Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but for Akshie Jhaveri, they’re even better when they’re grown, not mined. With her nearly 5-year-old jewelry label, Grown Brilliance, the Mumbai-born, New York-based entrepreneur is redefining what the future of lab-grown gems within modern luxury looks like.

The founder and CEO, who comes from generations of jewelers, believes that when it comes to the process of creating the final product, there is “no difference” between natural and lab-grown diamonds.

“It has the same amount of care, it has the same amount of detail to it,” she told Retail Brew. “The only difference being the raw material. Millennials are smarter than that…I don’t think they care about natural versus lab, as long as they get the look they want.”

But while the retailer—which sells everything from engagement rings and wedding jewelry to bracelets, earrings, and necklaces for everyday wear—hopes to secure a coveted spot in the luxury space, Jhaveri said she always wanted to lean into being more inclusive and affordable.

Keep reading here.—JS

As grocery prices rise this holiday season, consumers are trying to give thanks without breaking the bank.

According to a NielsenIQ survey, 58% of consumers are “extremely concerned” about high grocery prices this Thanksgiving. As a result, a quarter of households will buy more private label products, with 31% opting for them over national brands and only 5% of consumers prioritizing serving national brands for Thanksgiving.

Consumers will also save $$ by hosting smaller celebrations, shopping at discount retailers, and serving fewer side dishes (RIP, green bean casserole). Even as prices continue to rise, NIQ found turkey or another main protein remain the top non-negotiable Thanksgiving item, followed, of course, by dessert.

However, according to a recent Empower survey, 47% of consumers are willing to swap their bird for a cheaper option—38% said they would opt for roasted chicken instead. Almost half of consumers are cutting down on pricey spices, and 30% are considering nixing the traditional meal altogether for burgers, pizza, or fast food.

Keep reading here.—EC

With the luxury industry in turmoil and challenges like tariffs and rising costs facing most fashion retailers, it hasn’t been easy determining which brands are resonating with consumers this year.

But Lyst’s Q3 2025 Index offers some perspective on the “hottest brands and products” over the last three months. The index, which analyzes shopper behavior from “more than 160 million annual users across thousands of brands and stores,” featured French luxury retailer Yves Saint Laurent emerging at the top of the list for the first time.

In second, third, and fourth place were Miu Miu, COS, and The Row, respectively. Coach, Prada, and Bottega Veneta followed closely, snagging the fifth, sixth, and seventh spots. Rounding out the top 10 were Loewe, Ralph Lauren, and Chloé.

Though Kim Kardashian’s Skims ranked lower at No. 15, the brand saw a 271% YoY increase in demand.

Keep reading here.—JS