JA New York Fall Show Announces Education Lineup

New York—JA New York has released the education lineup for its upcoming fall show slated for Oct. 27-29 at the Javits Center in New York City.

The various education sessions will run for 45 minutes each, on Sunday Oct. 27 and Monday Oct. 28 in the classroom area of the show floor, with Jewelers of America hosting its Multifaceted Learning Workshop on Tuesday Oct. 29.

The seven sessions cover a variety of topics, including diamond cutting, legal compliance, and AI.

Starting off the education lineup is the panel, “Precision and Perfection: Exploring the Dynamic Relationship Between Diamond Cutting and Grading” from 1:00-1:45 p.m.

It will demonstrate to attendees how cutting impacts a diamond’s overall grade, value, and beauty, as well as give insight into the grading process.

Panelists Ronnie VanderLinden, the president of Diamex; Halina Kaban, a lab director at GCAL by Sarine; and Anna Samsonova, a certified gemologist, will explore how advancements in cutting techniques can elevate grading outcomes, while understanding the critical factors that graders consider when evaluating cut, clarity, color, and carat.

“Screening and Detection: Distinctions Between Natural Diamonds and Lab-Grown Diamonds” will be presented by Sharrie Woodring, a senior gemologist at GCAL by Sarine from 2:00-2:45 p.m.

Woodring’s presentation will cover the key distinctions between lab-grown and natural diamonds, while addressing the origins and consumer considerations for the gemstones. Participants can expect to learn essential screening and detection techniques.

She will also clarify common misconceptions, answer frequently-asked questions, and highlight subtle differences in grading, terminology, inclusions, colors, and fluorescence.

“Branding Your Brick and Mortar: Inside and Out” will be led by Lyn Falk, the founder and president of Retailworks, Inc. from 3:00-3:45 p.m.

In her presentation, Falk will share insights on store design, décor, lighting, signage, and sensory elements.

Starting off the second day of education sessions is “Legal Compliance for Jewelers” with Sara Yood, the president, CEO, and general counsel of Jewelers Vigilance Committe from 1:00-1:45 p.m.

Yood will provide high-level insights into navigating issues like diamond sanctions and FTC jewelry guides and offer tips for staying abreast of the new laws and regulations that impact the jewelry industry.

“Profit with Purpose: How Partnering with Jewelers of Children Boosts Your Business and Fuels Your Spirit” will run from 2:00-2:45 p.m.

The session will be led by Sara Murphy, the executive director of Jewelers for Children, who will share with retail jewelry store owners how aligning with JFC can benefit their business and personal fulfillment.

Attendees will learn actionable strategies for incorporating charitable initiatives into their operations, which can result in enhanced customer loyalty, increased brand reputation, and stronger community ties.

“Repairing Success: Navigating Opportunities and Challenges in Jewelry Repair” will be presented by Tammy Lail, a business professional at TSL Solutions, Inc. from 3:00-3:45 p.m.

Lail’s presentation will explore the world of jewelry repair, highlighting its potential to enhance customer satisfaction, build loyalty, and drive profitability.

It will teach attendees how to capitalize on key opportunities in the jewelry repair sector and understand how it can serve as a reliable revenue stream, while addressing common challenges.

Closing out the education lineup is “Practical Applications of AI in the Jewelry Industry.”

This session will be presented by Kevin Saw, a financial controller at Picup Media, from 4:00-4:45 p.m.

The seminar will explore the application of artificial intelligence in the jewelry industry and how it can help build a dynamic and engaging online store with minimal effort.

On Tuesday Oct. 29, Jewelers of America will take over the education lineup, hosting its Multifaceted Learning Workshop from 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

The workshop includes three sessions:
“TikTok Tips for Jewelers” from 9:15-10:00 a.m.
“Expert Roundtable: Issues that Will Shape 2025” from 10:00-11:00 a.m.
“How AI Can Transform Your Business” from 11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

While registration is required, the Jewelers of America workshop is free to attend.

Registration to the JA New York show is not required to attend the Multifaceted Learning Workshop. However, attendees will be pre-registered for the show and are encouraged to walk the floor after the workshop.

To register and for more information on Jewelers of America’s Multifaceted Learning Workshop, visit the Jewelers of America website.

For more information on the JA New York fall show and to view the education schedule, visit JA New York’s website.