Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
Atlanta Jewelry Show Announces Revamped Education Program
A pre-show conference and a host of panels led by industry experts are some of the highlights.
Atlanta--Carol Young, executive director of Southern Jewelry Travelers Association, the organization that produces the Atlanta Jewelry Show, has announced a revamped education program for the show’s March edition as well as new leadership.

Chandler previously worked as the associate show director at The Smart Jewelry Show, which has been canceled for 2017 and faces an uncertain future, managing its large education schedule.
She also held the role of executive deputy director at the American Gem Society, where she was responsible for its educational events.
Chandler has created a slew of new programs in her new role at the Atlanta Jewelry Show.
“Cindy Chandler is ideally suited for this new position, and we’re confident our community will find value in the new programs introduced at our March show,” said Young.
“Cindy has keen insight into the complex issues facing independent jewelers today. Addressing these concerns and focusing on solutions is what Cindy does best; we are thrilled to bring her expertise in cultivating an educational community to the Atlanta Jewelry Show and all our participants.”
On Friday, March 4, the day prior to the show’s start, there will be a pre-show conference with more than 20 sessions covering social media, colored gemstone trends and hands-on bench workshops.
Additionally, during the show, on Saturday, March 5 and Sunday, March 6, there will be “Learning Lab” sessions on the show floor, in which panels of experts will cover various topics relevant to the jewelry industry, from technology to trends.
The Diamond Council of America will also sponsor interactive forums in which retailers share keys to their success.
Mike Wittenstein, a storyteller and “retail experience designer,” will be Saturday’s keynote speaker and will focus on storytelling as a sales technique.
Sunday’s keynote presentation will be conducted by Tom LaForge, founder of Macroforces Inc. and previously the global director of human and cultural insights at Atlanta-based The Coca-Cola Company. LaForge’s presentation is titled “Cultural Shifts and Insights Vital for a Relevant Business Strategy.”
To learn more about the educational programming, or to register for the show, visit AtlantaJewelryShow.com.
The Latest

Simon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.

A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.

The risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.

The company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.


The organization also announced its board of directors.

Charms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.

Located in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.

A platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.

The basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.

The Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.

The 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.

Lilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.

GCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.

The Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Van Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.

Industry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
The two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

The Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.

The jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.

The “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.

Interior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.

During a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.

The free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.

The feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.