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

During its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.

Rosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.

The “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

Luxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.


She is remembered as an artist who loved her craft and was devoted to her faith, her friends, and her family.

It joins the company’s other manufacturing facilities globally, including in India, Botswana, and Namibia.

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

The polka dot pattern transcends time and has re-emerged as a trend in jewelry through round-shaped gemstones.

Vanessa Hickman, 49, allegedly sold a diamond bracelet that was mistakenly sent to her home.

Social media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.

In 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.

The second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.

Second-generation jeweler Sean Dunn has taken on the role.

Amber Pepper’s main focus will be on digital innovation and engaging younger consumers.

Called “Origin by De Beers Group,” the loose, polished diamonds are being sold in a total of 30 stores in the United States and Canada.

The lariat necklace features a 4.88-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald in 18-karat yellow gold.

A 43-carat sapphire brooch from the Vanderbilt collection was the top lot of the Geneva sale.

Rau is a fourth-generation art and antique dealer from M.S. Rau gallery whose first jewelry collection merges artifacts with modern design.

Former De Beers sustainability leader Purvi Shah will take over the role in February 2026.

La Joux-Perret is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and makes solar quartz as well as mechanical watch movements.

She previously taught at Gem-A and is the founder of The Gem Academy.

The British actress and her daughter modeled pieces from the brand’s new “Palette” capsule for its “Once Upon a Time” holiday campaign.

Plus, the tech giant shares the steps retailers should take if they believe they’re a victim of a review extortion scam.

Danny and Gaby Shaftel are now Shaftel Diamonds’ CEO and chief operating officer, respectively.

The jewelry manufacturer’s seasonal offering features its new “Melodie” bangles, as well as mini stud earrings and layering pieces.

With more than 140 activations taking place in New York City now through Nov. 23, these 12 events are can’t-miss moments.























