The wealthiest Americans will spend more on luxury items in 2010 than they did last year, a new survey finds, but high-end retailers wishing to capitalize on the surge must adapt to a new type of luxury consumer, one who is family oriented and shops when happy--instead of as a means of attaining happiness.

Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America (MJSA) recently announced its support of the U.S. government's decision to strip gold rope and gold mixed-link necklaces from India of their duty-free status.

Jewelry brand Dogeared, known for presenting its jewelry with inspirational messages, has partnered with Sony Pictures to produce a licensed collection of jewelry and travel accessories inspired by the bestselling book--and soon-to-be-released Hollywood film--Eat, Pray, Love.

Family-owned jewelry store Kessler Jewelers in Burbank, Calif.--a city that serves as the headquarters of numerous film and media companies--is closing shop, with a media report citing a cast of culprits that included the economy and higher gold prices, plus Internet and big-box competition.

Prepare yourself, jewelers. Here comes Generation Y (aka Gen Y), 74 million big-spending consumers, born between 1978 and 1995, who purchase, directly or indirectly, $200 billion worth of goods or services a year, five times more than their parents did at the same age.

With gold prices high, many silver neophytes have begun dabbling in the metal, but longtime .925 aficionados Montblanc are showing newcomers how silver is done with a bold sterling silver jewelry collection called "Montblanc Star Decor."

The U.K. jewelry industry has cast its votes, naming Shaun Leane "Jewelry Designer of the Year" at the UK Jewellery Awards, where leading British retailers and designers from both the United Kingdom and abroad were recognized for their innovation and excellence.