Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
ABJ Retailer Discussion Panels Set for Couture LV
Going into its second year of breakfast peer-to-peer jeweler discussion panels at Couture, National Jeweler's America's Best Jewelers program has put together a set of excellent topics. Each morning at the Wynn, prior to the Couture show floor opening, we'll...
Going into its second year of breakfast peer-to-peer jeweler discussion panels at Couture, National Jeweler's America's Best Jewelers program has put together a set of excellent topics.
Each morning at the Wynn, prior to the Couture show floor opening, we'll start with breakfast at 7:30. The sessions proper will begin at 8, with a brief overview introduction by one of our four panelists. Then all panelists and I will sit down to a give-and-take discussion of the topic, bringing the audience into the mix.
Last year, the sessions were standing-room-only. They're open only to retailers, and attendance and breakfast are complimentary. But you need to be a member of the ABJ Network. If you're a JBT-listed, North American retailer, visit www.ABJNetwork.com and apply for membership. I'll personally approve you asap!
Here are the topics. I'll have more details on all the speakers/panelists soon. Don't miss these!
Thursday, June 3, Breakfast
7:30AM-8:00AM, Program 8:00AM - 9:00AM
Peer Panel 1: Social Networking 1 - Best Practices.
Learn how jewelers are maximizing their productivity in exploiting
social networking, from Facebook to Twitter, LinkedIn, Yelp and beyond.
Covering relevant principals of successful social networking, from time
management to content practices, to deciding who participates and more.
Friday, June 4, Breakfast
7:30AM-8:00AM, Program 8:00AM - 9:00AM
Peer Panel 2: Preparing and Positioning for the Rebound.
As the U.S. economy begins to recover from the worst recession of our
generation, jewelers will discuss how they’re building foundations that
will position them to capitalize on opportunities presented by the new
marketplace, exploring disciplines from marketing to inventory.
Saturday, June 5, Breakfast 7:30AM-8:00AM,
Program 8:00AM - 9:00AM
Peer Panel 3: Social Networking 2 - Best Practices.
Join your fellow jewelers to continue the social networking discussion,
concerning maximize return from social networking. What are realistic
expectations? What tools do you need to get started? How do you gain
customers?
Sunday, June 6,
Breakfast 7:30AM-8:00AM, Program 8:00AM - 9:00AM
Peer Panel
4: Human Resources Best Practices –
Hiring in the Current Market. After embracing lean philosophies
for the past several years—often including difficult decisions regarding
employment strategies—jewelers discuss if and how they’re adapting
their staffing to address the expanding market potential being driven by
the economic rebound.
The Latest

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Kimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

The “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.


“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.

Founded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

The jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.

The singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.

The nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.

As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.

The trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.

January’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.

The annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.

Footage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.

The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.

The Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”

Linda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.

The governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.

Sparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.

The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.

In its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.

Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.

Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.

Shekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.

This year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.





















