SourcingMar 25, 2026
Rob Bates Steps Down as JCK News Director After 28 years with JCK, the veteran industry journalist is launching his own publication on Substack called The Jewelry Wire.
Brought to you by
Enhance Your Expertise with IGI’s In-Person Courses in NYC
This fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.
Brought to You By International Gemological Institute (IGI)
If you're looking to sharpen your skills and gain valuable industry knowledge, the International Gemological Institute (IGI) offers a range of in-person courses in the heart of New York City. These expert-led programs are designed to empower both aspiring professionals and seasoned industry veterans, giving you the tools to succeed in jewelry grading, quality control, and diamond assessment.
Here’s a closer look at what IGI has to offer this fall:
Introduction to Jewelry Grading
Two Days, 9am-4pm | $350
Upcoming Dates: Oct 14-15, Oct 24-25, Nov 14-15, Dec 2-3, Dec 16-17
For anyone looking to master the fundamentals of jewelry grading, this two-day course is the perfect place to start. IGI’s proprietary grading techniques give participants the expertise needed to perform accurate valuations and appraisals. From assessing the influence of metal color on gemstones to learning how to evaluate mounted stones for color, clarity, and carat weight, this class offers hands-on training that sets you up for success.
This course also provides invaluable experience in navigating different settings and stone types with a 10X loupe in various world conditions. By the end, you’ll have the skills to make precise evaluations and impress clients with your professional insights.
Why Take This Course?
- Learn exclusive IGI grading techniques
- Gain confidence in evaluating jewelry with mounted stones
- Receive a certificate upon completion Learn more and register here.
Jewelry Quality Control Class
Four Hours, 9am-1pm | $250 Upcoming Date: Oct 4
Maintaining high standards in jewelry production is critical, and this four-hour class is ideal for appraisers, QC managers, and anyone responsible for evaluating jewelry items. In this condensed but powerful workshop, you’ll learn how to inspect jewelry for manufacturing quality and consistency, assess prong and clasp integrity, check for porosity, and identify signs of wear and tear.
Whether you're a jewelry designer or working in retail, this course will sharpen your eye for detail and give you the confidence to assess items with precision. As with other IGI courses, participants will receive a 10X loupe to practice identifying subtle defects and inconsistencies that can impact the overall quality of a piece.
What You’ll Learn:
- Master critical quality control techniques
- Expertly evaluate jewelry for manufacturing consistency
- Take home a certificate recognizing your QC proficiency Learn more and register here.
Diamond Grading Essentials
Five Mornings, 9am-12:30pm | $450
Upcoming Dates: Oct 7-11, Nov 18-22 (coincides with NYC Jewelry Week), Dec 9-13
This five-morning course will equip you with the skills to confidently grade loose diamonds, including natural and lab-grown stones. Participants will spend half of the time in hands-on practice, honing their ability to assess key characteristics like color, clarity, carat weight, polish, and symmetry. You’ll also learn how to interpret grading reports and other gemological documents, making it easier to explain your findings to clients.
Taught primarily with a 10X loupe, this course provides a deep dive into diamond grading essentials, giving you the knowledge and practical skills needed to work with diamonds confidently.
What You’ll Gain:
- Hands-on experience grading loose diamonds
- Understanding of key diamond grading elements
- A certificate to enhance your professional credentials Learn more and register here.
Why Choose IGI?
All of IGI’s courses are designed to provide industry-leading education in a supportive, hands-on environment. Whether you’re new to the field or looking to expand your expertise, these courses offer practical, real-world knowledge you can immediately apply in your career. Located in NYC, these in-person sessions also provide opportunities to network with other industry professionals.
Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot today and take the next step in mastering your craft.
More on Independents
The Latest
GradingMar 25, 2026
New York’s Natural History Museum, Wiley To Build Minerals DatabaseWiley said the project will give scientists worldwide access to the American Museum of Natural’s History renowned mineral collection.
CollectionsMar 25, 2026
Boochier Turns Flower Friendship Bracelets Into Fine JewelryThe “Flower Puff” collection looks to beaded flower friendship bracelets from childhood, turning the silhouette into nostalgic fine jewelry.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
Policies & IssuesMar 25, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry to Host Bench Jeweler Shortage WebinarSet for April 2, the webinar will discuss how the jewelry industry can address the workforce gap.
Weekly QuizMar 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsMar 24, 2026
White Diamonds Shine In Christie's Jewels Online SaleThe highest-grossing lot was a Tiffany & Co. ring set with a flawless, emerald-cut diamond of 10 carats.
SourcingMar 24, 2026
AGTA Solidifies Tucson Dates For 2027-2029The next three editions of AGTA GemFair Tucson will feature a five-day show that includes Sunday.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
WatchesMar 24, 2026
Christie’s Names New Senior Specialist, WatchesFormer Sotheby’s executive Tom Heap has taken on the London-based role.
CrimeMar 23, 2026
NYPD Looking for 3 Jewelry Store Robbery SuspectsThe group of women allegedly robbed two Catbird stores and one Gorjana location on the afternoon of March 9.
FinancialsMar 23, 2026
Movado’s Q4 Sales Rise As Demand Grows From Younger Shoppers, WomenMovado CEO Efraim Grinberg noted continued strength in the fashion watch and accessible luxury segments in the U.S.
TrendsMar 23, 2026
Marco Bicego’s New Campaign Showcases ‘The Art of Craft’After celebrating 25 years in 2025, the campaign marks a new chapter for the jewelry brand with the message that “Identity Creates Value.”
Events & AwardsMar 23, 2026
These Watch Brands Are Heading to Couture This YearCouture and Time to Watches announced the watch brands, from big names to independents, attendees will see at the show.
FinancialsMar 20, 2026
Macy’s Turnaround Plans Shows Promise, Boosted by Bloomingdale’sPlus, why Saks Global’s bankruptcy may have given Bloomingdale’s an edge.
AuctionsMar 20, 2026
Sotheby's, De Beers Unveil ‘Jwaneng 28.88’ DiamondThe flawless, Type IIa stone is estimated to achieve up to $2.8 million at the auction house’s high jewelry sale in April.
TrendsMar 20, 2026
‘Frankenstein’ Costume Designer Is Bejeweled In Brooches for Oscars WinCostume designer Kate Hawley wore three archival Tiffany & Co. brooches, our Pieces of the Week, while accepting her first Oscar.
FinancialsMar 19, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Close 100 Stores, Shutter James Allen BannerThe jewelry retailer announced changes to its store network and brand portfolio during its fourth-quarter earnings call.
SurveysMar 19, 2026
NRF Forecasts 4% Retail Sales Growth in 2026From a weaker labor market to inflation, NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews gave insight on what retailers can expect this year.
AuctionsMar 19, 2026
26-Carat Diamond Tops $1M at AuctionThe historic stone, which sold at Elmwood’s in London, is the largest white diamond to be offered on the U.K. market in more than a decade.
Events & AwardsMar 19, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach in Las Vegas on May 31.
AuctionsMar 18, 2026
Collection of the ‘Severely Beautiful’ Lady Wardington Fetches $161KThe model and fashion editor’s gold evening bags were the top lots at the London sale, going for more than $25,000 each.
PodcastsMar 18, 2026
Episode 3: An Interview With Jewelry Designer Johnny NelsonFresh off winning the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, Nelson discusses the ring that launched his career and his plans for the future.
SourcingMar 18, 2026
Lucara Recovers Nearly 37-Carat Blue DiamondThe “stunning” Type IIb stone was found via x-ray technology at its Karowe mine in Botswana.
MajorsMar 18, 2026
Stuller Releases New Edition of Jewelry Education Book“The Basics of Jewelry” has been updated to include modern topics and visuals.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2026
The Best Moments From the 2026 Gem Awards Held just before the Oscars, the jewelry industry’s big awards show had its share of standout jewelry, gowns, and acceptance speeches.
SourcingMar 17, 2026
Cruzeiro Mine Debuts ‘Winter Tourmaline’The Brazilian mine’s new collection features cabochons in soft, muted shades like silver and lilac.
TrendsMar 17, 2026
Natalie Portman Is Tiffany & Co.’s New AmbassadorThe Academy Award-winning actress stars in Tiffany & Co.’s latest commercial, which debuted Sunday night during the Oscars.
