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.
Here is JA’s Education and Events Lineup for JA New York
A cocktail party to benefit JFC and an expansive education line-up are planned for the March show.

New York--The JA New York Spring trade show is fast approaching, and Jewelers of America has announced its full agenda of events taking place during the March event.
Sunday, March 11 will kick off with a session on “Embracing E-Commerce without the Expense and Expertise,” with speaker Lauren Kennedy, the vice president of marketing at Bright Society. Kennedy will talk about the expectations of consumers when visiting e-commerce sites and the most essential aspects of selling online on which retailers should focus.
Tammy Lail, merchandising vice president at Stuller Inc., will lead a session titled “Maximizing Your Repair Profit,” covering strategies and solutions for making the most of repair sales.
President and CEO of Performance Concepts, Inc. Kate Peterson and President and CEO of Diamond Council of America Terry Chandler will tell attendees how to “Sharpen Your Competitive Edge.” The session will focus on how to train employees to best serve today’s educated consumer.
In “Capitalize on the Diamonds Do Good Message--A Win/Win for Your Business and Your Customers,” Nancy Orem Lyman, the executive director of the Diamond Empowerment Fund, will explain how businesses can successfully convey what they’re doing responsibly and ethically to millennial consumers who are interested in purchases that make a difference.
On Sunday night, JA will partner with Jewelers for Children to host “Celebrate New York,” a cocktail party and silent auction, which will raise money for the latter. Taking place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Special Events Hall at the Javits Center, the event includes an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, silent auction, DJ & dancing.
Attendance is free for Jewelers of America members, who can register online. The event also is sponsored by JA New York, Jewelers Mutual Insurance Group and Synchrony Financial.
Then, on Monday, March 12, JA will host an Idea Exchange at 8 a.m., giving show attendees an opportunity to discuss and brainstorm topics pertinent to the jewelry business. While free to attend, space for the exchange is limited and attendance should be confirmed online to reserve a spot.
Also happening Monday at 1 p.m. is JA’s Professional Certification exams in sales and management. Those who register in advance will receive $10 off the exam fee.
Monday’s educational agenda kicks off with a “Stand Out on Social Media” discussion, led by Amanda Gizzi, director of public relations and events at JA, and Lauren Kalma, JA’s public relations
Travis Isaacson, vice president, sales and marketing at Lashbrook, will speak about the necessity of growing your custom business in his session, “Custom: The Next Catalyst for Growth for Brick-and-Mortar.”
A timely topic, former President and CEO of Jewelers Vigilance Committee Cecilia Gardner also will speak, addressing “Sexual Harassment in the Workplace: Tools for Employees and Business.” She’ll let industry members know what rights are available to employers and employees and how to protect a business from the most common litigation issues.
Finally, JA’s Director of Membership and Sales and publisher of National Jeweler, Matthew Tratner, will present a session titled “Improve Your Business with Key Insights from the 2017 Fine Jewelry Industry Consumer & Retail Market Report.” Analyzing two in-depth studies, Tratner will underline the future opportunities that jewelers should begin to capitalize on now.
JA also will display the winning designs from the 2018 CASE Awards at its booth, #1072, at the show and will offer a special $99 rate for JA membership, plus a chance to win a Foldio 360 lightbox.
JA’s full schedule of educational programming and events is free to JA New York Show attendees. For more information visit Jewelers.org.
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.























