From a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
The 8 educational sessions of JA NY Winter
A keynote speech delivered by a small business expert and a panel discussion on how to snag the modern bride are among the sessions scheduled to take place at the JA New York Winter show.

New York--A keynote speech focused on small business advice and a panel discussion addressing how to snag the modern bride are among the educational sessions scheduled to take place at the upcoming JA New York Winter show.
The show is scheduled to start Sunday and run through Tuesday at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York. The education sessions, which are presented by Jewelers of America, will be offered on the first two days of the show.
Leading the lineup is MSNBC’s Your Business host JJ Ramberg, who will be offering insight, expertise and practical tips on running a small business, using information she’s garnered as both a business journalist and an entrepreneur.
RELATED CONTENT: What jewelers can learn from other business owners
Also featured is a session that teaches jewelers how to protect their business’s reputation online, how to optimize for SEO, sales strategies, and more.
The schedule for the education program on Sunday, Jan. 18 is as follows.
9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
“Tips to Help Your Small Business Grow”
JJ Ramberg, host of MSNBC’s Your Business and co-founder of Goodshop.com
In the keynote session, Ramberg will share tips on how to grow a small business, using advice and stories that she has gathered from interviews with thousands of small business owners as well as growing her own company.
11:30 a.m. to 12:40 p.m.
“Cyber Alert: Protect Your Reputation Online”
Michelle Graff, editor-in-chief of National Jeweler
Brian Douglas, CEO and founder, Reputations.biz
This session will give tips on how to monitor and manage a company’s reputation online.
1 to 2 p.m.
“Bench Myths”
Ann Cahoon, instructor, North Bennet Street School
This session takes a look at a few of the most fundamental components of working at the bench and tests the effectiveness of different approaches to determine what is effective and what might be myth.
2:20 to 3:20 p.m.
“How SEO Can Optimize Your Business”
Brian Douglas, CEO and founder, Reputations.biz
Douglas will use this session to talk about how search engine optimization (SEO), which ensures that businesses are visible online, has changed over the past few years, what kind of strategies businesses should have, how to build brand authority and more.
The schedule for the education program on Monday, Jan. 19 is as follows.
10:15 to 11:15 a.m.
“Sales Strategies: Unlock the Secrets to Effective Negotiating”
Joy Baldridge, CPC, CSP and founder of Baldridge Seminars International
11:35 a.m. to 12:35 p.m.
“How to Sell Without Selling on Social Media for Jewelry Businesses”
Nicole Kroese, director of new business, Likeable Local
In this session, an expert from Likeable Jewelers will give actionable advice and tricks on how to move past promotional and product-only posts and sell without selling on social media, specifically for the jewelry and retail industries.
12:55 to 1:55 p.m.
“How 3D Printing Elevates Your Business & Design”
Charlie Maddock, director of business development, Shapeways
The rise of 3-D printing has allowed for the sharing of design and production everywhere. Maddock will explain how 3-D printing can bring personalized production to everyone, whether they’re already designing using the method or are looking to get into it.
2:15 to 3:15 p.m.
“The New Bridal Landscape”
Amanda Gizzi, director of public relations and special events, Jewelers of America
Hal Rubenstein, global style director, Gabriel & Co.
Shane Clark, senior fashion and accessories editor, Brides
Though bridal remains an extremely important part of most jewelers’ businesses, the demographic of today’s potential bridal customer has changed dramatically. With changes like the legalization of same-sex marriage and the desire for more ethically sourced materials and unique rings, customers are looking for pieces that are very different from those of past generations. This panel discussion will take a look at the new bridal landscape and how retailers can navigate the changes to capitalize on the opportunities that they are bringing.
For more information about JA New York and to register for the Winter 2014 show, visit JA-NewYork.com.
The Latest

Groundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.

Jost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine


From shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.

The designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.

“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.

The lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.

A Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.

New collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.

Lanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.

A replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.

Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.

To enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.

The winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.

The rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.

It is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.

Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.

The jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.

Spectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.

Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.

Alexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.

The Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.

Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.






















