Moti Ferder stepped down Wednesday and will not receive any severance pay, parent company Compass Diversified said.
JA to Hold Its First National Convention Next Year
It will take place in New York in late July.

New York—Jewelers of America announced Wednesday that it will hold its first national convention next year, an education-focused jewelry event that will be open to all jewelry professionals.
The Jewelers of America National Convention is scheduled to take place Sunday, July 28 and Monday, July 29 in New York, the same week as the Women’s Jewelry Association’s annual Awards for Excellence gala (July 29) and the American Gem Society Circle of Distinction dinner (July 30).
(Emerald Expositions announced in July that it is moving the JA New York Summer jewelry trade show, which used to take place in late July in conjunction with the WJA and AGS jewelry events, to August. A GIA spokeswoman said Tuesday that dates have not yet been set for its New York Career Fair, which also normally takes place in late July.)
Pittsburgh jeweler and current JA Board Chair John Henne said Jewelers of America, which is headed by a board of 23 retailers, felt there was a need for an educational event that gives jewelers the chance to learn and network.
He brought up an observation made recently by his 88-year-old father Jack Henne, who has been in the business for six decades: There has been more change in the industry in the past 10 years than there was in the previous 50. Jewelers today need to constantly be innovating, learning and growing to stay relevant.
“Trade shows are awesome, but you tend to spend so much time looking at merchandise that you don’t have the opportunity to slow down and learn,” Henne said. “We thought this would be a great opportunity for that.”
The exact agenda and location for the Jewelers of America National Convention is to be determined, as are ticket prices.
However, the jewelry trade association did say the event will include presentations and discussions on the pressing issues shaping the industry both in the United States and abroad; “compelling” keynote speakers and seminars on top-of-mind challenges for retailers; and networking events including lunches and a JA Member Meet Up & Cocktail Party.
For more information or to sign up for email notifications on convention news, visit Jewelers.org.
National Jeweler is a for-profit subsidiary of Jewelers of America, which purchased the publication in 2015. The two organizations act independently of each other.
The Latest

Lichtenberg partnered with luxury platform Mytheresa on two designs honoring the connection between mothers and daughters.

The miner announced plans to recommence open-pit mining at Kagem.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Michel Desalles allegedly murdered Omid Gholian inside World of Gold N Diamond using zip ties and then fled the country.


Associate Editor Lauren McLemore shares her favorite looks from a night of style inspired by Black dandyism.

Sponsored by Instappraise

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

CEO Beth Gerstein discussed the company’s bridal bestsellers, the potential impact of tariffs, and the rising price of gold.

The brand’s first independent location outside of Australia has opened in Beverly Hills, California.

Cathy Marsh will lead the jewelry company’s efforts in the upper Midwest and western United States.

The company has multiple strategies for dealing with tariffs, though its CEO said moving manufacturing to the U.S. is not one of them.

Connecting with your customers throughout the year is key to a successful holiday marketing push.

Its commercial-quality emerald sale held last month totaled more than $16 million, up from about $11 million in September 2024.

National Jeweler Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff joined Michael Burpoe to talk tariffs, consumer confidence, and the sky-high price of gold.

Designer Lauren Harwell Godfrey made the piece as an homage to the 2025 gala’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”

Located in Fort Smith, it’s the Mid-South jeweler’s first store in Northwest Arkansas.

The episode about the family-owned jeweler will premiere May 17.

The Houston-based jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot showroom will include a Rolex boutique.

The turquoise and diamond tiara hasn’t been on the market since it was purchased by Lord Astor in 1930.

“The Duke Diamond” is the largest diamond registered at the Arkansas park so far this year.

The childhood craft of making dried pasta necklaces for Mother’s Day is all grown up as the 14-karat gold “Forever Macaroni” necklace.

Set with May’s birthstone and featuring an earthworm, this ring is a perfect celebration of spring.

“Bridal 2025–2026” includes popular styles and a dedicated section for quick pricing references of lab-grown diamond bridal jewelry.

Though currently paused, high tariffs threaten many countries where gemstones are mined. Dealers are taking measures now to prepare.

Located in Miami’s Design District, the 4,000-square-foot store is an homage to David and Sybil Yurman’s artistic roots.

May babies are lucky indeed, born in a month awash with fresh colors and celebrated with one of the most coveted colored gemstones.