b'20 UNDER 40 Q&APARAS PANDYA MALLORY SHELTERASHI COUTURE SHELTERBlockchain. I feel that verification andRising gold prices are a major concern for authentication is a big long-term challengeboth retailers and customers, putting pressure and opportunity. As new products enter andon margins and pricing across the board. At consumer trends evolve, its crucial to developthe same time, the internet has created a and support jewelry-specific blockchainlandscape where customers are seeing wildly initiatives to continue giving consumers thedifferent options (some responsibly made, utmost confidence in our industry. This canothers not) and struggling to understand why also help close the gap between traditionalone ring is $1,000 and another is $5,000. retail and digitally native consumers, and craft a complete, compel- That disconnect makes it harder to build trust and educate around ling story. Its very exciting to see the new blockchain developmentsvalue. As an industry, we have to do a better job of clearly commu-in our industry. nicating quality, sourcing, and craftsmanship in a way that resonates with todays buyer.MEGAN SHERRER-NEEL, LOUS JEWELRYWith AI consuming creative outlets, the lines of the artistry aspect in the jewelry industry have blurred. The art of creativity and individual design are becoming a thing of the past due to AI. For so many of the next generation, this is the new way of life and completely accepted as the future. As an individual who earned a college degree before ChatGPT, I am against running designs through a computer automation that is not a creative being.Vicenzaoro: Hall 3, #140BKK Show: Hall 8, #VV 20-22Sept HK: AWE Hall 8, G-0260 STATE OF THE MAJORS 2025| WEBSITE:www.agcolor.com| EMAIL:hemant@agcolor.com TEL:+1-212-207-3905'