CollectionsMay 07, 2024
These ‘Luminaries’ Are Set to Light Up CoutureEvents & AwardsMay 29, 2024
Couture Announces Education Sessions
The programming topics include gemology, sustainability, artificial intelligence, and more.
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 …
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.
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.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
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.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
Policies & IssuesJul 20, 2026
Tariffs on Brazil to Increase But Rough Gemstones ExemptThe new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.
CollectionsJul 20, 2026
Vhernier Transforms ‘Freccia’ Collection Into High JewelryThe collection from 2014 has been reinterpreted into high jewelry with its signature triangular-shaped elements.
MajorsJul 20, 2026
Krista Collins Walters Promoted to Publisher of InstoreShe will also take on the role of vice president of jewelry for SmartWork Media, a newly created position.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
CollectionsJul 17, 2026
HOWL Taps Shailene Woodley for ‘Home Sweet Home’ CampaignWoodley is seen in the campaign wearing our Piece of the Week, the “Frida” collar featuring 13 pieces of hand-carved Venetian glass.
Weekly QuizJul 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
U.K. Woman Pays £5 for £15K Diamond Ring at Car Boot SaleA WeBuyVintage jewelry expert uncovered how much the flea market find was actually worth.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
Diamond Dealer Jeff Pancis Pens MemoirThe founder of natural colored diamond wholesaler Pancis Gems shares stories from his five decades in the industry.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
EditorsJul 16, 2026
Q&A: Guzema’s Co-Owners On Its US Expansion, 10-Year AnniversaryValeriya Guzema and Mariana Lenha look back on the last decade and discuss the Ukrainian brand’s first U.S. store.
SourcingJul 16, 2026
Ekati to Close, Leaving Canada With One Diamond Mine The diamond mine, which opened nearly 30 years ago in Canada’s Northwest Territories, is expected to shut down by mid-August.
FinancialsJul 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Soar for the Seventh Quarter in a RowJewelry sales for the company, which owns Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Vhernier, and Buccellati, rose 21 percent in the first quarter.
Events & AwardsJul 16, 2026
MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program Certifies First Advanced Apprentice GraduateThe graduate, Grace Barden, credited the program with helping her secure a job as a bench jeweler.
Events & AwardsJul 16, 2026
Jewelers of Louisiana to Host 80th ConventionThe event, scheduled for next month in New Orleans, will include dinner, a custom jewelry design contest, and education sessions.
SourcingJul 15, 2026
1,305-Carat Diamond Recovered from Mine in BotswanaThe yet-to-be named stone is the 10th diamond weighing more than 1,000 carats to come out of Lucara’s Karowe mine.
IndependentsJul 15, 2026
New Jersey Jeweler Barry Berman Dies at 81The founder of Fords Jewelers, Berman is remembered for his love of connecting with his community.
FinancialsJul 15, 2026
Watches of Switzerland’s US Sales Jump 18%, Declines to Comment on Sale Report The watch and jewelry retailer had a strong fiscal year despite what its CEO described as a “complex operating backdrop.”
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in JulyThe open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.
CollectionsJul 15, 2026
Pomellato’s New High Jewelry Is LiberatingBold color, expressive gem-setting, and sculptural form define the three chapters that make up “Stile Libero.”
IndependentsJul 14, 2026
Foundrae Opens First Standalone Store Outside USThe New York-based jewelry brand has expanded overseas, opening a store in London’s Mayfair district.
ColumnistsJul 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: What Today’s Jewelry Consumer Is Telling Us Rising revenue does not automatically mean a healthy business, particularly in the current economic landscape, Smith writes.
TrendsJul 14, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Shoulder Dusters These long, fluid drop earrings are sure to catch the eye.
CrimeJul 14, 2026
Man Charged in $1M Jewelry Store Heist Lands on FBI Most Wanted ListAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged with robbing a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and is the only one still at large.
Events & AwardsJul 14, 2026
Conference on Mining, Sustainability Kicks Off in NYCInitiatives in Art and Culture is hosting its 16th annual Gold and Diamond Conference, with the theme of “Resilience.”
Lab-GrownJul 13, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb Changes Her Mind on Lab-Grown DiamondsThe designer, who once said she’d never sell lab-grown diamonds, debuted two capsule collections designed to be fun and easy to wear.
SourcingJul 13, 2026
De Beers Announces Potential Layoffs, 2-Year Production Pause at VenetiaThe diamond miner and marketer is undergoing another round of cost-cutting measures ahead of its sale by Anglo American.
Events & AwardsJul 13, 2026
Registration Opens for JIS Fall 2026 ShowThe annual trade-only buying event is slated for Oct. 16-19 in Miami Beach, Florida.
Events & AwardsJul 13, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026AGTA also has announced the lineup of judges for the colored gemstone cutting and jewelry design contest’s various categories.
