Events & AwardsApr 08, 2024
AGS Announces First Recipient of ‘Women in Leadership’ ScholarshipEvents & AwardsApr 15, 2024
10 Can’t-Miss Sessions at AGS Conclave 2024
From lab-grown diamonds and AI to the inevitable Taylor Swift mention, here are some of Conclave’s most intriguing educational offerings.
Austin, Texas—American Gem Society Conclave 2024 is slated to begin Monday in Austin, Texas.
As always, the three-day conference is packed with educational offerings, including discussions on diamonds (both natural and lab-grown), artificial intelligence (AI), and responsible sourcing.
To aid attendees in scheduling, National Jeweler has selected 10 sessions it thinks jewelry store owners should not miss.
Here they are, in chronological order. All times given are local to Austin (Central Daylight Time).
1. “Chair Yoga and a New Approach to Customer Service”
Monday, April 15, 9-10 a.m.
There’s nothing wrong with kicking off Conclave 2024 with a little bit of yoga. On Monday morning, Preferred Jewelers International Creative Director Laurie Miller will mix stress-reducing yoga moves with a lesson on the art of truly listening.
2. “Giving Back: Stats and Facts from the Ground in East Africa”
Monday, April 15, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Rachel Merisheki, executive director of Gem Legacy, the organization focused on training, entrepreneurship, and community development in East Africa gem-mining communities, will share stories of the nonprofit’s success and failures, as well as information on how to get involved.
3. “Beyond Swifties: Adapting Your Sales Approach for Women”
Monday, April 15, 4-5 p.m.
In the wake of the “influential female economy of 2023” in which Beyoncé, “Barbie,” and Taylor Swift generated huge streams of revenue, Anna Samsonova will lead a panel discussion on how the growing number of women leaders and buyers is shaping the jewelry market.
4. “Female Sex Trafficking in Diamond Mining”
Monday, April 15, 4-5 p.m.
Industry veteran Brandee Dallow, Grandview Diamonds chief communications and sustainability officer, will be joined by Abigail Sibanda, a gender focal person with the Marange Women’s Alliance, and Responsible Jewelry Transformative founder Susan Wheeler to shed light on the atrocities being perpetrated on women and girls around diamond mining operations in Zimbabwe.
5. “What’s #Trending on Social Media 2024”
Tuesday, April 16, 10:45-11:45 a.m.
Communications expert Jen Cullen Williams will be joined by TikTok influencer and social media juggernaut Julia Chafé as well as Loudr Creative Director Dewey Taylor and TheDiamondsGirl Tracy Ellison to talk about what’s currently hashtag-hot on TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest, and more.
Related stories will be right here …
As always, the three-day conference is packed with educational offerings, including discussions on diamonds (both natural and lab-grown), artificial intelligence (AI), and responsible sourcing.
To aid attendees in scheduling, National Jeweler has selected 10 sessions it thinks jewelry store owners should not miss.
Here they are, in chronological order. All times given are local to Austin (Central Daylight Time).
1. “Chair Yoga and a New Approach to Customer Service”
Monday, April 15, 9-10 a.m.
There’s nothing wrong with kicking off Conclave 2024 with a little bit of yoga. On Monday morning, Preferred Jewelers International Creative Director Laurie Miller will mix stress-reducing yoga moves with a lesson on the art of truly listening.
2. “Giving Back: Stats and Facts from the Ground in East Africa”
Monday, April 15, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Rachel Merisheki, executive director of Gem Legacy, the organization focused on training, entrepreneurship, and community development in East Africa gem-mining communities, will share stories of the nonprofit’s success and failures, as well as information on how to get involved.
3. “Beyond Swifties: Adapting Your Sales Approach for Women”
Monday, April 15, 4-5 p.m.
In the wake of the “influential female economy of 2023” in which Beyoncé, “Barbie,” and Taylor Swift generated huge streams of revenue, Anna Samsonova will lead a panel discussion on how the growing number of women leaders and buyers is shaping the jewelry market.
4. “Female Sex Trafficking in Diamond Mining”
Monday, April 15, 4-5 p.m.
Industry veteran Brandee Dallow, Grandview Diamonds chief communications and sustainability officer, will be joined by Abigail Sibanda, a gender focal person with the Marange Women’s Alliance, and Responsible Jewelry Transformative founder Susan Wheeler to shed light on the atrocities being perpetrated on women and girls around diamond mining operations in Zimbabwe.
5. “What’s #Trending on Social Media 2024”
Tuesday, April 16, 10:45-11:45 a.m.
Communications expert Jen Cullen Williams will be joined by TikTok influencer and social media juggernaut Julia Chafé as well as Loudr Creative Director Dewey Taylor and TheDiamondsGirl Tracy Ellison to talk about what’s currently hashtag-hot on TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest, and more.
6. “Real People, Real Impact: Telling the Real Story Behind Natural Diamonds”
Tuesday, April 16, 12-1 p.m.
Diamonds Do Good’s Madison Harvey will lead a discussion with jewelry designer Constance Polamalu, owner of Zachary’s Jewelers, and DDG Executive Director Nancy Orem Lyman on how natural diamonds benefit the countries where they are mined and how retailers can share those stories with customers.
7. “AI and the Jewelry Industry: What You Need to Know Now!”
Tuesday, April 16, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
National Jeweler Associate Editor Lenore Fedow attended Ford Saeks’ session on ChatGPT at AGS Conclave 2023 and found it to be informative. The president and CEO of Prime Concepts Group Inc. returns to Conclave this year to talk all things AI.
8. “Laboratory-Grown Diamonds-Policies, Procedures, and Pricing: What the Retailer Needs to Know”
Wednesday, April 17, 10:45-11:45 a.m.
Jewelers Vigilance Committee CEO and General Counsel Tiffany Stevens and John Carter of Jack Lewis Jewelers are among the panelists for this panel discussion on the need for in-store policies and procedures on lab-grown diamonds and how to navigate pricing.
9. “Cracking the Code: Marketing, Selling and Collaborating with Gen Z”
Wednesday, April 17, 12-1 p.m.
Williams and Chafé return for this panel discussion of Gen Z jewelry professionals that will cover how to market and sell to Gen Z consumers (currently ages 12-27) and best practices for hiring and working members of this generation.
10. “Recycled, Repurposed, Fairmined: ... Oh My!”
Wednesday, April 17, 12-1 p.m.
Wheeler heads this panel discussion on precious metals, their supply chains, and how to source them responsibly. She will be joined by panelists Dani Cutler of Hoover & Strong, jewelry designer Jennifer Dawes, and Melissa Quick, president of Steve Quick Jeweler.
For a full list of education sessions at Conclave 2024, visit the AGS website.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CrimeNov 09, 2026
Jeweler Pistol-Whipped, $900K in Jewelry Stolen During Home Invasion The incident, which happened in Miami-Dade County, serves as a reminder to jewelers of the dangers of selling and storing jewelry at home.
GradingNov 09, 2026
GIA Acquires Thousands of Gem Specimens With ‘Extraordinary’ InclusionsGIA Analytical Microscopist John Koivula curated the collection of 2,665 crystals, gems, and minerals over a 60-year span.
CollectionsNov 09, 2026
Bibi van der Velden’s Alligators Become High JewelryThe “Eclipse” collection, the brand’s first high jewelry line, centers its alligator motif in diamond and spinel jewels.
Brought to you by
DSF Antique Jewelry: Fine Jewelry, Signed Designers, and a World of Rare DiscoveriesWith over 50 years experience in the trade, DSF Antique Jewelry offers quality, craftsmanship, condition, and remarkable variety.
EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking AboutFrom a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
Weekly QuizNov 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election NightGroundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.
MajorsNov 06, 2026
SNL’s Colin Jost Finds the Perfect Gift in Kay Jewelers’ Holiday AdJost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearFrom shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia AirportA Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New PresidentLanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for AuctionA replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet GiveawayTo enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 ApplicationsThe grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship WinnersThe winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s GenevaThe rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ CollectionThe jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
