The President's Message - September 2026
ICA President
Dear ICA Members,
Colored gemstones have endured for thousands of years but the industry that sells them has to keep evolving, or we risk losing the very audience that will carry our trade forward.
Right now, Gen Z and Millennials represent the fastest-growing share of buyers in our industry, and their relationship with jewelry looks nothing like the generations before them. Where Baby Boomers bought for tradition, milestones, and long-term investment, younger buyers are motivated by self-expression and identity. They discover pieces through social media and online commerce rather than in-store visits or word-of-mouth, and they trust creators and influencers as much as, or more than, established brands. They also expect the values behind a piece (ethics, sustainability, personalization) to be as compelling as the piece itself, and they buy everyday pieces more frequently, favoring minimalist, trend-driven styles over classic, timeless ones.
This is a real shift, not a passing trend, and it's one every member of our industry needs to understand and respond to.
At ICA, we're taking this seriously. We're building new ways to bring younger professionals and buyers into our community, including:
• Special forums, committees, and discussion groups focused on the issues and opportunities this generational shift creates
• Organized social activities that create space for connection and relationship-building in the way younger members want to engage
• Education focused on people entering the industry, giving newer professionals the grounding they need to build lasting careers in the trade
• Mentorship opportunities, connecting newer entrants with experienced voices across the industry
Our goal is simple: help ICA members understand this changing landscape well enough to meet it so that the trust and craftsmanship that has carried our industry for millennia continues to resonate with the buyers of tomorrow.
Thank you for being part of this effort.
Damien Cody
ICA Board President