EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
Events & AwardsFeb 03, 2014
Get educated at JA New York Winter
JA New York has released the lineup of speakers and panels for the education program at its upcoming winter show, helping retailers take home relevant information on top of a new stock of jewelry.
New York--JA New York has released the lineup of speakers and panels for the education program at its upcoming winter show, helping retailers take home relevant information on top of a new stock of jewelry.
The JA Winter show will take place from Saturday, March 1 to Tuesday, March 4 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York. The education sessions will span two days, Sunday and Monday, and will offer ideas to help participants and their stores thrive in 2014.
The lineup for Sunday, March 2, is as follows:
10:15 to 11:15 a.m.
“Store Security: How to Spot a Jewelry Criminal & What a Jeweler Should Do”
Scott Guginksy, vice president, Jewelers’ Security Alliance
Learn about the “red flags” that may help spot a jewelry criminal and how a jeweler should react from a 24-year veteran with the New York Police Department and one of the most knowledgeable police experts on jewelry crime in the United States.
11:35 a.m. to 12:50 p.m.
“Thriving in the Internet Age: A Panel Discussion”
Moderated by Michelle Graff, editor-in-chief of National Jeweler
This session will take a look at the opportunities and challenges of retailing in the Internet age, including how to handle “showrooming,” how to ensure the online business doesn’t undercut the traditional brand, capitalizing on customers who walk into the store even if they seem set on making an online purchase and competing on service and not price.
1:10 to 2:10 p.m.
“Turning on the Platinum Profit Machine for Your Bridal Business”
Kevin Reilly, director of business development, Platinum Guild International USA
This informative session from Platinum Guild International will share ideas to make the bridal business more profitable.
2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
“Capitalizing on Custom”
Peggy Jo Donahue, director of public affairs, MJSA
Since custom design has been one of the bright spots in the recession for many jewelers, this seminar will teach jewelers how to capitalize on consumers’ desire for custom pieces, from customizing jewelry in-house via a bench operation to using new customization options provided by suppliers.
The schedule for Monday, March 3, is as follows:
11:30 a.m. to 12:40 p.m.
“Social Media: Why it Pays to Be Likeable”
Dave Kerpen, CEO, Likeable Jewelers
Marketing expert Dave Kerpen, New York Times best-selling author of Likeable Social Media and Likeable Business, will share stories and actionable advice from inspirational social media business leaders.
1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
“Diversify Your Supply For Success”
Matthew Tratner, director of membership and sales, Jewelers of America
JA’s Matthew Tratner will be giving actionable tips to make sure retailers never miss another must-have jewelry collection by an undiscovered designer or manufacturer and will teach retailers how to diversify supply chains and expand merchandise offerings and improve profits, merchandise selection and customer satisfaction.
Matthew Tratner, director of membership and sales, Jewelers of America
JA’s Matthew Tratner will be giving actionable tips to make sure retailers never miss another must-have jewelry collection by an undiscovered designer or manufacturer and will teach retailers how to diversify supply chains and expand merchandise offerings and improve profits, merchandise selection and customer satisfaction.
2:20 to 3:20 p.m.
“Marketing by Design: Bring in New Designers to Differentiate Your Store Brand”
Cindy Edelstein, president, Jeweler’s Resource Bureau
An industry expert in the designer sector, Cindy Edelstein will show retailers how to increase traffic, marketing prowess and sales with designer jewelry. She’ll also talk about the ways to choose the right designers for a store’s clientele, how to benefit from their marketing tools and how to adjust the sales process to maximize the potential.
For more information about JA New York and registration for the Winter 2014 show, visit JA-NewYork.com.
The JA New York Shows, along with National Jeweler and the Couture show, are part of Emerald Expositions, an owner and operator of business-to-business trade shows and related publications.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned PlatformThe Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
SourcingJun 02, 2026
Leader Appointed for Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’sSotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.
AuctionsJun 02, 2026
Sotheby’s to Auction 10-Carat Blue Diamond, 1960s Harry Winston Necklace A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.
