CollectionsJul 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jemma Wynne’s ‘Forme’ NecklaceAnne Hathaway was seen wearing the toggle necklace three times while filming scenes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”
Events & AwardsApr 19, 2018
11 Events Not to Miss in Nashville
AGS Conclave kicks off Monday in Tennessee. Here are (almost all) the fun things planned.
Nashville, Tenn.--American Gem Society Conclave kicks off Monday in Nashville, Tenn.
Aside from the keynote speakers, who are led by opener Marie Osmond, here are 11 happenings not to be missed in Music City.
Monday, April 23
Free Headshots All Day
8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Networking Area
The Platinum Guild International and the AGS Young Titleholders are offering free professional pictures all day on the first day of Conclave.
The Power of Brand Building with Kathy Ireland
Kathy Ireland
10:15-11:15 a.m.
The model-turned-entrepreneur launched her own brand, Kathy Ireland Worldwide, in 1993 and is listed by License Global Magazine as one of the 19 most influential women in licensing worldwide. Her empire includes a line of jewelry, Diamonds by Kathy Ireland.
Cybersecurity: How to Be Prepared for an Attack
Bill Gunckel, Jewelers Mutual Insurance Group
10:15-11:15 a.m.
It’s not necessarily a fun topic but it’s important and timely. The Jewelers Security Alliance’s 2017 report noted a spike in cybercrime in the jewelry industry, and a number of major corporations have been the target of hackers, most recently Saks Fifth Avenue and Lord & Taylor.
The Tao of Change: Flexibility, Reaction and Persistence
Joel Zeff
3:30-5 p.m.
Zeff is returning as Conclave emcee and is presenting a late-afternoon session that will use “dynamic interactive skits” to discuss controlling emotions in the face of change and not giving up.
Trivia Night
9:15-11:15 p.m.
The Rotunda Room at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Another function of the AGS Young Titleholders, trivia night includes food and drink as well as questions ranging from gemology to facts about Nashville.
Tuesday, April 24
Titleholders Luncheon
1-2:30 p.m.
Sleep in after trivia night and re-join the crowd at the Titleholders Luncheon. An annual event, this lunch is where the AGS announces the winners of the Sallie Morton, John J. Kennedy, Guild of the Year and Young Titleholder awards.
From Bombshells to Bling: Jewels of the 1940s & 1950s
Gina D’Onofrio, Heritage Auctions
3-4:30 p.m.
D’Onofrio’s session will help attendees comfortably date jewelry crafted in the retro and mid-century modern periods by comparing and contrasting the designs created from World War II through the post-war boom of the ‘50s.
Too Old to Start Over But Too Young to Retire? Strategies to Balance Risk and Reward Amid Constant Change
Hedda Schupak, The Centurion Newsletter
4:15-5:15 p.m.
An editor and analyst working
in the fine jewelry industry for 31 years, Schupak will give her analysis on the challenges facing retailers today—aging baby boomers, keeping up with technology, millennial indifference, etc.—and provide advice they can apply now.
Wednesday, April 25
Intellectual Property Laws for Jewelers
Sara Yood, senior counsel, Jewelers Vigilance Committee
10:15-11:15 a.m.
Intellectual property law covers areas like trademark, patent and copyright. In this session, JVC Senior Counsel Yood will teach attendees the differences among them, what can be protected and how they can be applied in the jewelry industry.
Robert M. Shipley Award Luncheon
1-2:30 p.m.
Another Conclave staple, the last luncheon of the three-day conference features the presentation of the AGS’s highest honor. Last year’s winner was Pennsylvania jeweler Cathy Calhoun.
President’s Party
6:30-9:30 p.m.
The event’s annual closer, the party is always organized by the current AGS president—this year, that is Scott Berg—and the theme plays off the host city. So for this year, we’re thinking it’s going to be all about country music.
American Gem Society Conclave is scheduled to take place Monday, April 23 to Wednesday, April 25 in Nashville.
For a complete list of events and education sessions, take a look at the online program.
Wednesday, April 25
Intellectual Property Laws for Jewelers
Sara Yood, senior counsel, Jewelers Vigilance Committee
10:15-11:15 a.m.
Intellectual property law covers areas like trademark, patent and copyright. In this session, JVC Senior Counsel Yood will teach attendees the differences among them, what can be protected and how they can be applied in the jewelry industry.
Robert M. Shipley Award Luncheon
1-2:30 p.m.
Another Conclave staple, the last luncheon of the three-day conference features the presentation of the AGS’s highest honor. Last year’s winner was Pennsylvania jeweler Cathy Calhoun.
President’s Party
6:30-9:30 p.m.
The event’s annual closer, the party is always organized by the current AGS president—this year, that is Scott Berg—and the theme plays off the host city. So for this year, we’re thinking it’s going to be all about country music.
American Gem Society Conclave is scheduled to take place Monday, April 23 to Wednesday, April 25 in Nashville.
For a complete list of events and education sessions, take a look at the online program.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
FinancialsJul 25, 2025
LVMH Sales Slip in H1 Amid ‘Prevailing Uncertainties’Renovations at Tiffany & Co. stores ate into profits in the company’s watch and jewelry division.
SourcingJul 24, 2025
De Beers Sees Diamond Production Sink 36% in Q2 While struggles continue at the mining and trading end of the pipeline, consumer demand for diamond jewelry is holding steady.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
CollectionsJul 24, 2025
Francesca Villa Adds Dimension to Her Intaglio CharactersThe “Fantasia” jewelry collection turns the intaglio animals from her “Close Encounters” collection into 3D characters.
Weekly QuizJul 25, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesJul 24, 2025
Breitling Drops Super Bowl Watch Honoring the Philadelphia Eagles The special Classic Avi Chronograph 42 with an Eagles-green dial is limited to 59 pieces, a nod to the Super Bowl Philadelphia just won.
CrimeJul 23, 2025
JSA Warns of Violent String of Smash-and-Grabs in California JSA has received reports of mobs swarming jewelry stores, driving cars into the storefront or smashing through the windows.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
CollectionsJul 23, 2025
Silvia Furmanovich’s ‘Kashmir’ Collection Is a Tribute to Northern IndiaThe “Kashmir” collection features centuries-old craft techniques made in collaboration with the region’s master papier-mâché artisans.
IndependentsJul 23, 2025
Montreal’s Ecksand Eyes Move to SoHoCreative Director Erica Bianchini shared why the jeweler is looking to expand into the U.S. and how it’s putting Canadian craftsmanship on the map.
IndependentsJul 23, 2025
IJO Raises Nearly $37K for LA Fire Relief Two Los Angeles Fire Department stations plan to use the donations to upgrade their equipment and tools.
CollectionsJul 22, 2025
Jewelry With a Rock ‘n’ Roll Aesthetic Heads to Sotheby’s LondonNext week, the auction house will kick off a selling exhibition of jewelry by British artist Hannah Martin and Coldplay’s Guy Berryman.
SourcingJul 22, 2025
Antwerp Diamond Heist Documentary Coming to Netflix“Stolen: Heist of the Century” is based on “Flawless,” the book about the middle-of-the-night theft, and will debut on Netflix in August.
ColumnistsJul 22, 2025
The Gifting Gap: How to Market Jewelry Beyond the HolidaysEmmanuel Raheb shares the top five gifting moments outside of major holidays that jewelers should build marketing campaigns around.
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2025
NY Now’s Summer Market Returns in AugustThe wholesale trade show’s Luxury Lifestyle section will showcase established and emerging jewelry designers.
MajorsJul 21, 2025
Rio Grande Expands Personalization OfferingsAs demand for custom jewelry grows, the company is expanding its services to support retailers.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2025
NAJA’s 2025 ‘Ace It’ Conference To Go VirtualThe mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers is slated for Aug. 9 to 10 on Zoom.
TrendsJul 21, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Graduated With Honors Graduated stones make for elevated tennis-style pieces and dramatic statement necklaces.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Lewis Heyman on Sourcing Gemstones, Post-Retirement PlansHe retired last month after 28 years traveling the world to source the very best gemstones for his family’s jewelry business, Oscar Heyman.
TrendsJul 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: CCWW Designs’ Shell Charm NecklaceThe charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Plumb Club Elects New Board MembersThe organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.
TechnologyJul 18, 2025
Brad Campbell, John Liebler Join Clientbook’s Executive Team Campbell joins the company as vice president of business development while Liebler is the new vice president of operations.
CollectionsJul 17, 2025
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.
Supplier BulletinJul 17, 2025
The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025: Your Holiday Preparations, All Wrapped Up! Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025
SurveysJul 17, 2025
The Most Recommended Brands in the World, According to YouGovGlobally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.
IndependentsJul 17, 2025
Gina Ferranti of GiGi Ferranti Jewelry Dies at 59The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.
