Events & AwardsJul 13, 2026
Registration Opens for JIS Fall 2026 ShowEvents & AwardsJul 14, 2026
Conference on Mining, Sustainability Kicks Off in NYC
Initiatives in Art and Culture is hosting its 16th annual Gold and Diamond Conference, with the theme of “Resilience.”
An aerial view of the Amazon rainforest. Initiatives in Art and Culture is hosting its 16th annual Gold and Diamond Conference this week, which will include a session on artisan and small-scale gold mining in the Amazon Basin.
New York—Initiatives in Art and Culture (IAC) is hosting its 16th annual Gold and Diamond Conference this week.
The event is being held at The Cosmopolitan Club in New York City from July 13-15 and features speakers and panelists from all facets of the jewelry industry.
This year’s theme is “Resilience,” with organizers highlighting how the jewelry industry can adapt and thrive amid global uncertainty.
“Resilience is clearly the quality most necessary to navigate and right the ship during such tumult,” said Lisa Koenigsberg, president and founder of IAC.
“We are honored to welcome an international roster of authoritative experts from refineries to heritage houses, individual makers to miners, to consider building resilience for an unpredictable future, and to pursue a vision that sees greatness within rather than as something lost to be regained.”
On Tuesday, the day begins at 8:30 a.m., with sessions running from 9:15 a.m. to 4:50 p.m., followed by closing remarks by Koenigsberg.
Session highlights include “CIBJO – IAC Session: AI and Intellectual Property” from 11 to 11:55 a.m., moderated by Koenigsberg.
Panelists are Sara Yood, president, CEO and general counsel, Jewelers Vigilance Committee; David Berdugo, CEO, Caratwise; Margaret Welsh, partner at Baker Hostetler and co-chair of the firm’s artificial intelligence team; and Jeremy Shepherd, CEO and founder, Pearl Paradise and president, Pearl Association of America.
“Resilience in the Diamond Landscape” will be held from 12 to 12:55 p.m.
Panelists include Raj Mehta, CEO and managing director of Spectrum B.V.; Jade Trau, fifth-generation diamantaire and fine jewelry designer; Emmy Kondo, strategy consultant at Natural Diamond Initiative, De Beers Group; Mark Klein, vice president of Julius Klein Diamonds; and Daniel Rose, vice president, diamond sourcing, Jared.
Related stories will be right here …
The event is being held at The Cosmopolitan Club in New York City from July 13-15 and features speakers and panelists from all facets of the jewelry industry.
This year’s theme is “Resilience,” with organizers highlighting how the jewelry industry can adapt and thrive amid global uncertainty.
“Resilience is clearly the quality most necessary to navigate and right the ship during such tumult,” said Lisa Koenigsberg, president and founder of IAC.
“We are honored to welcome an international roster of authoritative experts from refineries to heritage houses, individual makers to miners, to consider building resilience for an unpredictable future, and to pursue a vision that sees greatness within rather than as something lost to be regained.”
On Tuesday, the day begins at 8:30 a.m., with sessions running from 9:15 a.m. to 4:50 p.m., followed by closing remarks by Koenigsberg.
Session highlights include “CIBJO – IAC Session: AI and Intellectual Property” from 11 to 11:55 a.m., moderated by Koenigsberg.
Panelists are Sara Yood, president, CEO and general counsel, Jewelers Vigilance Committee; David Berdugo, CEO, Caratwise; Margaret Welsh, partner at Baker Hostetler and co-chair of the firm’s artificial intelligence team; and Jeremy Shepherd, CEO and founder, Pearl Paradise and president, Pearl Association of America.
“Resilience in the Diamond Landscape” will be held from 12 to 12:55 p.m.
Panelists include Raj Mehta, CEO and managing director of Spectrum B.V.; Jade Trau, fifth-generation diamantaire and fine jewelry designer; Emmy Kondo, strategy consultant at Natural Diamond Initiative, De Beers Group; Mark Klein, vice president of Julius Klein Diamonds; and Daniel Rose, vice president, diamond sourcing, Jared.
From 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. “ASGM (Artisan and Small-Scale Gold Mining) In the Amazon Basin” will be moderated by Edward Bickham, senior advisor on ASGM Issues, World Gold Council.
Panelists include Erich Adam Moreira Lima, head of geology forensic service, Brazilian Federal Police; Irene Mia, senior fellow for Latin America & Conflict, Security and Development at The International Institute for Strategic Studies; Juan José Herrera, business sustainability director, Lundin Gold; and Roger Tissot, executive director, Artisanal Gold Council.
An awards presentation and reception celebrating CIBJO’s 100th anniversary will be held from 5:40 to 7:30 p.m.
The ninth Responsible Practice in Jewelry Leadership Award will be presented to Richline Group’s Arien Gessner. The award recognizes his contribution to ethical sourcing and responsible practices in the gem and jewelry industry.
Wednesday’s program also begins at 8:30 a.m., with sessions running from 9:15 a.m. to 4:50 p.m. followed by closing remarks by Koenigsberg.
From 9:15 to 10:10 a.m., “Beyond Compliance: Climate Risk, Impacts and Strategy for the US Jewelry Industry” will be hosted by John Mulligan, head of sustainability strategy, World Gold Council and president, sustainable development commission, CIBJO.
Panelists include Peter Boyd, resident fellow, Yale Center for Business and the Environment; founder and CEO, Time4Good; Mark Hanna, former CMO, Richline; Sage Lenier, co-founder of environmental think tank Futureline, and Lisa Sachs, director, Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment, Columbia Climate School and associate professor of Professional Practice, Faculty of Climate, Columbia University.
Attendees can head to “The Future of Gold and Silversmithing and the Making of Jewelry, Preserving Skills as a Strategy for Longevity” from 10:15 to 11:10 a.m.
Panelists include Emili Vesilind, editor-in-chief, Gem & Jewel Magazine, Jewelers Mutual; Mary Lewis, head of craft sustainability, Heritage Craft; Karin Paynter, trustee, Goldsmiths Company Foundation; Linus Drogs, president and board chair, Au Enterprises; and Percy Stubbs, chief development officer, Turquoise Mountain.
From 3:55 to 4:50 p.m., moderator John Mulligan will host “Who Bears the ‘Cost’ of Responsible Gold Sourcing? Refineries as a Pressure Point, and the Economics and Challenges of Responsible Gold Sourcing.”
Panelists include Dani Hoover, customer experience and marketing manager, Hoover & Strong; Charlie Betts, managing director, Betts Metals and co-founder, SMO; Elena Masella, head of compliance, Valcambi; Steven Lerche, president, Goldstar; Sara Yood, JVC; and Kat Weymouth, director, diamond and jewelry services, SCS.
For a full list of sessions or more information, visit the IAC website. Tickets are available via EventBrite.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CrimeAug 03, 2026
Florida Man Gets 15 Years in Trio of Jewelry Store RobberiesThe 50-year-old man pleaded guilty earlier this year to robbing two jewelry stores and a pawn shop of more than $700,000 in merchandise.
WatchesAug 03, 2026
Citizen's New Spider-Man Watch Is a Collector’s DreamThe watch’s dial features an original design by Marvel comics illustrator Adam Kubert.
CollectionsAug 03, 2026
Chatham Releases First Men’s CollectionThe new collection of lab-grown diamond and colored gemstone jewelry provides a “fresh perspective” on the category, Chatham said.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
TrendsAug 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Spinel vs. Peridot While some August babies are team peridot, the month's time-honored birthstone, others are team spinel, the newer alternative.
Weekly QuizJul 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsJul 31, 2026
These Pieces of the Week Are Sweet Edina Kiss’ “Popsicle” pendant and Karina Choudhrie’s “Ice Cream” charm satisfy that summer craving for a sweet piece of jewelry.
MajorsJul 31, 2026
Macy’s Iconic Red Shopping Bag Sign Torn DownThe massive billboard has been in the same spot on the department store’s Herald Square flagship store for decades.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
SourcingJul 31, 2026
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Jumps 72%The miner’s ruby and emerald auctions brought in a combined $102.9 million.
SourcingJul 30, 2026
De Beers Sale in ‘Final, Most Challenging’ Phase, Anglo CEO SaysThe goal is for the De Beers sale to be finished by the second half of 2026, with the subsequent approvals process expected to take a year.
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2026
JA Heads Back to Washington as New Wave of Tariffs Takes Effect David Bonaparte, along with Tim Haake and Ronnie VanderLinden, continue to lobby for tariff exemptions for diamonds, gemstones, and pearls.
SurveysJul 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Slips in JulySurvey respondents were concerned about the rising prices of food and groceries as well as unemployment.
EditorsJul 29, 2026
Q&A: The Past and Future of Angola’s Diamond Industry Endiama Commercial Director Elton Escrivão knows people have a lot of misperceptions about Angola. He wants to change that.
MajorsJul 29, 2026
Kevin Reilly Retires After 39 Years in the Jewelry Industry Reilly has been with PGI USA for the last 20 years, leading partnership development and professional education.
FinancialsJul 29, 2026
Kering’s H1 Jewelry Sales Up 14%Boucheron reached record sales while Pomellato found success in its signature collections.
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2026
Lauren Harwell Godfrey Designs a Flag for ArkansasShe was one of more than 120 American designers who created flags for the “United Flags of Fashion” project led by CFDA and Vogue.
ColumnistsJul 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Why Your Job Postings May Be Working Against You Smith reveals the method The Retail Smiths use to help retailers and vendors write better job postings.
FinancialsJul 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Lead the Way for LVMH in H1LVMH’s jewelry and watch brands outperformed the company’s other divisions in an environment the company described as “disrupted.”
CollectionsJul 28, 2026
Lionheart’s New Collection Unites Spiritual Iconography“Sacred Heart” features symbols like crosses, angel wings, the Star of David, and the evil eye as a representation of coexistence.
Events & AwardsJul 28, 2026
The Edge Funding 2 Scholarships Via 24 Karat Club SEUS The scholarships will go to early-career professionals looking to study gemology, bench work and jewelry design, or store operations.
SurveysJul 27, 2026
Jewelry Leads Luxury Market Amid Stabilization, Bain SaysBain & Company delved into the trends shaping the luxury market, the impact of AI, and more in its recent study.
SourcingJul 27, 2026
‘Rubies’ Goes on Display at Harvard MuseumThe exhibition reveals the gemology, geology, and cultural history of the iconic red gemstone.
Policies & IssuesJul 24, 2026
New Trump Tariffs: What They Mean for Jewelry The new sweeping slate of tariffs impacts 60 countries, including India, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ode to ‘The Odyssey’From coin pendants to diamond shields, these old world-inspired jewels are the perfect accessory for an epic journey.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Courtney Leidy’s Silk Cord Pendants Center Unexpected Pairings Our Piece of the Week pairs a checkerboard-cut amethyst with an ivy green silk cord.
PodcastsJul 23, 2026
Episode 7: Reinhold Jewelers on the Power of RelationshipsMildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.
SourcingJul 23, 2026
De Beers’ Production Jumps 88 Percent in Q2 Production also was up in the first half of 2026 but is expected to “substantially” decrease in H2 as two key mines undergo maintenance.
