The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 Event
The event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.

TJS organizers are inviting experts in jewelry manufacturing and technology to submit proposals for presentations.
The event, a continuation of the long-running Santa Fe Symposium, focuses on the advancement of jewelry manufacturing technology.
TJS 2026 will be held May 16-19 at the Detroit Marriott Troy.
TJS attendees are interested in topics like manufacturing, technology, research, best business practices, safety, history, bench work, gemstones, metals, sustainability, and sourcing of skilled labor, said organizers.
"This year, we had our first ever hands-on demonstration at the symposium, by Legor Mexico, and the attendees raved about it,” said Linus Drogs, TJS board chairman.
“We are hopeful to bring our audience more non-commercial learning opportunities like this.”
Chris Ploof, founder of Chris Ploof Designs, has previously presented at TJS.
“The future of our industry will be dependent on our ability to share the knowledge and skills we have learned over time with future jewelry makers. Presenting at TJS is one of the best ways to assure our combined and continued success,” said Ploof.
The proposal abstract form, available here, must be completed and submitted by Aug. 1.
Final drafts of completed papers are due in January 2026 and presentations will be due in April 2026.
For more information, visit the TJS website or email Jessa Cast at jessa@thejewelrysymposium.com.
The Latest

Emmanuel Raheb shares tips on how a jeweler’s showcases, marketing, and social media presence can whisper, instead of shout.

The private equity firm has a plan to revive the mall staple.

The “Super Book of Gems” dives into the Mohs Hardness Scale, the Four C’s, and designs from jewelers like Cartier and Bulgari.

With their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.

Claudio Pasta will take the lead at the Italian fine jewelry brand, succeeding company founder Licia Mattioli.


The new lab-grown diamond jewelry offering is the latest expansion of the designer’s “Bliss” collection.

The miner is honoring the end of an era with an offering of 52 lots from the now-closed Argyle and the soon-to-close Diavik mines.

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

The California-based fine jewelry brand will retain its identity post-acquisition, with new collections launching next year.

The “Untamed” collection centers on carved gemstone jewelry depicting a range of animals embodying one of the four elemental forces.

Founded in 2004, the organization is now called the Community for Ethical Jewelry.

From Coco Gauff’s hoops to Madison Keys’ diamond medallion, these are Senior Editor Lenore Fedow’s standout jewelry looks of the season.

The trendy earrings feature asymmetrical drops, one with a grossular garnet and the other with a diamond.

Four social media marketing experts discuss their go-to methods and favorite tools for making high-quality short-form video content.

Sponsored by American Gem Trade Association

In its holiday report, PwC said the season will be more like jazz—improvisational and less predictable—than an easy-to-follow melody.

The jewelry giant will relocate its existing facility to a larger space in Anne Arundel.

The designer, who is the creative force behind her namesake brand, has now started a new mini line focusing on chains for fathers and sons.

The awards include tuition for a course at the Swiss lab, economy flights, and hotel accommodation.

The 21-day program was designed to help jewelry retailers identify opportunities and eliminate inefficiencies with AI.

A set of four Patek Philippe “Star Caliber 2000” pocket watches is part of Sotheby’s upcoming auction in Abu Dhabi.

The Brazilian jeweler’s latest book marks her namesake brand’s 25th anniversary and tells the tale of her worldwide collaborations.

The Submariner Ref. 1680 with a Tiffany & Co. dial came from the original owner, who won it as a prize on the game show in the 1970s.

The new integration allows users to manage shipments directly from the Shopify dashboard.

At Converge 2025, Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff attended sessions on DEI, tariffs, security, and more. Here are her top takeaways.

Six people were shot last week at an Oakland cash-for-gold shop as employees exchanged gunfire with individuals trying to rob the store.

The jeweler has expanded its high jewelry offering, which launched last year, with new pieces featuring its cube motif that debuted in 1999.