The recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
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.
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