ColumnistsMay 26, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2019
Registration is Open for JA’s First National Convention
It will take place in New York City this July and will include sessions on lab-grown diamonds, understanding consumers and the connection between retail and politics.
New York—Jewelers of America has announced the agenda and opened registration for its national convention, slated to take place this July in New York City.
A first for the 113-year-old trade association, the convention will be held July 28 and 29 at the InterContinental New York Barclay on 48th Street at Lexington Avenue in Midtown Manhattan.
Registration is $695 for JA members and $995 for non-members and is open now on Jewelers.org/convention.
A $200 discount is available for those who sign up to attend by April 30. Convention attendees also will receive a special room rate at the InterContinental.
Jewelers of America announced late last year that it would be holding its first national convention in 2019.
JA Board Chair John Henne told National Jeweler at the time of the announcement that the board felt there was a need for an education and networking event for jewelers, especially given the rapid pace of change in the past decade.
The conference agenda includes the following keynote addresses.
“Election Outlook 2020,” presented by Charlie Cook
Cook is the editor and publisher of the Cook Political Report, a political analyst for the National Journal Group and an analyst for NBC News. He will offer his take on the turbulent election season to come, with control of both the White House and Congress at stake.
“Key Investment Trends to Watch,” presented by Michael Vaknin
There is no doubt that the economy, both globally and at home, influences consumer mood and spending. Vaknin, chief markets economist for J.P. Morgan Private Bank, will share key investment themes to watch and potential short and long-term impacts on the overall health of the retail sector based on the most current macroeconomic outlook.
“Buying Trends & Value Propositions,” presented by Neeraj Mehta
Neeraj Mehta, CEP of Synchrony’s Payment Solutions platform, will discuss the jewelry path-to-purchase journey and how to leverage technology and digital practices to improve the customer’s experience. Jewelers can discover the trends in consumer purchasing behavior across channels and make investments to focus their businesses on their customers.
In addition, there will be numerous breakout sessions on topics including lab-grown diamond detection and sales; understanding consumers today; and the connection between the policies that come out of Washington, D.C. and retail, as well as Retail Innovation and Diamond Detection Labs where attendees can get hands-on with technology.
“The speaker lineup is carefully crafted
to provide jewelry professionals—from C-suite executives to managers and sales associates—with the essential information they need to succeed,” JA President and CEO David J. Bonaparte said. “We will tackle tough issues with dynamic speakers and counterbalance the education with inclusive social events that connect and inspire.”
At registration, attendees can get discounted tickets to the Women’s Jewelry Association Awards for Excellence Gala (July 29) and the American Gem Society’s Circle of Distinction Dinner (July 30).
To learn more about the Jewelers of America National Convention or to secure sponsorships, visit the convention section of the JA website.
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.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
TrendsMay 26, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Cooldown Is ComingBring a cool tone to your summer jewelry with these white metal pieces.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2026
Instore Buys JA New York ShowThe deal closed this week, which means Instore will produce the JA NY show slated to take place this fall.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
FinancialsMay 22, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Lead the Charge in Q4The company’s jewelry sales were up in Q4 and the fiscal year, with Richemont raising prices in part because of the cost of gold.
Weekly QuizMay 21, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsMay 22, 2026
Leigh Maxwell Celebrates 5 Years at Couture With ‘Bauble’ CollectionThe “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.
MajorsMay 22, 2026
Stuller’s New Packaging, Display Catalog Is Out The updated catalog has a newly dedicated section for gift wrapping.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
PodcastsMay 21, 2026
Episode 5: Sotheby’s Frank Everett Puts the Auction Market in PerspectiveEverett covers colored stones’ surging popularity, the mellow return of the “Mellon Blue,” and his “The Devil Wears Prada” doppelgänger.
IndependentsMay 21, 2026
Springer’s Jewelers’ New Flagship Will Serve Next-Gen Luxury ShoppersFourth-generation CEO Lilly Mullen wants to emphasize experience, connection, and personalized service.
Events & AwardsMay 21, 2026
JA Announces Nina Pugliese Memorial ScholarshipThe new award, created in partnership with Henne Jewelers, honors the late designer’s legacy through supporting jewelry education.
SourcingMay 21, 2026
Botswana, Angola Join WFDBThe addition of the diamond-producing countries as nation affiliated members broadens the federation’s global representation, WFDB said.
CrimeMay 20, 2026
NYPD Warns of Jewelry Swap Scams Targeting SeniorsThe NYPD is warning elderly New Yorkers to keep their jewelry hidden when walking outside to avoid being a target.
IndependentsMay 20, 2026
Adornment & Theory’s New Store Feels Like Home Designer Viviana Langhoff has realized her dream of owning a space for her Chicago jewelry store that looks and feels like her brand.
Events & AwardsMay 20, 2026
Here Is Couture’s 2026 Education Lineup The sessions will run from Friday, May 29, to Sunday, May 31, with one being a live taping of an episode of Couture’s podcast.
Lab-GrownMay 20, 2026
Savannah Friedkin Jewelry Names New CEOFormer Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry executive Morgan P. Richardson is joining the lab-grown diamond jewelry brand.
WatchesMay 19, 2026
Here’s the AP x Swatch Pocket Watch That Caused PandemoniumThe $400 pocket watch is a blend of Audemars Piguet’s iconic eight-sided Royal Oak and Swatch’s unserious Pop watches from the ‘80s.
CollectionsMay 19, 2026
Chris Ploof’s New Collection Makes an Ancient Metal ModernWith gold prices on the rise, the “Modern Electrum” collection uses an alternative, non-tarnishing metal alloy composed of gold and silver.
IndependentsMay 19, 2026
Ellen and Michael Fruchtman Retire, Sell Marketing Agency Fruchtman Marketing has new owners, Erin Moyer-Carballea and Manuel Carballea, and will relocate to Miami.
ColumnistsMay 19, 2026
Peter Smith: The (Mostly) Immutable Sales TruthsIn a column for the 2026 State of the Majors issue, Smith lists 10 time-tested principles about sales that still ring true.
ColumnistsMay 18, 2026
Edahn Golan: What a K-Shaped Economy Means for Fine JewelryIn a column for the 2026 State of the Majors issue, Golan spells out how the growing economic divide in the U.S. is reshaping the market.
CollectionsMay 18, 2026
Foundrae’s New Collection Taps Into JoyThe “Limitless Expansion of Joy and Hope” collection evokes summer through colored gemstones and motifs of butterflies and florals.
CollectionsMay 18, 2026
Hancocks London Acquires Historic ‘Inchiquin’ EmeraldThe jewel, circa 1890, is from the late Victorian era and was owned by descendants of the last high king of Ireland.
Events & AwardsMay 18, 2026
Here Are the 2026 JCK Industry Fund Grant Recipients This is what the nine recipients plan to do with the funds.
AuctionsMay 15, 2026
American Collector Ponies Up Almost $17K for John Wayne’s RingThe Western star’s 14-karat gold signet ring sold for six times its low estimate following a bidding war at U.K. auction house Elmwood’s.
Events & AwardsMay 15, 2026
JA, MJSA To Sponsor Roundtable at TJSThe discussion, "Rebuilding the Jewelry Workforce," will take place on Saturday, May 16, in Troy, Michigan.
SourcingMay 15, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
