September 25 Aurea Informatio: Your Friday Web Roundup

By Karen Dybis | September 24, 2026

Jewelers of America leadership and members conducted its annual fly-in to work with lawmakers in the House and Senate to push President Trump on exemptions for the jewelry industry.

The Jewelers of America Political Action Committee (JAPAC) went to Washington, D.C., on Sept. 15 and met with Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, and Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio. Tariffs and retail crime remained the top concerns, as jewelers asked Congress to take action.

“While some progress has been made in excluding diamonds, gemstones, and pearls from tariffs, these have come on a country-by-country basis,” JA president and CEO David J. Bonaparte said in a statement. He met with United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in July as well.

Fly-in attendees spoke to lawmakers how the tariffs, along with the volatility in the precious metals markets and the economy in general, are straining jewelers’ businesses. JAPAC also asked lawmakers to finally pass the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act.

JA this week also announced a strategic partnership with The Plumb Club that aims to elevate JAPAC and increase the voice of JA’s advocacy and lobbying efforts on behalf of the jewelry industry.

Here is a look at what else made JCK’s collective brain click this week.

News Worth Reading

Are natural diamonds entering a new era of rarity?

Another question: What should the Natural Diamond Council—aka The Diamond Collective—do next? Nicolas Chrétien has an idea—go deep on heritage.

One more diamond update: De Beers London debuts its latest high jewelry collection and other jewelry news from London Fashion Week. (subscription needed)

In the continuing debate between the terms synthetic and lab-grown, World Federation of Diamond Bourses president Mehul Shah has thoughts.

In its annual U.S. forecast, the Mastercard Economics Institute expects the strongest holiday season in four years.

Gold could still top $5,000, TD Securities says.

Robinson Pelham celebrated its Trove residency.

Chirag Thakkar of Amrapali Group told media that crude oil movements could influence gold and silver prices.

WatchPro on why Anton Rupert looks likely to succeed his father Johann at the top of Richemont.

This year’s Lancaster Watch Weekend starts tomorrow, and it looks like a great lineup of experts and companies.

Jewelers are prepping for the holidays and the high price of gold.

Mattioli expands with its first Milan flagship. (subscription needed)

Pandora taps a British makeup expert for its latest collaborator. (subscription needed)

Men’s jewelry is getting more space in stores and fresh eyes with new collections.

The boy band era isn’t over, and Gap proves that collaborating with the modern-day equivalent can be marketing savvy.

J.C. Penney’s sales decline is concerning given how well other department stores are doing, analysts said.

Oura is going for a huuuuuuge IPO.

Obsessions

Now this is how you make a retail store stand out: Audemars Piguet adds dramatic Renée Levi artwork to its exterior.

Luxury travel can teach the industry a thing or two.

A gold-plated chocolate bar is a great way to introduce a new tasty snack.

You can tell we are podcast fans, and this Katerina Perez list of her favorite listens (including The Jewelry District) is a good one for jewelry lovers.

Podcast Queue

The 1916 Co. Podcast outlines how to build the ultimate Panerai watch collection.

The Business of Watches chats with Czapek & Cie. CEO and cofounder Xavier de Roquemaurel.

Grumpy Old Jewelers dives into the frustration of selling natural diamonds.

The Nordy Pod gets the scoop from Patrice Louvet, president and CEO of Ralph Lauren, about the characteristics of this iconic brand that fostered longevity, and relevance.

The Luxury Society Podcast talks to Jonathan Brinbaum, managing director of Bulgari Watches, to examine the big questions looming over luxury watchmaking.

Video Yaya

It’s debatable for sure, but Avi Krawitz makes some good points here on why the name change to The Diamond Collective makes sense for the whole industry.

Why OceanaGold is betting on Australian gold.

(Photo: Getty Images)