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

This holiday season, look to pieces that will help to fill out customers’ everyday diamond jewelry wardrobe, experts say.

The Natural Diamond Council is now The Diamond Collective and has announced a new strategy under CEO Amber Pepper.

Paul’s Jewelers sells coffee, chocolate, and cookies from a custom gold-wrapped trailer parked outside the store starting at 7 a.m.

Experience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.

Part of its brand relaunch, the marketing around the campaign includes a contest involving a jacket set with 550 diamonds.


The jewelry giant has partnered with the famed makeup artist to create a colorful new collection of charms and rings.

The association will mark the milestone at its convention next month.

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

The jeweler donated school supplies to Memphis, Tennessee, students during the event combining basketball and mentorship.

A federal judge denied Pandora’s motion to dismiss Foundrae’s claim for copyright infringement of its medallions.

People aren’t thinking rationally when they are buying luxury products, and we shouldn’t be selling them that way, Peter Smith writes.

The Baltimore Business Journal recognized the entrepreneur for her leadership in business and the jewelry industry.

The facility is located within SEEPZ and is GCAL by Sarine’s second location in India, joining its existing grading lab in Surat.

Offered at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, the one-of-a-kind white gold watch now holds the title of most valuable Cartier wristwatch sold at auction.

Bernstein-Gulla has been working in the jewelry industry for 40 years, most recently as chief engagement officer for Hill & Co.

The relocated Glendale store, now at The Americana at Brand, was designed to be a contemporary “timepiece haven” inspired by luxury resorts.

The top lot of the auction house’s Hong Kong jewelry sale was an Art Deco Mauboussin necklace with ruby beads, which sold for $2 million.

Retailers and manufacturers headed to the Capitol this week to discuss tariff exemptions for diamonds and gemstones, among other issues.

Our Piece of the Week is a pair of drop earrings from the “Sway” collection featuring Nanis’ first use of mirror-polished gold.

SynthDetect 2 can scan a full tray in less than five minutes, De Beers said, making it six times faster than its predecessors.

Two metal detectorists discovered the ring, which may have belonged to English noblewoman Matilda of Lancaster, in Suffolk.

The bill has a provision that allows the president to raise tariffs on countries that import Russian oil and gas to as much as 100 percent.

The American Gem Society presented the annual award to a former president of its board.

The “Chrysalis” capsule centers butterfly motifs representing growth, transformation, and the unfolding of who you are.

Jewelers of Louisiana presented Patton, the third-generation president of Pattons Fine Jewelry, with the award at its annual convention.

Two special guests join the podcast to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the designer advocate, mentor, and author’s untimely passing.

McCormack brings sea-inspired motifs from her “Beaches” collection to L’Objet’s tableware, vanity pieces, and first-ever cutlery set.


























