ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
Events & AwardsFeb 10, 2016
MJSA Expo Seminar Lineup Announced
A look at the future of jewelry design and manufacturing, how to track digital advertising, and techniques for freehand sketching are just a few of the topics on tap.
New York--A look at the future of jewelry design and manufacturing, how to track digital advertising, and techniques for freehand sketching are just a few of the topics of the education sessions at the upcoming MJSA Expo.
Though the shows are being run independently, they will honor each other’s badges, enabling qualified attendees access to the exhibitors and education sessions at all three.
The lineup of education sessions at MJSA Expo is as follows.
Sunday, March 13
Shop of Tomorrow, Part 1: The Future of Jewelry Design
10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Moderator: Andrea Hill, StrategyWerx. Panelists: Kevin Abernathy, BISventures; Steven Adler, A3DM Technologies; and Michael Raphael, Direct Dimensions Inc.
In this session, a panel of experts will take a look at the developments in design technologies--advancements in CAD and virtual “sculpting,” the growing importance of cybersecurity and “intelligent” software that can make recommendations for certain designs.
Jewelry Making 101: Setting Techniques (two parts)
Joel McFadden, Joel McFadden Designs
12 to 1:30 p.m.--“Bezel Settings Made Easier”
2 to 3:30 p.m.--“Channel Setting for Beginners”
Presented by custom jeweler McFadden of Joel McFadden Designs in Red Bank, N.J., this session will explain and demonstrate basic jewelry techniques in a clear, simple and entertaining way. Made possible through the MJSA Education Foundation, Jewelry Making 101 costs $45 for MJSA members and $65 for nonmembers for both sessions.
Shop of Tomorrow, Part 2: The Future of Jewelry Manufacturing
1 to 2:30 p.m.
Moderator: Andrea Hill, StrategyWerx. Panelists: Kevin Abernathy, BISventures; Steven Adler, A3DM Technologies; and Michael Raphael, Direct Dimensions Inc.
This session will focus on the future of jewelry manufacturing--advancements in 3D printing, the future of Direct Metal Laser Sintering, where jewelry is “grown” from metal, and the importance of the “cloud” in all aspects of manufacturing, among other things.
Quick Draw: Techniques for Freehand Sketching
3 to 4:30 p.m.
Rémy Rotenier, Rémy Design
Whether a retailer is bringing a design to life in front of their customer or a designer is providing visual guidance to a CAD artist or model maker, the ability to create
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
freehand sketches can be invaluable to business. During this session, Rotenier use a few simple steps to show how to draw and shade first a gemstone and then a band, combining both into a 3D sketch. There also will be opportunities for attendees to try their own sketching.
Monday, March 14
At the Bench Live: Setting Side Stones in an Engagement Ring
10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Lee Krombholz, Krombholz Jewelers/Just Like You Designs (Bench and Tool Sponsor: Stuller)
Custom jeweler Krombholz will look at the various ways in which side stones can be used to create unique and durable designs for an engagement ring. He then will demonstrate, in detail, how to set the stones to create practical, memorable styles.
Getting Personal: Defining, Explaining, and Promoting Custom Design
1 to 2:30 p.m.
Joel McFadden, Joel McFadden Designs; and Lee Krombholz, Krombholz Jewelers/Just Like You Designs
In this session, these leading jewelers will discuss the degrees of custom, ranging from a simple selection of gemstone and mounting to a from-scratch design, the quality standards necessary for custom work, and how to explain and promote custom design to customers to ensure that they understand their options and get exactly what they want.
Tracking Your Digital Advertising
3 to 4:30 p.m.
Matthew Perosi, Sapphire Collaborative
Many businesses these days are putting a lot of time and effort into keeping their social media accounts active, but how do they know it’s working? In this session, Perosi will show how, through coding techniques and strategies, traffic generated from all digital efforts can be tracked to ensure businesses are investing wisely and gaining maximum value.
To register for the MJSA Expo, visit the MJSA website.
Monday, March 14
At the Bench Live: Setting Side Stones in an Engagement Ring
10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Lee Krombholz, Krombholz Jewelers/Just Like You Designs (Bench and Tool Sponsor: Stuller)
Custom jeweler Krombholz will look at the various ways in which side stones can be used to create unique and durable designs for an engagement ring. He then will demonstrate, in detail, how to set the stones to create practical, memorable styles.
Getting Personal: Defining, Explaining, and Promoting Custom Design
1 to 2:30 p.m.
Joel McFadden, Joel McFadden Designs; and Lee Krombholz, Krombholz Jewelers/Just Like You Designs
In this session, these leading jewelers will discuss the degrees of custom, ranging from a simple selection of gemstone and mounting to a from-scratch design, the quality standards necessary for custom work, and how to explain and promote custom design to customers to ensure that they understand their options and get exactly what they want.
Tracking Your Digital Advertising
3 to 4:30 p.m.
Matthew Perosi, Sapphire Collaborative
Many businesses these days are putting a lot of time and effort into keeping their social media accounts active, but how do they know it’s working? In this session, Perosi will show how, through coding techniques and strategies, traffic generated from all digital efforts can be tracked to ensure businesses are investing wisely and gaining maximum value.
To register for the MJSA Expo, visit the MJSA website.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
AuctionsApr 30, 2026
Vintage Cartier Watch Crashes Through Records, Selling for $2MBelieved to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeApr 30, 2026
Masked Group Uses Hammers, Pepper Spray in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyOfficials are looking for a group that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers at an outlet mall in Round Rock, Texas, in broad daylight on April 21.
Weekly QuizApr 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Supplier BulletinApr 30, 2026
OROAREZZO 2026: The B2B Event for Italian Excellence in Goldsmith, Jewelry and Silver ManufacturingSponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition
MajorsApr 29, 2026
The Thought Process Behind the Mother's Day Email Opt-OutSome retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
IndependentsApr 29, 2026
Dick Abbott to Retire From The EdgeThe Edge has announced its new CEO, as well as a new partnership with an investment firm focused on founder-led software businesses.
SourcingApr 29, 2026
De Beers’ Production Rises, Market Remains ‘Challenged’De Beers’ diamond production was up 17 percent in Q1, boosted by increased output at its mines in South Africa and Canada.
AuctionsApr 29, 2026
This'll Be the Day You Own John Wayne's RingA signet ring belonging to the Western film star of Hollywood’s Golden Age will be up for auction at Elmwood’s next month.
Policies & IssuesApr 28, 2026
Tariff Refunds: How to File, What to Expect Importers can submit claims now to receive money back for the IEEPA tariffs they’ve paid, with refunds expected to take up to 90 days.
IndependentsApr 28, 2026
This North Carolina Jeweler Is Passing the TorchThe owners of Gregory Jewelers in Morganton, North Carolina, are heading into retirement.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
Doug Hucker Retires From ICAThe colored gemstone industry leader is heading into retirement after four years as the association’s CEO.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
NDC Hires Tapestry Exec to Head Global Marketing Susie Dewey joins the Natural Diamond Council as its new chief marketing officer.
AuctionsApr 27, 2026
12 Years Later, the ‘Ocean Dream’ Diamond Resurfaces at Christie’sThe largest known fancy vivid blue-green diamond could fetch more than $12 million at its second auction appearance.
ColumnistsApr 27, 2026
Stop Treating Mother’s Day Like an AfterthoughtEmmanuel Raheb says jewelers need to start marketing early and make it easy for customers to pick a gift for mom.
IndependentsApr 27, 2026
Longnecker Jewelry Celebrates 30 YearsIn honor of the milestone, the Nebraska jeweler has debuted Leslie & Co., its new in-house jewelry brand.
MajorsApr 27, 2026
JBT Re-Elects Jeff Corey as Board ChairThe trade organization, which held its annual elections earlier this year, also added five new board members.
SurveysApr 24, 2026
Mother’s Day 2026 Jewelry Spending to Top $7B, NRF SaysNRF’s annual survey found that 45 percent of consumers plan to purchase jewelry for a loved one this Mother’s Day.
TechnologyApr 24, 2026
TwentyFour’s Digital-Age Locket Is a Virtual VaultThe “Vault” charm, our Piece of the Week, expands on the memories that can be stored in a locket by connecting to your phone.
IndependentsApr 23, 2026
Meet the Real Moms of Day’s JewelersThe jeweler’s Mother’s Day campaign highlights the women who work there—mothers, grandmothers, women who want to be mothers, and dog moms.
Supplier BulletinApr 23, 2026
JM® Shipping Solution: Smarter Shipping for High-Value GoodsSponsored by Jewelers Mutual
Lab-GrownApr 23, 2026
Charles & Colvard May Sell Assets for $1.5MThe proposed agreement follows the moissanite maker’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing last month.
AuctionsApr 23, 2026
John Jacob Astor IV’s Titanic Pocket Watch Fetches $1MThe Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. timepiece Astor brought aboard the ill-fated ship sold for double its estimate at a Freeman’s auction.
CollectionsApr 23, 2026
Adam Neeley’s High Jewelry Collection Steps Into Salvador Dalí’s GardenThe “Dalí’s Garden” collection was inspired by a surreal dream Neeley had after cooking a recipe from Salvador Dalí’s 1973 cookbook.
IndependentsApr 23, 2026
Windsor Jewelers Names New Buying DirectorNatalie Feanny has been appointed to the role.
