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.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
Policies & IssuesNov 04, 2025
Supreme Court to Hear Tariffs Case WednesdayAhead of the hearing, two industry organizations co-signed an amicus brief urging the court to declare Trump’s tariffs unlawful.
MajorsNov 04, 2025
Danny Clark to Become Stuller CEO, Succeeding Matt StullerStuller COO Belit Myers will take on the additional role of president, with all changes effective at the start of 2026.
ColumnistsNov 04, 2025
Peter Smith: What Do Birds Have to Do With the Price of Gold? Smith cautions retailers against expending too much energy on things they can’t control, like the rising price of gold.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America Aligns New Mission to Create Meaningful Impact for MembersFrom educational programs, advocacy, and recent MJSA affiliation, Jewelers of America drives progress that elevates businesses of all sizes.
TrendsNov 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Fall Colors for November BirthdaysCitrine and topaz are birthstones fit for fall as the leaves change color and the holiday season approaches.
Weekly QuizOct 30, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsNov 04, 2025
Weston Jewelers Heads to Fort LauderdaleThe family-owned jeweler will open its fourth store in Florida in late 2027.
CrimeNov 03, 2025
Men Dressed as Construction Workers Burglarize Jeweler’s Home The NYPD is looking for three men who stole a safe and jewelry valued at $3.2 million from the home of a jeweler in Jamaica Hills, Queens.
MajorsNov 03, 2025
Matthew Rosenheim Takes Over as JA Board ChairThe trade organization also announced its executive committee and five new directors.
CollectionsNov 03, 2025
Muse’s ‘Have a Heart’ Collab Returns, Now With DDGThe “Have a Heart x Diamonds Do Good” collection is championed by model and humanitarian Flaviana Matata and will benefit her foundation.
AuctionsNov 03, 2025
Kashmir Sapphire Ring Tops Christie's Online AuctionThe ring, set with a nearly 17-carat Kashmir cabochon sapphire, sold for $1 million.
TrendsOct 31, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Spinner Fit for ‘Frankenstein’This “Mother Father” spinner necklace from Heavenly Vices Fine Jewelry draws inspiration from Victorian Era jewelry.
CrimeOct 31, 2025
5 More Arrested in Louvre Heist, Jewelry Still Missing The suspects were rounded up in Paris and its suburbs on Wednesday night, but none of the stolen jewels were recovered with them.
Recorded WebinarsOct 31, 2025
Watch: How to Master Google Reviews for Your BusinessExperts share top tips on how to encourage positive reviews and handle negative feedback.
Supplier BulletinOct 30, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
CrimeOct 30, 2025
29-Year-Old Man Charged in Multiple Seattle-Area Smash and Grabs The suspect faces charges in the August robbery of Menashe & Sons Jewelers and is accused of committing smash and grabs at two pawn shops.
Lab-GrownOct 30, 2025
Alison Lou’s New Collection Uses Lab-Grown Diamonds and ResinThe “Lumière Fine” collection was born from designer Alison Chemla’s interest in the transformative power of light.
TrendsOct 30, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Haunted HalloweenShow off your spooky side with these 12 festive jewels.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
Couture Partners With Time to WatchesThe company, which organizes a watch show in Geneva every spring, will bring a selection of watch brands to the 2026 Couture show in Vegas.
TrendsOct 29, 2025
Beth Bernstein Releases Vintage Jewelry Guide“The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery” follows the evolution of jewelry design from the ‘30s to the ‘80s with buying and styling advice.
EditorsOct 29, 2025
Why Creepy, Crawly Bugs Inspire Beautiful JewelryFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow explores the symbolism behind spiders, beetles, and other eerie insects.
Events & AwardsOct 28, 2025
Meet the 2026 Gem Award NomineesNotable jewelry designers, members of the press, and retailers are up for an award at next year’s gala.
Recorded WebinarsOct 28, 2025
Watch: The State of the Jewelry Industry Leaders from Jewelers of America and National Jeweler discuss the gold price, tariffs, and more in this one-hour webinar.
CollectionsOct 28, 2025
Eriness Reflects on Life in ‘One of One’ CollectionAfter experiencing motherhood, growth, and loss, founder and designer Erin Sachse has created 10 irreplaceable jewels.
AuctionsOct 27, 2025
Napoleon Left This Brooch Behind, And Now It’s Up For AuctionIt is part of Sotheby’s “Royal & Noble Jewels” sale along with an ornate hair ornament and an old mine-cut light pink diamond ring.
CrimeOct 27, 2025
Arrests Made in Louvre Jewel Heist One of the individuals was apprehended at the airport as he was trying to flee the country.
MajorsOct 27, 2025
Target to Cut 1,800 Corporate JobsThe retailer, which has faced struggling sales in recent quarters, is looking to streamline its operations.
