The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
The 2018 Portland Jewelry Symposium Is ‘Keeping It Real’
The theme for the 11th annual conference is “crafts meets technology.”
Portland, Ore.—Portland Jewelry Symposium organizers have announced the details for their 11th annual event, which is scheduled to take place next month.
Slated for Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, the theme of the conference is “Craft Meets Technology: Keeping it Real in a Digital World.”
As in years past, the conference will begin on Sunday evening with a dinner and keynote address. JCK’s Rob Bates will deliver this year’s keynote, commenting on the ways technology is changing the jewelry industry overall.
Monday will feature a plethora of speakers, panel presentations and bench demonstrations.
Topics addressed will run the gamut from high-tech casting methods to digital marketing.
Professor Anne-Marie Carey of Birmingham City University will speak about her joint project with the Museum of London, creating digital reproductions of 17th century artifacts from the Cheapside Hoard, the famed discovery of more than 400 pieces of fine jewelry in 1912 that had been buried in a cellar in London for hundreds of years.
Carey will comment on the role of technology in preservation and the latest methodologies.
The symposium’s panels will feature metallurgists and 3-D resin casting experts, and Ann Cahoon of the North Bennett Street School will lead bench demonstrations, sponsored by Rio Grande. Question-and-answer sessions will follow the panels.
The full list of programming, and further information, is available on the symposium website.
The Latest

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

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

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

The company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.























