Model Georgina Rodríguez received a rock of an engagement ring, with her diamond estimated to be 35 carats, experts say.
5 Must-Attend Education Sessions at Conclave
From an update on diamond grading reports to succession planning for jewelry store owners, here’s a rundown of just a few of the education sessions taking place at AGS Conclave 2016.

Washington--Former Secretary of State Colin Powell will kick off American Gem Society Conclave 2016 on Wednesday, speaking on leadership in the event’s opening keynote.
Joining the retired four-star general in the lineup of keynote speakers are Shawn Achor, the bestselling author of two books on how to be happy; retired U.S. Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell, author of the bestseller Lone Survivor; and returning Conclave speaker Joel Zeff, who will deliver the closing keynote on how to lead teams in times of change.
Outside of the keynote presentations, there’s many more education sessions at Conclave, which is taking place in the nation’s capital this year.
Here are five that stood out to National Jeweler’s editors as must-attend events for jewelry store owners.
1. Diamond Grading Reports 2016 – An Update!
SPEAKER: Andrew Rickard, RDI Diamonds Inc.
DATE: Friday, April 15
TIME: 11:45 a.m.
2. Business Transition: When to Start, What to Do, How to Finish
SPEAKER: Daniel Pharr
DATE: Friday, April 15
TIME: 3:30 p.m.
3. The Year in Style: Jewelry Fashion Trends That Define
SPEAKER: Jennifer Heebner, JCK magazine and JCKOnline.com
DATE: Thursday, April 14
TIME: 11:45 a.m.
4. How Generating Rave Reviews Drives More Business
SPEAKER: Dhanusha Sivajee, XO Group
DATE: Friday, April 15
TIME: 10:15 a.m.
5. Engaged. Trend Talk on All Things Engagement and Bridal Style
MODERATOR: Michelle Graff, National Jeweler editor-in-chief
PANELISTS: Desiree Hanson, NPD Group; Danielle Miele, Gem Gossip; Stacy Tasman, How He Asked
DATE: Wednesday, April 13
TIME: 3:45 p.m.
To view a complete list of sessions, download the 2016 AGS Conclave Mobile App by searching “AGS Conclave” or “American Gem Society” in the App Store or Google Play.
AGS Conclave 2016 is scheduled for April 13 to 16 in Washington, D.C.
The Latest

The board elected 9 new directors at its recent ICA Congress in Brazil.

Three winners will receive a custom ring from Honest Hands Ring Co. inlaid with a piece of history from Denver-based distillery Stranahan’s.

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

JD Sports and Wawa were among the fastest-growing retail companies in the U.S. last year.


The new inventory, all untreated, features vibrant hues and unique bicolor combinations.

Acquired by a tech investor, the historic brand will continue to focus on jewelry, accessories, and timepieces.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

President Donald Trump issued an executive order extending the pause on higher tariffs to November as negotiations with China continue.

The “Thunderbird Slab” collection features a thunderbird motif as a symbol of power, protection, and boundless possibility.

Columnists Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share tips on how to elevate your professional image.

Peter Damian Arguello, a jeweler in the Denver suburb of Wheat Ridge, was found dead inside his store in November 2023.

The retailer, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, is becoming part of the Berkshire Hathaway Jewelry Group with Helzberg.

Associate Editor Lauren McLemore recently attended a fabrics trade show where a trend forecaster shared her predictions for summer 2027.

The company raised its full-year sales guidance while noting it has not yet assessed the potential impact of the latest tariff news.

The brand’s latest iteration of a bezel-set diamond bangle features clean lines and a timeless design for a new modern silhouette.

The first watch in the series commemorates his participation in the Civil Rights movement, marching from Selma to Montgomery in 1965.

The catalog contains a complete listing of all the loose gemstones in stock, as well as information about the properties of each stone.

The company added a retailer dashboard to its site and three new birds to its charm collection, the cardinal, blue jay, and hummingbird.

An additional 25 percent tariff has been added to the previously announced 25 percent.

The jewelry and accessories retailer plans to close 18 stores as part of the proceedings.

Its Springfield, Massachusetts, store is set to close as owner Andrew Smith heads into retirement.

Designer Hiba Husayni looked to the whale’s melon shaped-head, blowhole, and fluke for her new chunky gold offerings.

She will present the 23rd edition of the trend forecasting book at Vicenzaoro on Sept. 7.

Omar Roy, 72, was arrested in connection with the murder of jeweler Dionisio Carlos Valladares.

The New Orleans-based brand’s “Beyond Katrina” jewels honor the communities affected by the storm.

Lilian Raji explains why joining an affiliate network is essential for brands seeking placements in U.S. consumer publications.