InStore ‘Cram Day’ To Focus on Lab-Grown Diamond Education
The limited-seating learning event precedes its second annual trade show, which starts Aug. 11.

"Cram Day" will take place Aug. 10, the day before the start of the show, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.
A seminar on lab-grown diamonds presented by GIA Alumni Collective’s Continued Education program will headline the event.
Lisa Kennedy, a GIA senior subject specialist in gemology, will present an explanation and evaluation of the latest in lab-grown diamond education and identification.
The seminar will cover common lab-grown diamond production methods, such as high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD).
It will also review U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that define key terms and how to use them.
In addition, the presentation will go over services, methods, and instruments that can help distinguish between lab-grown and natural diamonds, including GIA Laboratory Reports and the GIA iD100 gem testing device.
The seminar will also include a hands-on element, allowing attendees to examine diamonds under microscopes.
Two sessions will be offered.
Seating is limited to 50 attendees per session.
Cram Day will offer two additional education tracks curated by Instore, featuring speakers representing successful jewelry retailers and the industry’s top consultants, it said.
Sessions will cover the “critical topics” for small business owners, Instore said, including strategic planning, digital marketing, security, hiring and retaining strong employees, selling skills, and more.
The “Expert Guidance” track will cover topics to help independent jewelry store owners improve their stores, and the “Retail Excellence” track will feature panels of retail owners and managers sharing best practices for store success and profitability.
The Cram Day Conference program requires a separate ticket purchase and includes lunch.
Presented by Instore magazine and in partnership with MJSA and the Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference 2024, the Instore Show is in its second year and will take place Aug. 11-12 at the site of its inaugural event, the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.
To register for a free show badge and Cram Day ticket, click here.
For more about 2024 exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities, direct questions to exhibit@theinstoreshow.com.
The Latest

The estate of the model, philanthropist, and ex-wife of Johnny Carson has signed statement jewels up for sale at John Moran Auctioneers.

Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.

It will lead distribution in North America for Graziella Braccialini's new gold pieces, which it said are 50 percent lighter.

Launched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.

The organization is seeking a new executive director to lead it into its next phase of strategic growth and industry influence.


Western wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.
![A peridot [left] and sapphires from Tanzania from Anza Gems, a wholesaler that partners with artisanal mining communities in East Africa Anza gems](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/cdd3962e9427ff45f69b31e06baf830d.jpg)
Although the market is robust, tariffs and precious metal prices are impacting the industry, Stuart Robertson and Brecken Branstrator said.

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

Rossman, who advised GIA for more than 50 years, is remembered for his passion and dedication to the field of gemology.

Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.

Butterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.

Paul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.

The nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.

Parent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.

It is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.

The AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.

Sourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.

The clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.

The “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.

The event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.

Registration is now open for The Jewelry Symposium, set to take place in Detroit from May 16-19.

Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations pledged to join the Natural Diamond Council.

Lady Gaga, Cardi B, and Karol G also went with diamond jewelry for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show honoring Puerto Rico.

Jewelry is expected to be the No. 1 gift this year in terms of dollars spent.

As star brand Gucci continues to struggle, the luxury titan plans to announce a new roadmap to return to growth.

The new category asks entrants for “exceptional” interpretations of the supplier’s 2026 color of the year, which is “Signature Red.”

The White House issued an official statement on the deal, which will eliminate tariffs on loose natural diamonds and gemstones from India.























