Events & AwardsJun 01, 2023
Meet JCK’s 2023 Keynote SpeakerEvents & AwardsMay 30, 2023
These Are the Can’t-Miss JCK Talks Education Sessions
From consumer trends to retail technology, these are the JCK Talks sessions that should be on attendees’ radar.
The JCK show will take place June 2-5 at The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, with the Gems show and JCK Talks beginning a day earlier on June 1. These are 16 JCK Talks sessions to consider adding to the schedule.
Las Vegas—The 2023 edition of the JCK Las Vegas show opens today.
While the jewels and exhibitors may be the main attractions, organizers have once again lined up a number of education sessions, known as “JCK Talks.”
This year, the educational lineup will feature more than 60 speaker sessions, with a focus on social media content, as well as trends, marketing, sustainability, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
These are a few attendees should add to their schedule.
June 2
A JCK Talks “hot topic” session titled “Natural Diamond Updates” will be held from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the Showcase Stage.
Speakers include Rob Bates, news director at JCK; Tiffany Stevens, president, CEO and general counsel of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee; Kristina Buckley Kayel, managing director and CMO of Natural Diamond Council, North America; and Feriel Zerouki, senior vice president of corporate affairs at De Beers Group.
There is also a new stage, dubbed “The Social Stage,” dedicated to social media-related education. It’s located on level 2 within the “Innovation Hub.”
Laryssa Wirstiuk, founder and creative director of digital marketing agency Joy Joya, will host “How to Make Sense of Your Social Media Analytics” from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m at the Social Stage.
Tracey Ellison, blogger and founder of the popular Instagram account “TheDiamondsGirl,” will host “How to Work with Influencers” from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m at the Social Stage.
For those interested in learning more about retail experiences, Andrea Pooler, principal consultant at Hill & Co., will lead “From Showcase to Sales: Maximizing Jewelry Retail Profits through Visual Merchandising,” from 4 to 4:45 p.m. at the Showcase Stage.
Related stories will be right here …
While the jewels and exhibitors may be the main attractions, organizers have once again lined up a number of education sessions, known as “JCK Talks.”
This year, the educational lineup will feature more than 60 speaker sessions, with a focus on social media content, as well as trends, marketing, sustainability, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
These are a few attendees should add to their schedule.
June 2
A JCK Talks “hot topic” session titled “Natural Diamond Updates” will be held from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the Showcase Stage.
Speakers include Rob Bates, news director at JCK; Tiffany Stevens, president, CEO and general counsel of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee; Kristina Buckley Kayel, managing director and CMO of Natural Diamond Council, North America; and Feriel Zerouki, senior vice president of corporate affairs at De Beers Group.
There is also a new stage, dubbed “The Social Stage,” dedicated to social media-related education. It’s located on level 2 within the “Innovation Hub.”
Laryssa Wirstiuk, founder and creative director of digital marketing agency Joy Joya, will host “How to Make Sense of Your Social Media Analytics” from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m at the Social Stage.
Tracey Ellison, blogger and founder of the popular Instagram account “TheDiamondsGirl,” will host “How to Work with Influencers” from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m at the Social Stage.
For those interested in learning more about retail experiences, Andrea Pooler, principal consultant at Hill & Co., will lead “From Showcase to Sales: Maximizing Jewelry Retail Profits through Visual Merchandising,” from 4 to 4:45 p.m. at the Showcase Stage.
June 3
Organizers are kicking off Saturday with the JCK Keynote in the Palazzo Ballroom on level 5 of the Venetian from 8 to 9 a.m.
This year’s opening keynote speaker is Johnny Earle, better known as “Johnny Cupcakes,” the man behind the clothing brand of the same name.
Earle will lead “Creating Customer Obsession and Memorable Experiences with Limited Resources.”
He will discuss word-of-mouth marketing, loyalty, and creating customer obsession through experiential branding.
Another “hot topics” session will be held on lab-grown diamonds, titled “Lab-Grown Diamond Updates,” from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the Showcase Stage.
Featured speakers are Rob Bates; Edahn Golan, CEO of Edahn Golan Diamond Research and Data; Avi Levy, president of IGI North America; and Joanna Park-Tonks, president of the International Grown Diamond Association.
For those looking to learn more about what’s new in the bridal market, Amanda Gizzi will lead “Wedding Trends” from 11 to 11:45 a.m. at the Showcase Stage.
She will be joined by a panel of experts, including Juli Alvarez, fashion and beauty director at Bridal Guide; Severine Ferrari, editor-in-chief and founder at Engagement 101 Magazine; and Abby Snow, manager and co-owner of Metalmark Fine Jewelry.
The panel will discuss trends in the space as well as opportunities for clientele development and increasing sales.
Later in the afternoon, there will be a talk focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
A panel of industry experts will lead “How to Create an Inclusive Environment for Your Customers and Employees” from 2 to 2:45 p.m. at the Showcase Stage.
Speakers include Jennifer Gandia, co-owner of Greenwich St. Jewelers; Valerie Madison, owner and creative director at Valerie Madison Fine Jewelry; Annie Doresca, chief financial officer of Jewelers of America and the board president of the Black in Jewelry Coalition; and James Mack, owner and designer of James Mack Fine Jewelry.
June 4
Another “hot topics” talk will be held Sunday morning, titled “Colored Stone Updates,” from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the Showcase Stage.
The session will feature speakers Victoria Gomelsky, editor-in-chief of JCK Magazine; Adrianne Sanogo; Monica Stephenson, president and founder of ANZA Gems; Kimberly Collins, CEO and founder of Kimberly Collins Colored Gems; and Jaimeen Shah, partner at Prima Gems USA.
Michael O'Connor, marketing director at The Plumb Club, will host “Today’s Changing Customer: Who, When and What They’re Buying!,” from 11 to 11:45 a.m. at the Showcase Stage.
He will discuss the evolving consumer landscape, consumer trends, shifting values, and more, guided by research from the 2023 Plumb Club Industry and Market Insights study.
“Incorporating Diversity into Your Branding to Attract a Diverse Audience” will be held from 2 to 2:45 p.m. at the Showcase Stage.
The session will be led by Jeffery Bolling, owner and jewelry designer at Jeffery B Jewelers; Dorian Webb, jewelry designer and CEO of Dorian Webb Lifestyle; and Viviana Langhoff, owner jewelry Designer at Adornment and Theory.
Jennifer Shaheen is hosting a number of tech-focused sessions during the show, including “From Artificial to Artistry: The Role of AI in Retail Jewelry's Evolution,” held from 5 to 5:45 p.m. at the Showcase Stage.
To see the full list of educational sessions and events, visit the JCK website.
The JCK show will take place June 2-5 at The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, with the Gems show and JCK Talks programming beginning a day earlier on June 1.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
EditorsOct 28, 2026
These Wicked Jewels Will Cast a Spell on YouFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow highlights bewitching jewels fit for a witch that go from day to unholy night.
CrimeOct 28, 2026
Man In Florida Who Swallowed Tiffany & Co. Earrings ConvictedJaythan Gilder was found guilty of robbery and grand theft after stealing and then ingesting nearly $800,000 worth of Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
SurveysOct 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Up in October as Gas Prices EaseConsumer confidence remains on the long-term downward trend that’s persisted over the past few years, said a Conference Board economist.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
MajorsOct 28, 2026
Stuller’s Holiday Campaign Lets the ‘Magic of the Moment’ ShineThe holiday campaign includes key jewelry trends, a curated holiday gift guide, and resources to help jewelers prepare for holiday shoppers.
Weekly QuizOct 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingOct 27, 2026
De Beers Celebrates the Holidays With New ‘Desert Diamonds’ CampaignThe “Icons” holiday campaign spotlights four classic diamond jewelry styles reimagined in “Desert Diamond” tones.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Solomon Brothers Acquires Mervis Diamond ImportersSolomon Brothers, which has three stores in the Metro Atlanta area, said it may continue to acquire other independent jewelers.
Brought to you by
Open an Account, Get $50 Off Your First Order. No Code Needed.Built on Relationships. Refined by Craft.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Gabriel & Co. Supports Charity Partner DKMS With Gala, New JewelsThe fine jewelry brand raised $2.3 million at its annual gala that supports the nonprofit’s fight against blood cancer and blood disorders.
CollectionsOct 26, 2026
Bliss Lau’s ‘Vantage’ Point Is the Hawaiian HorizonIn her “Vantage” collection, Lau explores heritage, identity, and inner strength through designs featuring blue-green Guatemalan jade.
MajorsOct 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Takes Consumers Behind the ScenesThe jeweler gave the public backstage tours of its flagship store and its design and innovation workshop as part of LVMH’s open house.
MajorsOct 23, 2026
PGI USA Set to Close at Year’s EndThe closure is part of a global restructuring that also includes PGI winding down its operations in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.
SourcingOct 23, 2026
Rachel Chalchinsky’s ‘Survivor Tribute’ RingThe ring, our Piece of the Week, was designed by eight-year breast cancer survivor Rachel Chalchinsky of Color Source Gems.
TechnologyOct 23, 2026
JA Unveils New Website, LogoThe website offers enhanced member benefit access, industry directories, educational resources, a job board, and access to the MJSA Journal.
FinancialsOct 23, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Sales Up Double Digits in Q3Boucheron and Pomellato had a strong third quarter, with Kering looking at jewelry as an increasingly important part of its portfolio.
CrimeOct 22, 2026
Jeweler Shot and Killed in His Suburban Cincinnati Store Tara Sinchuri was the owner of Everest Jewels in Fairfield, Ohio, and a father of three. He was found dead in his store on Tuesday.
MajorsOct 22, 2026
Neiman Marcus Has Gifts for the Jewelry Lover Who Has EverythingBespoke experiences from Buccellati and Verdura are on the retailer’s 2026 “Fantasy Gifts” list.
Events & AwardsOct 22, 2026
JIS Fall 2026 Reports Record-Breaking Attendance The number of participants at the fall show was up 12 percent.
CollectionsOct 22, 2026
Billie Eilish, Finneas Co-Design Collection for John HardyThe Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings have collaborated with John Hardy on a new jewelry line inspired by their personal style.
PodcastsOct 21, 2026
Episode 10: This Episode Is Haunted Diana Singer shared the stories of two “cursed” diamonds on this month’s podcast, which was inexplicably riddled with technical issues.
IndependentsOct 21, 2026
Gardner-Collier Jewelry to Close After 9 Decades in BusinessThe family-owned jeweler has three locations across Missouri and Iowa.
SourcingOct 21, 2026
Venetia Mines Final Carats Ahead of 2-Year ShutdownThe De Beers-owned diamond mine in South Africa is being put on ice as part of a round of previously announced cost-cutting measures.
CollectionsOct 21, 2026
Helzberg, Nordstrom Carrying New Jewelry Collection From Off-WhiteThe collection centers designs with clean geometric lines, chunky sculptural pieces, and recognizable details from the luxury fashion brand.
SourcingOct 21, 2026
Gemfields’ Mixed-Quality Ruby Auction Earns $52MThe miner said it saw particularly strong prices for larger, fine-quality rubies at the sale.
CrimeOct 20, 2026
Security Guard Charged With Murder in Shooting at Texas MallThe guard opened fire on a man who was smashing a jewelry display case at La Gran Plaza in Fort Worth last week, police said.
IndependentsOct 20, 2026
David Gardner’s Jewelers Unveils Newly Expanded, Revamped ShowroomThe Texas jeweler added 2,000 square feet to its reimagined showroom, complete with a new design studio and an event space.
SourcingOct 20, 2026
The $50M Victoria’s Secret ‘Fantasy Bra’ By The NumbersJacob & Co.'s diamond masterpiece is the most expensive Fantasy Bra ever worn on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway.
