Events & Awards

Here is JA’s Education and Events Lineup for JA New York

Events & AwardsFeb 28, 2018

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.

2016-JA-logo.jpg

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

and events coordinator. Gizzi and Kalma will share their tips and tricks for making an impact in a crowded social marketplace.

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.
Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

De Beers Group CEO Al Cook
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply

The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.

Russ Whitehouse
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse Retires

The industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.

Marie Lichtenberg Smash Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, Literally

Inspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.

PG-05-SHOT-2-LUCIDA.033 1.png
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in Vegas

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

Katherine Whitacre
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for Southeast

The company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.

Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Collage of new Stuller items
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine Jewelry

The jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.

De Beers Group’s Sally Morrison
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer

Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”

1872x1052-NextGem-2026-National-Jeweler-Advertorial.jpg
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry Retailers

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

Lauren K Gemma pendant
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone Trio

Those born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.

Overnight Mountings Ring Builder Platform
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder Platform

The platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.

Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 Years

Jim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.

Stock image of a person shopping at the grocery store
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows

When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.

Rebel Jewelry Tunnel Charm
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride Month

The “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.

Three gold rings set with yellow- and brown-hued diamonds
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural Diamonds

The jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.

A Marvelous Journey: The Collection of Maurice Tempelsman
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to Auction

Up for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.

Dakota Badia and Nancy Badia
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in Aspen

The Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.

AGS at Peter Yantzer Building dedication
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule Ceremony

The organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.

Neiman Marcus downtown Dallas store
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in September

Saks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.

The Retail Smiths founder and National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About You

Smith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.

Screenshot of the Tracr website homepage
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned Platform

The Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.

The 1916 Company Coast to Coast Roadshow
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, Again

The retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.

Jessica Alba in Gabriel & Co. campaign
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.

The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.

Anna Maccieri Rossi Ora Wood Sunrise Cuff, Marie Lichtenberg High Jewelry Bandana, Anna Maccieri Rossi Carpe Diem Pendant
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will Survive

The price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.

Woman with crossed hands and rings on fingers
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’

The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, chairperson of the Diamonds for Development Fund
SourcingJun 02, 2026
Leader Appointed for Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.

James Marks
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’s

Sotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.

Sothebys 10-carat blue diamond, 120 carat Harry Winston diamond necklace
AuctionsJun 02, 2026
Sotheby’s to Auction 10-Carat Blue Diamond, 1960s Harry Winston Necklace

A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy