cessations, 28 Acquisitions Or Mergers, and Zero Bankruptcies.
The number of active US jewelry companies continued to shrink in the third quarter, but at a slower pace than a year ago, according to the latest data from the Jewelers Board of Trade (JBT).The US jewelry industry continued its structural consolidation through Q3, though the pace of business closures showed signs of stabilizing compared to the previous year. Data from the Jewelers Board of Trade (JBT) reflects ongoing consolidation across retail, wholesale, and manufacturing, coupled with heightened credit volatility.
Key Data & Metrics
Nationwide, the active business footprint stands at 21,831 companies, reflecting a 1.4% year-over-year decline. During Q3, business closures dropped to 116 compared to 126 in the prior year’s third quarter, driven by 88 general operational cessations, 28 acquisitions or mergers, and zero bankruptcies. Meanwhile, new market entrants also slowed, with 67 new business openings recorded in Q3 down from 89 during the same period last year.
Sector-by-Sector Breakdown
| Sector | Active Count | YoY Change | Impact Summary |
| Retailers | 16,564 | -1.5% | Makes up the majority of the sector; experienced the largest net store count reduction. |
| Manufacturers | 2,061 | -1.7% | Steepest percentage decline among all segments. |
| Wholesalers | 3,206 | -0.9% | Relatively stable, holding the mildest contraction rate. |
Credit & Financial Health Trends
The JBT report highlights dynamic shifts in creditworthiness across US and Canadian businesses, signaling bifurcated financial health:
- Credit Downgrades: Jumped sharply to 1,655 (up from 620 in Q3 of the prior year).
- Credit Upgrades: Rose significantly to 1,480 (up from 551 in Q3 of the prior year).
While net business closures are tapering off, high numbers of simultaneous upgrades and downgrades point to a split market where resilient operators are strengthening their positions while vulnerable businesses face tighter financial pressures.
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