Supplier News: Week of Jan. 19

By Brittany Siminitz | January 20, 2026

Rio Grande Introduces Calibrated Melee Diamond Program

Rio Grande’s customers can now search and purchase calibrated melee diamonds, both natural and lab-grown, in a range of fancy shapes directly through the jewelry wholesaler’s website.

While many suppliers offer calibrated round melee, other shapes are often harder to source, according to a statement from Rio Grande. The company’s expanded melee inventory gives jewelers immediate access to matched fancy shapes, filtered by size, carat weight, and shape specifications.

“Calibrating small stones by size and shape has historically been a challenge for jewelers, especially when it comes to fancy shapes, which most suppliers simply do not carry in consistent, ready-to-use assortments,” said Arien Gessner, president of Rio Grande, in a statement.

“Our new calibrated melee diamond offering, including one of the industry’s most robust selections of calibrated fancy shape melee, means customers can finally source precisely matched stones with confidence. It saves time, reduces waste, and supports our customers in delivering designs that meet the highest standards of craftsmanship.”

DCWC Closes Out 2025 With Annual Holiday Celebration

The Diamond Club West Coast (DCWC) welcomed hundreds of members, industry leaders, and guests at its annual holiday party—what has become, according to the organization, the largest year-end jewelry celebration on the West Coast.

The 2025 event, held on Dec. 18 in downtown Los Angeles, featured a dynamic program of presentations and awards and a diverse lineup of entertainment and cuisine.

“The DCWC holiday party is about more than celebration, it’s about community,” said Kalpesh Jhaveri, the group’s president, in a statement. “Seeing more than 600 people from across our industry come together under one roof reminds us how strong and connected our community truly is. This evening reflects the momentum we’ve built and the exciting future ahead.”

During the evening, awards were presented to Anthony Kantor of M. Kantor and Associates, for Rookie of the Year; Lisa Wiener of Worldwide Diamond Co., Member of the Year; and Mervyn Hahn of Los Angeles Diamond Factory, for lifetime achievement.

“These honorees represent the values DCWC stands for: integrity, commitment, and long-term contribution to the trade,” said Jhaveri. “It is an honor to recognize individuals who strengthen our industry and inspire the next generation.”

The new year brings a major change for DCWC, as it is merging with the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California. “This integration represents growth with purpose,” said Kimberly Overlin, former president of the SoCal 24 Karat Club, in a statement. “By welcoming the 24 Karat Club into DCWC, we are strengthening our collective voice and creating even greater opportunities for collaboration, education, and business for our members.”

(Photo courtesy of Rio Grande)