Events & Awards

Couture Announces Education Sessions

Events & AwardsMay 29, 2024

Couture Announces Education Sessions

The programming topics include gemology, sustainability, artificial intelligence, and more.

Couture Show logo
The Couture Show will offer education sessions throughout the show in the Cristal Ballroom and in the Bandol Ballroom.
Las Vegas—Couture organizers have announced the lineup for the show’s education sessions that will take place throughout the show.

The trade show is held at The Wynn Las Vegas from May 29-June 2.

“We’re delighted to re-introduce our learning and thought leadership programming, Couture Talks, to our 2024 event,” said Emerald Executive Vice President and Couture Director Gannon Brousseau.

“In creating our session lineup, we focused on developing subject matter that is relevant and compelling, as well as securing speakers who are leaders within their fields. We’re excited to have arrived at that perfect combination of great content and exceptional partners.” 

The programming will begin Thursday, May 30, with the Gemological Institute of America hosting several 20-minute pop-up sessions in the Cafe Noir lounge on the show floor. 

According to the Couture website, Carson Lee, a senior instructor of gemology at GIA, will lead the sessions. 

The sessions will feature samples from GIA’s museum collection along with insights and demonstrations. 

The aim is to “translate gemological knowledge into engaging customer experiences.” 

It will kick off with “Exceptional Color: Rough & Cut,” slated for 10 a.m. and again at 3 p.m. 

Attendees will hear about the trends and rarity of colored gemstones such as Paraíba tourmaline, padparadscha sapphire, and spinel, while also learning how to educate customers on these gemstones.  

At “Pearls: Trends Beyond Tradition,” scheduled for 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., Lee will review the colors and shapes of cultured pearls. 

Attendees will also learn how to leverage the varying types to appeal to modern consumers and how to showcase pearls in-store to attract new generations. 

“Phenomenal Gemstones: Science & Storytelling” will take place at 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. 

In this talk, Lee will cover gemstone color change and optical effects, as well as how to identify these stones and showcase them to customers. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

On Friday, May 31, the talks will kick off at 8:15 a.m. with a panel discussion, “Sustainability, Responsibility, Sourcing & Technology,” held in the Bandol Ballroom. 

The speakers will share their insights on sustainability, sourcing, and technology and innovation, as well as collaborated efforts that are furthering the progress in these areas. 

The panelists are Platinum Guild International USA President Jenny Luker; Tracr CEO Wes Tucker; Anglo American’s Executive Head of Market Development for platinum group metals Benny Oeyen; owner and COO of Kwiat and Fred Leighton Russell Kwiat; and Stuller Chief Operating Officer Belit Myers. 

Josh Helmich, CEO of Helmich Luxury Group, will moderate. 

Tracr, De Beers’ blockchain-based platform for tracing diamonds’ journey from the mine to the retailer, is sponsoring the session. 

At 1:15 p.m. on May 31, “Amplifying Success Across the Fashion Industry with Beautiful AI” will be held in the Bandol Ballroom. 

It’s sponsored by Perfect Corp., an artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) beauty and fashion technology company. 

Speaker Wayne Liu, chief growth officer at Perfect Corp., will provide a look into how AI, AR, and virtual try-on are “revolutionizing the apparel and accessories industry.” 

Liu will discuss how AI and AR-driven solutions are empowering fashion brands to stay ahead and “deliver unparalleled virtual try-on experiences that are proven to boost sales, foster loyal brand connections, and create unparalleled personalized shopping experiences.” 

 
Shopify is offering one-on-one consultations throughout the show with its executives and solution engineers. 

The focus of the meetings is “How to Elevate your Customer Journey by Crafting a Holistic Brand Experience.”

In the consultation, Shopify representatives will review the solutions it offers for e-commerce and inventory management as well as its services designed to save businesses time and energy while creating “an exceptional, holistic experience” for clients. 

The meetings will take place in Villa 110. Appointments can be booked in the Couture Connect App, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play store.

The full education schedule can be viewed on the Couture website

Lauren McLemoreis the associate editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments.

The Latest

Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco, Engagement Ring
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Selena Gomez Said ‘Forever Begins Now’ to Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring

Estimates on the size and value of the solitaire diamond, which is mounted on a diamond pavé-set yellow gold band, vary.

Martin Katz tanzanite drop earrings
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Piece of the Week: Martin Katz’s Tanzanite Drops

These half-moon tanzanite earrings totaling 25 carats are part of a special trunk show taking place this weekend in Dallas.

My Next Question webinar graphic
Recorded WebinarsDec 13, 2024
Watch: The Highs and Lows of 2024

The National Jeweler editors recap the top news, the best jewels, and their favorite stories of the year.

ja nj btyb.jpg
Brought to you by
Advocacy and Excellence: How Jewelers of America Is Committed to Elevating Our Industry

For over a century, Jewelers of America has been the voice of the industry and valuable resource to jewelers across the country.

Tom Brady’s Rolex Daytona Paul Newman “John Player Special”
AuctionsDec 12, 2024
Tom Brady’s Watches Top $4M at Sotheby’s Auction

The highest-grossing lot of the sale was the retired QB’s Rolex Paul Newman Daytona “John Player Special.”

Weekly QuizDec 12, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Grizzly emerald mining
SourcingDec 12, 2024
Grizzly Emerald Auction Garners $22.4M

Recent expansion initiatives at the Zambian emerald mine have shown strong production numbers, said Grizzly founder Abdoulaye Ndiaye.

Carrie Forman
MajorsDec 12, 2024
Mark Henry Appoints New Director of Sales

Carrie Forman joins the brand to guide it into the next phase of growth with major and independent retailers in the U.S. and abroad.

undefined.png
Brought to you by
Protecting Your Sparkle: Why Screening Has Become Essential

While no reputable jeweler would knowingly sell lab-grown stones as natural, it's a growing possibility.

Models wearing jewelry by 2024 Shining Light Award winners
SourcingDec 12, 2024
De Beers Announces 2024 ‘Shining Light’ Award Winners

The competition awarded 12 designers, each from a country where De Beers recovers diamonds, with business support and tuition assistance.

Woman wearing a snake ring and bracelet
CollectionsDec 12, 2024
The Jared Atelier x Vera Wang Collection Emphasizes Elegance

The high jewelry collection features 14 one-of-a-kind pieces, with serpent and ribbon motifs winding their way through the collection.

Stock image of a gavel
CrimeDec 11, 2024
Former Tiffany & Co. Factory Supervisor Sentenced for Stealing Precious Metals

A federal judge gave Benjamin Preacher 59 days in jail, plus 10 months of home confinement and two years of supervised release.

Grader looking into microscope at IGI lab
GradingDec 11, 2024
IGI Set to Go Public Next Week

In a CNBC interview, CEO Tehmasp Printer discussed the IPO in India and what declining lab-grown diamond prices mean for the company.

Heuer Monaco Ref. 1133B
AuctionsDec 11, 2024
Sotheby’s Important Watches Sale Fetches $16.6M

The offering included vintage Rolexes, timepieces worn in “Titanic,” Steve McQueen's watch, and a special Citizen pocket watch.

Stephanie Gottlieb, Anna Harman, Stephanie Gottlieb x Studs Collection
CollectionsDec 11, 2024
Stephanie Gottlieb Brings Natural Diamonds to Studs

The 13-piece “Stephanie Gottlieb x Studs” collection is the piercing studio’s first fine jewelry offering to feature the gemstone.

Exterior of Sauer’s Madison Avenue Store
IndependentsDec 10, 2024
Sauer Opens First U.S. Store

The Brazilian jewelry brand made a home on New York City’s Madison Avenue with exclusive pieces only available at the location.

Person at keyboard holding credit card
SurveysDec 10, 2024
Jewelry Among Top Sellers on Cyber Monday, Says Adobe

An Adobe Analytics report explored the rise in mobile shopping, the popularity of Buy Now Pay Later options, and peak shopping hours.

Ray Griffiths and Ray Griffiths: The Works
CollectionsDec 09, 2024
Ray Griffiths’ First Coffee Table Book Spans 5 Decades of Design

“Ray Griffiths: The Works” tells the story of the master jeweler’s career, which started with an apprenticeship in Australia at age 15.

Grant Mobley and Thomas Davis
MajorsDec 09, 2024
Thomas Davis, Grant Mobley Join WJA Foundation Board

Davis is the director of business development at Select Jewelry Inc., and Mobley is the jewelry and watch editor at the Natural Diamond Council.

Movado campaign
FinancialsDec 09, 2024
Movado’s Q3 Sales Down 3% Amid ‘Challenging’ Environment

The retailer has been upping its marketing spend to drive revenue growth and brand awareness.

Treiber & Straub store Brookfield, Wisconsin
IndependentsDec 06, 2024
After 44 Years in Business, This Wisconsin Independent Is Closing

Mike Straub and John Treiber opened Treiber & Straub in 1980 with the goal of bringing Milwaukeeans the best jewelry brands.

Pantone Color of the Year Mocha Mousse
TrendsDec 06, 2024
Pantone’s Color of the Year Is a Delicious Mousse

The color for 2025, “Mocha Mousse,” embodies thoughtful indulgences and everyday pleasures.

Cocoerow Fine Jewelry’s Kokoro Ant Pendant
CollectionsDec 06, 2024
Piece of the Week: Cocoerow Fine Jewelry’s ‘Kokoro’ Pendant

The Yoruba word for ant, “Kokoro” embodies the strength of womanhood in ant society while highlighting responsible sourcing.

Roberto Coin jewelry
FinancialsDec 06, 2024
Roberto Coin Acquisition Gives Watches of Switzerland a Boost in H1

The retailer’s jewelry sales doubled, with branded jewelry performing especially well.

Gold rings
FinancialsDec 05, 2024
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Slide Amid Slow Engagement Ring Sales, Tech Issues

The jewelry retailer addressed the lab-grown diamond “disruption,” the price of gold, and its holiday weekend performance.

Hand holding shopping bags
SurveysDec 05, 2024
Consumer Confidence Rises Again in November

A more positive view of the current labor market boosted the Conference Board’s index last month.

Michael S. Krzemnicki
Events & AwardsDec 05, 2024
Michael S. Krzemnicki to Receive 2024 Bonanno Award

The director of the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) will be honored for his impact on gemology and dedication to advancing the science.

1.png
Supplier BulletinDec 05, 2024
Join Us For Color's Premier Show: 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson

Sponsored by 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy