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
Policies & IssuesAug 06, 2025
Tariff on India to Rise to 50%, Trump Says An additional 25 percent tariff has been added to the previously announced 25 percent.
MajorsAug 06, 2025
Claire’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe jewelry and accessories retailer said its stores will remain open during the proceedings.
IndependentsAug 06, 2025
Smith & Son Jewelers to Close 107-Year-Old Location Its Springfield, Massachusetts, store is set to close as owner Andrew Smith heads into retirement.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
CollectionsAug 06, 2025
Zahn-Z Swims With Whales in ‘Beluga’ CollectionDesigner Hiba Husayni looked to the whale’s melon shaped-head, blowhole, and fluke for her new chunky gold offerings.
Weekly QuizJul 31, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsAug 06, 2025
Paola De Luca to Release Trendbook 2027+She will present the 23rd edition of the trend forecasting book at Vicenzaoro on Sept. 7.
CrimeAug 05, 2025
Report: Suspect Arrested in 1992 Murder of Miami JewelerOmar Roy, 72, was arrested in connection with the murder of jeweler Dionisio Carlos Valladares.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
CollectionsAug 05, 2025
Mignon Faget Commemorates 20th Anniversary of Hurricane KatrinaThe New Orleans-based brand’s “Beyond Katrina” jewels honor the communities affected by the storm.
ColumnistsAug 05, 2025
The PR Adviser: Affiliate Marketing Is the Cost of CoverageLilian Raji explains why joining an affiliate network is essential for brands seeking placements in U.S. consumer publications.
TrendsAug 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: August’s Bright BaublesAs summer winds down, celebrate the sunny disposition of the month’s birthstones: peridot and spinel.
CrimeAug 04, 2025
‘The Watch King’ Assaulted, Robbed in QueensMoshe Haimoff, a social media personality and 47th Street retailer, was robbed of $559,000 worth of jewelry by men in construction outfits.
MajorsAug 04, 2025
Borsheims Welcomes New Assistant Facilities ManagerXavier Dibbrell brings more than a decade of experience to the role.
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Helzberg President Julie Yoakum Moves Over to Signet JewelersThe addition of Yoakum, who will lead Kay and Peoples, was one of three executive appointments Signet announced Thursday.
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Names Mike Alexander as President The insurance company’s previous president and CEO, Scott Murphy, has split his role and will continue as CEO.
SourcingAug 01, 2025
Gemfields’ Auction Revenue Drops 50% in H1The nearly six-month pause of operations at its Kagem emerald mine earlier this year impacted the miner’s first-half results.
CollectionsAug 01, 2025
Piece of the Week: Hernsdorf’s ‘Tears of Aphrodite’ NecklaceThe necklace uses spinel drops to immortalize the moment Aphrodite’s tears mixed with her lover Adonis’ blood after he was fatally wounded.
SourcingJul 31, 2025
De Beers Records $189M First-Half Loss The diamond miner and marketer warned last week that it expected to be in the red after significantly cutting prices in Q2.
Events & AwardsJul 31, 2025
These Are the 2025 CASE Award WinnersJewelers of America’s 35th annual design contest recognized creativity, artistry, style, and excellence.
IndependentsJul 31, 2025
Matthew Tratner Takes Over as CBG President Tratner succeeds Andie Weinman, who will begin stepping back from the buying group’s day-to-day operations.
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2025
Tariff on India Will Be 25%, Trump Says The president made the announcement via Truth Social Wednesday, adding that India also will face a penalty for its dealings with Russia.
FinancialsJul 30, 2025
Kering's Jewelry Brands Resilient As H1 Sales Slide 16%The luxury titan’s star brand Gucci continued to struggle amid a "tough" environment.
WatchesJul 30, 2025
Peek Inside Zadok Jewelers’ New Rolex Showroom in AustinIts opening marks the completion of the retailer’s new 11,000-square-foot store in the Texas capital.
SurveysJul 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JulyRespondents shared concerns about tariffs and commentary on the “Big Beautiful Bill.”
SourcingJul 30, 2025
Rob Bates to Release Latest Book in His ‘Diamond District Mystery’ Series“Making a Killing in Diamonds” tells the story of Mimi Rosen, the disappearance of a scientist, and the murder of lab-grown diamond CEO.
EditorsJul 29, 2025
Out & About: Visiting Tacori’s Design Studio in LASenior Editor Lenore Fedow learned a lot when she took a behind-the-scenes factory tour with the jewelry brand earlier this year.
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2025
Melee The Show Welcomes 15 New DesignersThe first-time exhibitors, set to debut at the New York City show, share a devotion to craftsmanship, storytelling, and material integrity.
