Events & Awards

As JCK Talks Returns, Don’t Miss These 12 Sessions

Events & AwardsJun 04, 2025

As JCK Talks Returns, Don’t Miss These 12 Sessions

From design trends to sustainability, here’s a roundup of can’t-miss education sessions at JCK Las Vegas.

Exterior of the Venetian and the Las Vegas Sphere
JCK Las Vegas returns to the Venetian this year from June 6 to 9, with the JCK Talks education sessions beginning June 5.
Las Vegas—The JCK Las Vegas show officially opens this week with a series of events and education sessions lined up to complement the show floor experience.

JCK Las Vegas 2025 is scheduled for June 6 to 9, with select areas of the show floor opening on June 5, including the JCK Talks education sessions.

On Thursday, the 101 Sessions will kick off the education series, held in the Venetian Room 101 on Level 1.

After Thursday, the sessions will move to the Showcase Stage and Social Stage on Level 2 for the remainder of the show.

On Sunday, the highlight is sustainability. The Social Stage will turn into the Sustainability Stage, located on Level 2 next to the Showcase Stage.

It will feature discussions on ethical sourcing, eco-friendly production practices, and innovation in sustainability.

Below are a dozen can’t-miss JCK Talks sessions for attendees to add to this year’s schedule.

Thursday, June 5

The first session of the show will be “How to JCK... From the Experts!,” from 11 to 11:45 a.m. in room 101.

Monalisa DePina, retail account manager at RX, and Jennifer Hopf, event manager at RX Global/JCK, will lead a session on how attendees can make the most of their time at JCK.

Topics will include how to navigate the show floor, how to take advantage of resources, and insider tips. There will also be a live Q&A session with the JCK Team.

In the afternoon, industry experts will host “Safeguarding Your Business: Crime Prevention in 2025” from 2 to 2:45 p.m. in room 101.

Speakers include Scott Guginsky, executive vice president of the Jewelers’ Security Alliance, Howard Stone of Jewelers Mutual, and Rob Bates, news director at JCK, with Andrew Chipman, vice president of Jewelers Block, Berkley Asset Protection.

The session will dive into the latest threats facing jewelers, prevention strategies, security measures, and best practices.

Friday, June 6

On Friday morning, industry experts will host “State of the Diamond Industry,” which serves as a current overview of the diamond business.

It will be held at the Showcase Stage from 10 to 10:45 a.m.

The speakers are Richard Pesqueira, vice president of retail for Blue Nile, Eyal Axelrod, founder and CEO of Lexa International Consulting, and Edahn Golan, CEO of Edahn Golan Diamond Research & Data along with Moshe Klein, CEO of Grandview Klein Diamonds.

The discussion will include opportunities, challenges, market trends, and the future of the diamond market.

Next up on the Showcase Stage will be “Navigating the Regulatory Landscape: Sanctions, Tariffs and AML Compliance in 2025” from 11 to 11:45 a.m.

Sara Yood, president, CEO, and general counsel at the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, will lead a discussion alongside Howard Mendelsohn, president of global business development and engagement at Kharon and Shane St Hill, chief legal and compliance officer at Studs.

The trio will discuss sanctions, tariffs, trade laws, and anti-money laundering compliance, as well as key regulatory updates, enforcement trends, and best practices to keep a business compliant.

The following session on the Showcase Stage will be “Fashion & Wedding Trends for Each Generation in 2025 and Beyond” from noon to 12:45 p.m.

The panelists include Natalie Francisco, associate editor, fashion, at National Jeweler, Amanda Gizzi, director of PR and events at Jewelers of America, Jessica Richards, trend forecaster and the founder of 12th house, Nikia Levesque-Meyer, vice president of marketing at Day's Jewelers, and Constance Polamalu, chief operating officer at Zachary’s Jewelers and founder and owner of Bloomstone Jewelers.

The speakers will discuss the fashion and wedding trends in jewelry that are influencing each generation.

The following Showcase Stage session is “Inclusive Selling to Different Generations,” held from 1 to 1:45 p.m.

The panelists are Amina Sorel, CEO and founder of Maison Sorel, Anna Samsonova, owner of Samsonova Consulting, Emily Phillippy, owner of Emily Chelsea Jewelry, Harris Botnick, president of Worthmore Jewelers, and Valerie Madison, owner and creative director of Valerie Madison Fine Jewelry.

The speakers will share their strategies for connecting with customers from all generations, including their sales approaches, communication styles, store environments, and digital touchpoints.

 Related stories will be right here … 

Saturday, June 7

Saturday’s first session will be the JCK Keynote featuring speaker and “Shark Tank” star Daymond John.

“Daymond John's 5 Shark Points for Success” will be held from 8 to 9:30 a.m. in the San Polo Ballroom on Level 3. The doors will open at 7:30 a.m.

John will share his top tips for success, including how to build an impactful brand, scale business growth, and develop the right mindset.

First up on the Showcase Stage that day will be “State of the Lab-Grown Diamond Market” from 10 to 10:45 a.m.

Panelists include Arly Tse, chief operating officer at Glory Jewelry Inc., Edahn Golan, and Constance Polamalu.

Discussion topics will include current market trends, price dynamics, consumer perceptions, and technological advancements.

Panelists will also cover how to sell lab-grown diamonds alongside natural stones, how to answer customer questions, and how to develop a marketing strategy that aligns with shifting consumer values and preferences.

Sunday, June 8

First up on the Showcase Stage on Sunday morning will be “State of the Colored Stone Market” from 10 to 10:45 a.m.

The session will be led by Brecken Branstrator, editor-in-chief of Gemworld International’s GemGuide publication. Panelists include Michael Richards, president of Underwood Jewelers, Shekhar Shah, chief operating officer at Real Gems Inc., Jeremy Chalchinsky, vice president of sales at Color Source Gems, and Bruce Bridges, president of the American Gem Trade Association.

The colored gemstone experts will dive into supply chain shifts, changing consumer preferences, market trends, sourcing challenges, and opportunities in the sector.

One of Sunday’s highlighted sustainability-focused sessions is “Ethical Sourcing in the Jewelry Industry: Progress, Partnership, and Purpose” on the Sustainability Stage (formerly the Social Stage) from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Speakers include Katherine Weymouth, director of SCS Global Services, Allison Charalambous, vice president of responsible sourcing and sustainability at Brilliant Earth, Andrea Jose Castro, founder and CEO, Andrea Jose/Jarapay, Brandee Dallow, chief communications and sustainability officer at Grandview Klein Diamonds, sustainability leader Cristina Villegas, and Laura Galvis, head of responsible markets at the Alliance for Responsible Mining.

The panelists will discuss ethical sourcing in the jewelry supply chain from mine to market, spotlighting important partnerships, certification programs, and community-driven solutions.

In the afternoon, “Trends from the Show Floor” will take over the Showcase Stage from noon to 12:45 p.m.

The speakers are Victoria Gomelsky, editor-in-chief of JCK magazine, and Melissa Bernardo, managing editor of JCK magazine.

The pair will discuss the top trends shaping the jewelry industry, as seen on the JCK show floor, and how these trends can influence retailers’ buying and merchandising strategies.

Next up on the Showcase stage is “Unlocking the Sales Opportunities in the New & Pre-Owned Watch Markets” from 1 to 1:45 p.m.

Panelists include Victoria Gomelsky, Elizabeth Smith, managing director at Oliver Smith Jeweler, and Max Orloff of Orloff Jewelers.

The watch-focused panel will discuss how retailers can find success in the new and pre-owned watch segments. Topics will include consumer demand, authentication best practices, and how to price high-value timepieces.

View the full JCK Talks schedule here.

The Latest

Robinson Pelham Fruits of Love Pear Earrings
CollectionsJun 13, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s Pear Earrings

Take a bite out of the 14-karat yellow gold “Fruits of Love Pear” earrings featuring peridots, diamond stems, and tsavorite leaves.

Ella Sophie
EditorsJun 12, 2025
15 Questions With Jewelry Photographer Ella Sophie

The California-based creative talks jewelry photography in the modern era and tackles FAQs about working with a pro for the first time.

A pink gold Patek Philippe perpetual calendar chronograph Ref. 2499
AuctionsJun 12, 2025
Vintage Patek Philippe From the ‘50s Sells for $4M at Sotheby’s

Al Capone’s pocket watch also found a buyer, though it went for less than half of what it did at auction four years ago.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Celine Assimon
AuctionsJun 12, 2025
Former De Beers Exec Celine Assimon Joins Bonhams

Assimon is the auction house’s new chief commercial officer.

Weekly QuizJun 12, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
De Beers CEO Al Cook speaking at JCK Las Vegas 2025
EditorsJun 11, 2025
Q&A: Al Cook on Differentiating Natural Diamonds, Traceability, and Tariffs

The De Beers Group CEO discusses the company’s new “beacon” program, the likelihood diamonds will be exempt from tariffs, and “Origin.”

Pandora Las Vegas ribbon cutting ceremony
MajorsJun 11, 2025
Pandora Bets on Las Vegas for First North American Flagship

The Danish jewelry giant hosted its grand opening last weekend, complete with a Pandora pink roulette wheel.

Jewelers of America logo with meetup, State of the Majors, giveaway and massages
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

Tiffany Stevens
GradingJun 11, 2025
Tiffany Stevens Exits IGI, Lab Appoints New Board Leader

Industry veteran Anoop Mehta is the new chairman and independent director of the IGI board.

Lee Min Seo and Ianyan Jewelry
Events & AwardsJun 11, 2025
Kering Announces Winners of Sustainability-Focused Award

The winners of the inaugural “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” are student Lee Min Seo and China-based startup Ianyan.

De Beers desert diamonds
SourcingJun 10, 2025
De Beers Turns to Brown, Yellow Diamonds for New ‘Beacon’

“Ombré Desert Diamonds” will emphasize cream-, champagne-, and brown-colored diamonds, shades that set natural stones apart from lab grown.

Gresham grasshopper ring
AuctionsJun 10, 2025
Noonans to Auction 16th-Century Signet Ring

It's one of the “Gresham grasshopper” rings English financier Sir Thomas Gresham was known to gift to acquaintances or business associates.

Mary Chiam
CollectionsJun 10, 2025
Tabayer Names Mary Chiam as CEO

The brand also debuted its new “Zorae” collection featuring a talisman of protection and harmony inspired by a sheaf of wheat.

Lauren Johansen
MajorsJun 10, 2025
Lauren Johansen Joins Loudr

As Loudr’s new account manager, Johansen will partner with clients to craft and execute marketing strategies.

Lunar Rain cat locket
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2025
And the Winners of the 2025 Couture Design Awards Are …

Designers were recognized in 12 categories, from platinum to pearls, before the evening ended with a new, retail-focused award.

Nancy Astor tiara
AuctionsJun 09, 2025
Nancy Astor’s Cartier Tiara Sells for $1.2M

The rare turquoise and diamond jewel was the top lot at Bonhams’ June jewelry sale.

2025 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductees
IndependentsJun 09, 2025
Here Are the 2025 Retailer Hall of Fame Inductees

This year’s honorees include a Midwest retailer and two multi-store independents, one in New York and the other in New England.

2025 CASE Award Submission Graphic
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2025
CASE Awards Now Accepting Entries For 2025

The deadline to submit is June 16.

RDI Diamonds and Lavalier Personal Jewelry Insurance Logos
MajorsJun 09, 2025
RDI Diamonds Partners With Lavalier

The diamond wholesaler is working with the insurance provider to seamlessly offer personal jewelry insurance to RDI retailers’ clients.

Harwell Godfrey Granny Square Eleanor Necklace
CollectionsJun 06, 2025
Piece of the Week: Harwell Godfrey’s ‘Granny Squares Eleanor’ Necklace

As an homage to iconic crochet blankets, the necklace features the nostalgic motif through a kaleidoscope of cabochon-cut stones.

 Laura Gallon Joaillerie “Dynasty” ring, Bijules “Compass” bolo tie, Löf “The Orbitalis” ring
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
The 12 Fresh Faces in Couture’s Design Atelier

Discover the dozen up-and-coming brands exhibiting in the Design Atelier for the first time.

Jack Abraham The Royal Ruby Collection
SourcingJun 05, 2025
A Rare Suite of Rubies Has Arrived in Las Vegas

The “Royal Ruby” Collection is a quintet of untreated rubies curated by collector Jack Abraham.

Daymond John
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las Vegas

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

Vaishali Banerjee and Pallavi Sharma
MajorsJun 05, 2025
Platinum Guild International Updates Leadership Team

Two existing executives have been given new roles.

Meredith Tiderington
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Zillion Announces 'Women in STEM' Scholarship Recipient

Meredith Tiderington, an electrical engineering student, was selected for the award.

The Gemological Institute of America’s logo
Lab-GrownJun 04, 2025
GIA Reverting to More General Terminology for Lab-Grown Diamonds

It will quit assigning the stones specific color and clarity grades in favor of applying “new descriptive terminology.”

JCK show
CrimeJun 04, 2025
10 Safety Tips for the Las Vegas Shows

The Jewelers’ Security Alliance offers advice for those attending the annual trade shows.

×

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