Set in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
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 jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.

Take luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

In its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.


Starting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.

The 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

The new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.

The filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.

The new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.

Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.

“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.

The sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.

Most customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

The collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.

MatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.

The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.

Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.

Billed as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.

Don’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.

The new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.

A choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.

The manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.

The man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.

The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.

Sponsored by De Beers Group




















