AuctionsOct 24, 2025
Bonhams Under New Ownership, Top Executives ReplacedLondon-based investment firm Pemberton Asset Management acquired the auction house for an undisclosed amount.
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
GradingOct 24, 2025
DMIA to Hold Diamond Testing Instrument DemoThe workshop will give attendees the chance to try out and ask questions about three different diamond verification instruments.
CrimeOct 24, 2025
Video Emerges of Louvre Jewelry Robbers Fleeing the Scene The footage shows two of the jewelry heist suspects descending from the second floor of the museum and then escaping via scooter.
Brought to you by
Are Earrings an Overlooked Category? What Retailers Need to Know NowAs the holiday season quickly approaches, consider stocking one category that sometimes gets overlooked: earrings.
CollectionsOct 24, 2025
Piece of the Week: Wyld Box Jewelry’s ‘Ray of Light’ EarringsFounder and designer Rosanna Fiedler looked to a vintage Cartier clutch when designing the sunlight-inspired drop earrings.
Weekly QuizOct 16, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsOct 23, 2025
Jewelry Sales Resilient Despite Struggles at LVMH, KeringThe luxury conglomerates faced a challenging Q3 amid geopolitical and economic tensions.
SourcingOct 23, 2025
Petra Diamonds Turns to Shareholders to Raise Capital The struggling diamond mining company, which owns the historic Cullinan mine, has launched a rights issue to raise about $25 million.
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.
WatchesOct 23, 2025
‘Million Dollar Hip Hop Watches’ Recounts Watch HistoryThe book details the journey of watches as symbols of hard-earned success in hip-hop for artists like 2Pac, Jay-Z, and more.
AuctionsOct 23, 2025
Freeman’s | Hindman Names New VP, Senior Specialist for Jewelry & WatchesAlexis Vourvoulis, who most recently worked at Tiffany & Co., brings more than two decades of jewelry experience to her new role.
TrendsOct 22, 2025
The Taylor Swift Effect: Antique Diamonds EditionThe superstar’s August engagement put the stamp of approval on an already hot engagement ring trend.
TrendsOct 22, 2025
Don’t Forget These Diamond Jewelry Trends When Stocking for the HolidaysRetailers should offer classic styles with a twist that are a perfect fit for layered looks, experts say.
AuctionsOct 22, 2025
Pink Diamond, Vanderbilt Jewels to Headline Phillips’ Geneva AuctionThe nearly 7-carat fancy vivid purplish pink diamond could sell for around $9 million.
SourcingOct 22, 2025
In ‘Storied Diamond,’ Jared Jewelers Is Emphasizing the Journey The retailer’s new collection of engagement rings and fashion jewelry is set with natural diamonds that are traceable via blockchain.
CollectionsOct 22, 2025
Tiffany & Co.’s ‘Bird on a Rock’ Finds New PerchChief Artistic Officer Nathalie Verdeille has reimagined the iconic design in both figurative and abstract creations.
Events & AwardsOct 22, 2025
JFC Kicks Off Halloween Costume ChallengeFive dollars buys one vote toward an industry professional you want to see dressed up as a hero, or a villain, this Halloween.
Events & AwardsOct 22, 2025
Hillsborough Antique Show Gets New OwnerRecently acquired by KIL Promotions, the November edition of the public show in San Mateo, California, will be held Nov. 7-9.
GradingOct 21, 2025
GIA Examines Rare Bicolor Pink DiamondThe stone’s two zones, one pink and one colorless, may have formed at two different times, the lab said.
MajorsOct 21, 2025
Pomellato Brings ‘Global Attitude’ to Rodeo Drive FlagshipHollywood glamour meets Milanese sophistication in the design of Pomellato’s new store in Beverly Hills, California.
Lab-GrownOct 21, 2025
Grown Brilliance Opens First FlagshipThe New York City store showcases a chandelier with 1,500 carats of lab-grown diamonds designed by an FIT student.
Events & AwardsOct 21, 2025
‘Douriean Fletcher: Jewelry of the Afrofuture’ Opens at MADThe Museum of Arts and Design's new exhibition features 75 pieces by the designer, best known for her work in the “Black Panther” films.
AuctionsOct 20, 2025
Sotheby's To Auction 10-Carat Vivid Pink DiamondMaking its auction debut, "The Glowing Rose" is expected to fetch $20 million at the November jewelry sale in Geneva.
SourcingOct 20, 2025
2 Mozambique Police Officers Killed at Gemfields’ Ruby MineThey were attacked on Oct. 15, as approximately 40 miners without licenses marched on the mine’s gate.
CrimeOct 20, 2025
See the ‘Priceless’ Jewels Stolen During Daytime Heist at the Louvre It took the masked thieves less than 10 minutes to steal eight irreplaceable jewels from two display cases in the museum’s Apollo Gallery.
SourcingOct 20, 2025
Pristine Gems Names New Director of European SalesGemologist Lauren Gayda has previously worked at The Clear Cut, Taylor & Hart, and Effy Jewelry.
Events & AwardsOct 17, 2025
An Edit of Italian Jewels Is Coming to NYCThe new showcase dedicated to Italian jewelry design is set for Oct. 29-30.
TrendsOct 17, 2025
Piece of the Week: Judi Powers Jewelry’s ‘Stella’ EarringsTake a gaze at the sky with this pair of platinum diamond-set star earrings with blue lace agate drops.
