Ep 94_Brian & Susan Barnes on Lab Diamonds, Retail Trends, and the Future of Barnes Jewelers

In this episode of the Pearls of Wisdom Podcast, recorded live at the Atlanta Jewelry Show Fall 2025, host Chuck Keohler talks with Brian and Susan Barnes of Barnes Jewelers in Lexington, South Carolina. For more than 25 years, Barnes Jewelers has served as a trusted name in their community, and now the family business is embracing a new era of retail. Brian, who began as a bench jeweler before moving into retail, shares how science and craftsmanship meet at the bench—and why lab-grown diamonds are reshaping today's market. With natural diamond sales shifting and gold prices climbing, he explains how independent jewelers must adapt to changing consumer expectations while still delivering trust, beauty, and value. Susan, a full-time teacher who helps at the store on weekends, offers her perspective on balancing two careers and how her passion for education translates into customer conversations, especially when guiding clients through the differences between lab-grown and natural diamonds. Together, they discuss store renovations, new engraving and monogramming services, and the importance of creating a relaxed, approachable atmosphere that resonates with younger shoppers. Listeners will also gain perspective on broader industry trends—from evolving buying habits to the influence of economic cycles on jewelry sales—and why customer experience remains at the heart of long-term success.  This episode is a mix of practical insights and personal stories, offering a candid look at how independent jewelers are redefining the future of jewelry retail.   Brought to you by: Southern Jewelry News: https://southernjewelrynews.com/ Jewelry Store Marketers: https://jewelrystoremarketers.com/ Learn more about the Pearls of Wisdom Jewelry Podcast https://southernjewelrynews.com/podcast Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform:  • Apple Podcast = https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my.-..  • Amazon Music/Audible = https://www.audible.com/pd/Pearls-of.-.. • iHeartRadio = https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-pe... • Spotify = https://open.spotify.com/show/6IU1OHw... • Google Podcast = https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...