Events & Awards

JA to Host Next Learning Workshop in Providence

Events & AwardsJul 11, 2024

JA to Host Next Learning Workshop in Providence

The one-day workshop will be held July 17 at the Rhode Island School of Design.

Jewelers of America learning workshop Providence logo
Hosted by Jewelers of America and the Providence Jewelers Club, the Multifaceted Learning Workshop is set for July 17 at the Rhode Island School of Design.
Providence, R.I.—Jewelers of America is hosting a learning workshop next week in Providence, Rhode Island.

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.

 Related stories will be right here … 

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

Lugano Diamonds Greenwich Connecticut store
MajorsOct 13, 2026
David Webb Owner Purchases Lugano Jewelry

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

Stephanie Gottlieb Wholesale Lab-Grown Collection
Lab-GrownOct 13, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb Takes Lab-Grown Diamond Collection Wholesale

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

Sean Dunn
IndependentsOct 13, 2026
Retailer Hall of Fame 2026: Sean Dunn

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

1872 x 1052 Gemolite.jpg
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional Edition

Experience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.

Bulgari pink diamond
AuctionsOct 13, 2026
Christie's Geneva To Auction 'Bulgari Pink' Diamond

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

Weekly QuizOct 08, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Greenwich St. Jewelers Island Jewel candle
IndependentsOct 13, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers’ New Candle Smells Like Home

The “Island Jewel” candle honors New York City and Puerto Rico and raises money for the island’s water relief efforts.

TechnologyOct 13, 2026
GemFind Is a New JA Member Benefit Partner

The partnership will give JA members access to preferred pricing, exclusive benefits, technology solutions, education, and resources.

Cover.jpg
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk About

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

Stock image of a person holding holidays bags
SurveysOct 09, 2026
These Will Be the 10 Busiest Days for In-Store Shopping This Holiday Season

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.

Elisa Solomon x Serendipity 3 Frozen Hot Chocolate Charm
CollectionsOct 09, 2026
Elisa Solomon Collabs With Serendipity 3 on ‘Frozen Hot Chocolate’ Charm

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

8 carat fancy blue diamond
AuctionsOct 09, 2026
8-Carat Blue Diamond Goes Unsold at UK Jewelry Auction

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

Ebel sport classic watch
WatchesOct 09, 2026
Movado to Sell Majority Stake in Ebel for $66.5M

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.

Stock image of paper money and coins
Policies & IssuesOct 08, 2026
Third Wave of IEEPA Tariff Refunds Begins

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

Brent Neale Back to Basics Collection Pink Garnet Capsule
CollectionsOct 08, 2026
Brent Neale’s New Collection Goes ‘Back to Basics’

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

Ethical Gem Fair Brooklyn
SourcingOct 08, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair Heads Back to Brooklyn

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

Reba McEntire belt buckle
AuctionsOct 08, 2026
Reba McEntire’s Jewelry, Watches Head to Julien’s Auctions

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

overnght sb 1026.png
Supplier BulletinOct 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Helps Jewelers Turn Custom Design into a Hands-On Selling Experience

Sponsored by Overnight Mountings

The entrance to The Plumb Club pavilion at JCK Las Vegas
Policies & IssuesOct 07, 2026
The Plumb Club Amplifies Its Voice as Geopolitical Pressures Mount

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

Woman wearing Blue Nile Royal Asscher jewelry
CollectionsOct 07, 2026
Blue Nile, Royal Asscher Collection Highlights Natural Diamond Beauty

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

Audemars Piguet Risoud Eclipse Necklace
CollectionsOct 07, 2026
4 Standout Pieces in Audemars Piguet’s First High Jewelry Collection

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

Juan Morales and Joseph Nicosia
MajorsOct 07, 2026
Empire Safe & Vault Promotes Juan Morales to CEO

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

American Gem Trade Association logo
SourcingOct 07, 2026
AGTA Extends Deadline for 2026 Spectrum Awards Entries

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

Stock image a police car
CrimeOct 06, 2026
6 Charged in Connection to String of New Jersey Smash-and-Grabs

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

The Retail Smiths Principal Partner Sherry Smith
ColumnistsOct 06, 2026
Sherry Smith: Is the Consumer Really Trading Up?

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.

Molly Stillman @fashionveggie, Beth Jones @bjonesstyle, Helene Cortez @cortezhelene, and Haley Jordan @haleyjordan12 
SourcingOct 06, 2026
DDG Taps Influencers for ‘My Diamond Does Good’ Campaign

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

Bryan Cowan and Tom Schwartz
MajorsOct 06, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names COO, CMO

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

Gahcho Kue rough diamonds
SourcingOct 05, 2026
De Beers to Take Full Ownership of Gahcho Kué

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

×

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