ASJRA’s May Conference Examines ‘Iconic’ Jewelry Companies
Jewelry historians, authors, and experts will explore the works of Tiffany & Co., Oscar Heyman, Verdura, and more.

Held virtually from May 6-7, the sessions will center around the theme of “Iconic Jewelry Firms,” delving into the likes of Tiffany & Co., Oscar Heyman and Verdura.
The speakers and sessions are as follows.
On May 6, Beth Wees, curator emerita of The American Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, alongside jewelry specialist Sheila Smithie, FGA, will host the first session of the day, “Marcus & Co.: Three Generations of New York Jewelers.”
The American jeweler was a mainstay in New York City from 1892 to 1962.
Reema Keswani, founder of Golconda Jewelry and former president of the American Society of Jewelry Historians, will present “The Jewelry Designs of Shinde.”
Ambaji Venkatesh Shinde was a well-known jewelry designer, notable for his work at Harry Winston.
Jewelry expert Elizabeth Bray will speak on “The Jewelry of Paul Flato,” highlighting the American jeweler’s work. Bray is the author of “Jeweler to the Stars: The Jewelry of Paul Flato,” published by ACC Art Books in 2010.
Costume jewelry historian Barbara Schwartz will lead a session called “Coro and Louis Rousselet: Two Costume Jewelry Makers You Need to Know More About.”
A virtual cocktail party will be held at 6 p.m. Eastern to celebrate the conference.
Day two will kick off with writer Beth Hamilton presenting “Oscar Heyman, The Jeweler’s Jeweler.” She was a contributing author of the book with the same title.
Fashion and jewelry historian Ariana Bishop will give a presentation titled “ Verdura. America’s Crown Jeweler.”
Laura Mathews, great-granddaughter of 20th-century jeweler and sculptor Gustav Manz, will present a session on his work, titled “Lost & Found: The Jewelry of Gustav Manz.”
Jewelry historian Anna Rasche will host “The Drecier Company,” a prominent New York jeweler during the Gilded Age.
Jewelry expert and author Elyse Zorn Karlin will present “The Art Jewelry of Louis Comfort Tiffany.” Karlin is co-director of the event alongside Yvonne J. Markowitz.
The attendance fee is $155. ASJRA members will receive a 10 percent discount.
There is also early-bird pricing available for those who register before March 30.
For those interested in the conference but unable to attend live, a recording will be available for three weeks after the conference.
For more information or to register, visit the ASJRA website.
The Latest

It was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.

The approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.

The men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

The bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.


The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.

The industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

Inspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.

The company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.

The jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.

Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”

Those born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.

The platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.

Jim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.

When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.

The “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.

The jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.

Up for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.

The Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.

The organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.

Saks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.

Smith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.

The Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.

The retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.

The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.

The price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.

























