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 new space was designed to evoke a warm, inviting vibe.
Cynthia Erivo chose Dreams of Hope, an organization dedicated to empowering LGBTQA+ youth, as the charity for this year’s collection.
A federal court found that the jewelry store chain violated terms of the settlement reached after it was accused of defrauding customers.
From protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
Three Titanic survivors presented him with the personalized Tiffany & Co. timepiece about a year after the tragedy.
Kinney, who spent nearly 30 years at IJO, has been hired to head Abbott Jewelry Systems’ new virtual marketplace.
The auction house was accused of helping clients avoid paying taxes on millions of dollars’ worth of art purchased from 2010 to 2020.
This fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.
The “Camera Oscura” collection showcases earring designs celebrating female Surrealist artists Claude Cahun and Leonor Fini.
The money will fund the planting of 10,000 trees in critical areas across Oregon, Arizona, Montana, and other regions.
Local reports identified the woman as the wife of the jewelry store owner.
A collection of pieces owned by Ferdinand I, the first king of modern Bulgaria, and his family, blew away estimates in Geneva last week.
The Australian jewelry box brand’s new West Village store will showcase new jewelers each month through its Designer in Residence program.
“Lovechild” was created in partnership with Carolyn Rafaelian’s Metal Alchemist brand.
Hampton discussed how Helzberg is improving the customer experience and why it was inspired by the company formerly known as Dunkin’ Donuts.
The group will host several curated events and an exhibition of designer jewelry made with Peruvian gold traceable to the miners’ names.
The collection honors the 50th anniversary of Dolly Parton’s “Love is Like a Butterfly” song, which shares a birth year with Kendra Scott.
This year’s theme asks designers to take inspiration from classic fairy tales.
Senior Editor Lenore Fedow makes the case for why more jewelers should be appealing to nerds at the annual event.
The latest “Raiz’in” drop showcases a newly designed “Scapular” necklace and donates a portion of the proceeds to Make-A-Wish France.
No. 1 out of 100, the timepiece was created to mark Citizen’s 100th anniversary and will be auctioned off at Sotheby’s next month.
On the latest episode of “My Next Question,” two experts share best practices for store security during the holidays and year-round.
Sotheby’s sold the necklace, which potentially has ties to Marie-Antoinette, for $4.8 million to a woman bidding via phone.
Instead of its usual elaborate display, the store will illuminate its façade and frame the windows to highlight its flagship’s architecture.
The new Grand Seiko boutique is located in Honolulu’s Waikiki neighborhood.
Eleven spots are available for travelers to visit Northern Tanzania and Southern Kenya from July 25 to Aug. 4.
The emerald brooch-turned-pendant returned to auction after 55 years, setting a world record for most expensive emerald sold at auction.