JA to Host Next Learning Workshop in Providence
The one-day workshop will be held July 17 at the Rhode Island School of Design.

The Multifaceted Learning Workshop is scheduled to take place on July 17 at the Rhode Island School of Design.
JA is hosting alongside the Providence Jewelers Club.
The event is part of a series of learning workshops designed to make education more accessible to independent jewelers.
The day will begin at 8:30 a.m. with registration and networking over coffee, followed by a welcome announcement at 9:30 a.m.
The first session is “Building a Successful Brand,” held from 9:45 to 10:30 a.m., presented by Stephanie Goldman, director of marketing at Hearts on Fire.
The company launched its signature branded diamond in 1996. Nearly 30 years later, Goldman will talk about the brand’s relaunch and how it works to stay relevant to today’s consumer while staying true to its brand DNA.
A panel of experts will discuss “Sparkling Strategies for Digital Marketing” from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.
Panelists include Dillan Dove, director of Jewelry for U.S. and Canada at Podium, Janina Messerlian, vice president of Baxter’s Jewelers, and Jennifer Shaheen, president of Technology Therapy Group.
The discussion will cover the latest digital marketing tools and trends impacting online success. Panelists will share their experiences in the unique world of fine jewelry marketing.
Edward Lemire, president of ESP Global, will present “History of the Jewelry Industry” from 11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Lemire will look back at the last 50 years in the U.S. jewelry industry, focusing on the manufacturing and supply of fashion, costume, and fine jewelry.
After lunch, JA and Providence Jewelers Club will present the “Membership Minutes” from 1 to 1:15 p.m.
Franklin Klink, field loss prevention manager at Jewelers Mutual, will present “Spot the Risk” from 1:15 to 2:30 p.m.
He will outline potential risks, including physical theft and cyberattacks, and share safety best practices.
The session will include an interactive approach to store security and loss prevention based on real-life events.
Next, Steven Rees, executive laboratory director at the International Gemological Institute, will present “How to Maximize Sales of Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds” from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m.
In his presentation, Reese will share how to make the most of both natural and lab-grown diamond sales, especially as consumers opt for more affordable jewelry.
After a networking break, attendees can listen in on “Maximizing Returns: Mastering Jewelry Refining for Manufacturers and Retailers” from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m.
Speakers include Gannon & Scott’s John Antonacci, vice president of sales and marketing, and Andrew McManus, general manager.
The pair will discuss strategies to elevate refining processes and boost profitability.
The interactive session is geared toward both manufacturers and retailers, with insights on refining techniques, market trends, and innovative approaches to maximize the value of precious metals.
The last session of the day is “Consumer Buying and Jewelry Trends” from 4:15 to 5 p.m.
Speakers include Jackie Mecca, senior vice president of GM Luxury Markets at Synchrony, and Amanda Gizzi, director of public relations and events at JA.
The session will dive into findings from Synchrony’s 2023 “Major Purchase Study,” which looked at the consumer journey when making purchases worth $500 and above, as well as customer buying behavior. Gizzi will also share the latest jewelry trends.
From 5 to 7 p.m., attendees are invited to a cocktail party.
The cost of the one-day workshop is $75.
For more information or to register, visit the Jewelers of America website.
The Latest

The high-end jewelry retailer was sold to private investment firm Middle West Partners and a group of longtime clients.

The jewelry designer has partnered with Sofer Jewelry to distribute her 85-piece lab-grown diamond collection.

Dunn, this year’s Single-Store Independent inductee, is passionate about innovation and telling the story of natural diamonds.

Experience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.

The 24-carat fancy intense pink diamond ring could fetch up to $18 million at the November sale.


The “Island Jewel” candle honors New York City and Puerto Rico and raises money for the island’s water relief efforts.
The partnership will give JA members access to preferred pricing, exclusive benefits, technology solutions, education, and resources.

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

Stores should expect to see the most customers on Nov. 27, and Christmas week is expected to be hectic too, as Dec. 25 falls on a Friday.

The charm, our Piece of the Week, features brown diamond frozen hot chocolate topped with white diamond whipped cream and a ruby straw.

The top lot of Elmwood’s recent fine jewelry sale in London was a 1.84-carat, D color Tiffany & Co. solitaire diamond ring.

The watch company agreed to sell a 95 percent interest to a group comprised of F.P. Journe, Chanel, and Swiss watch exec Pierre Jacques.

This round of tariff refunds is for importers that have sued over IEEPA tariffs in the Court of International Trade and won.

It revisits the brand’s most requested silhouettes, from "Pillow"-set necklaces and bracelets to "Signature"-set rings and earrings.

The trade-only event includes buying opportunities as well as educational sessions on artisanal mining, the new Paraíba source, and more.

The live charity benefit sale in Nashville will also feature gowns, boots, and other memorabilia from the country music legend.

Sponsored by Overnight Mountings

The supplier organization recently joined JA and JVC to have more input on political issues affecting the jewelry industry.

Blue Nile, a Signet Jewelers-owned brand, is now Royal Asscher’s exclusive licensed retailer in North America.

“Royal Oak” pays homage to the brand’s most popular watch model using 18-karat gold as well as diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires.

As part of the transition, Joseph Nicosia has stepped into the role of COO.

Participants now have until Oct. 14 to complete their submissions.

The alleged thieves used crow bars and sledgehammers to smash into jewelry stores across the state.

Ahead of the holidays, Smith urges jewelers to take a hard look at who’s buying jewelry, what they’re purchasing, and who’s stopped buying.

In the new consumer-facing campaign, four fashion and lifestyle creators share the stories behind their natural diamond pieces.

FGI President John Orrico is also leaving the company after more than 13 years.

It is the last fully operational diamond mine in Canada following the recent closures of Ekati and Diavik.























