Events & Awards

12 Conclave Events That Can’t Be Missed

Events & AwardsMar 14, 2019

12 Conclave Events That Can’t Be Missed

AGS Conclave will start in Seattle in a few weeks. Here are some can’t-miss events to check out.

20190314_Conclave_Logo.jpg
AGS Conclave will be held in Seattle from April 8 to 10.

Seattle—American Gem Society Conclave is headed to Seattle this year.

Scheduled for April 8-10, the annual event includes over 90 education sessions and more than 13 networking events, said AGS and AGS Labs CEO Katherine Bodoh.

Here are a dozen events attendees won’t want to miss.

Monday, April 8

Professional Headshots
8 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Platinum Guild International and the AGS Young Titleholders are offering free professional pictures in the networking area on the first day of Conclave.

Jewelry Industry Insights: Facts, Figures and The Future
9-10 a.m.

Harold Dupuy, vice president of strategic analysis at Stuller, will give his perspective on the U.S. jewelry market, past and present, and delve into the factors that can affect market performance. Topics will include e-commerce, the bridal market, lab-grown diamonds and the evolving retail landscape.

Opening Keynote
12-2 p.m.

Keynote speaker Dan Thurmon will kick off the opening session of Conclave. Attendees of the keynote address, sponsored by Jewelers Mutual Insurance Group, will also hear from AGS Board of Directors President John Carter and AGS CEO Katherine Bodoh.

Hearts On Fire Trivia Night
9:15-11:15 p.m.

Hearts On Fire and the AGS Young Titleholders Steering Committee are hosting a trivia night at Spin, a Ping-Pong social club. Food and drinks will be provided; just bring your thinking caps.


Colin Mochrie (right) and Brad Sherwood (left) of “Who’s Line Is It Anyway?” will be Tuesday’s breakfast keynote speakers.
 
Tuesday, April 9

Breakfast Keynote
8-9:45 a.m.

Early risers will be rewarded at Tuesday’s keynote breakfast. Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood, stars of “Who’s Line Is It Anyway?,” will brighten the morning with improv comedy.

Identifying Laboratory-Grown Diamonds
11:45-12:45 p.m.

Brenda Hardwick and James Shigley of the Gemological Institute of America will host an interactive seminar on laboratory-grown diamonds, including a hands-on lab demonstration.

Titleholders Luncheon
1-2:30 p.m.

Stop by the Titleholders Luncheon Tuesday afternoon, hosted by the American Gem Trade Association. AGS will announce the winners of the Young Titleholder of the Year award, the Guild of the Year award, the Sallie Morton Award and the John J. Kennedy Award.

Selling To Women: How To Win the Hearts and Reach the Wallets of Today’s Modern Woman
4:30-5:30 p.m.

Featured speaker Kelly McDonald, a marketing and advertising specialist and founder of McDonald Marketing, will host a session on the most effective ways to market and sell to women.

Wednesday, April 10

The Legends and Lore Behind Favorite Gemstones
10:15-11:15 a.m.

Isabelle Corvin, staff gemologist and merchandise manager at Panowicz Jewelers, will give a guided tour through the history and
legends behind a variety of gemstones.

The Watch Market in 2019: Modern, Vintage and the Future of Watches
3-4 p.m.

Barbara Palumbo of What’s On Her Wrist will moderate a panel on the watch market, leading a discussion about the market’s challenges and opportunities, and what the most successful watch brands are doing right. Panelists are Eric Wind of Wind Vintage, John Carter of Jack Lewis Jewelers, Hodinkee’s James Stacey, and collector Jeffrey Binstock.

Robert M. Shipley Award Luncheon
1-2:30 p.m.

Named after the founder of both the American Gem Society and the Gemological Institute of America, the Shipley luncheon will take place on the last day of Conclave. AGTA CEO Doug Hucker was last year’s winner.

President’s Party
6:30-9:30 p.m.

Conclave 2019 will end with the annual President’s Party, hosted by AGS board President Carter. The event, sponsored by Centurion, will include food, drinks, dancing and a photo booth.

For a full list of Conclave events and education sessions, check out the online program.

Editor’s note: This article was updated post-publication to add James Stacey’s name to the list of participants for The Watch Market panel on April 10.
Lenore Fedowis the senior editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.

The Latest

Gemist
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech Platform

The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.

Jeff Preolo, David Stout, Levi Higgs, David Benavides
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, Promotions

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

Buddha Mama Monstera Ring
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap Ring

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Cashier handing Rocksbox bag to customer
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers Downsizes

Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.

Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Penny Ruston
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

Stock image of woman shopping
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.

Jewelers of America logo with meetup, State of the Majors, giveaway and massages
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

Sorellina Playlist: Electric Dreams Campaign
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired Jewels

The “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.

Exterior of Marissa Collections’ new store in Nantucket, Massachusetts
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight Continues

The Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.

Counterfeit Cartier “Juste Un Clou” bracelet
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef Jewelry

Agents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.

Karine Choudhrie Big Splash Circus Starfish and Lantern Fish
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus Performers

The designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.

Jewelers of America
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund Recipients

The trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.

John Dyer Montana Sun Sapphire
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for Entries

The organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.

Khepri Jewels Luna collection fancy color fringe multi-shape drop diamond earrings
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.

Lori Tucker
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local Retailer

Lori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.

“Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch for the new The Fantastic Four movie
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super

The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.

XO Tacori diamond ring
MajorsJun 24, 2025
Tacori, QVC to Launch Exclusive Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry Collection

The “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.

Pritesh Patel
GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO

Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.

Graphic for Las Vegas recap episode of “My Next Question”
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.

Luanda Accord
SourcingJun 23, 2025
Diamond Producers, Organizations to Kick in Money to Promote Natural Diamonds

Signatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.

Penny Preville, Maggie Hess, Stella Song, and Benjamin King
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry Designers

The winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.

24th Gem Awards Show Logo
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

Single Stone Bryn Ring and Grace Lee Marquise Demi Demi Ring
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Dua Lipa Stays On-Trend With Chunky Engagement Ring

The singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.

Yvonne Léon Python Gold Bracelet
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yvonne Léon’s ‘Python Gold’ Bracelet

The bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.

Stock image of handcuffs
CrimeJun 18, 2025
7 Men Indicted in $100M Brinks Jewelry Heist

The heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.

Marie-Thérèse Pink diamond and Blue Belle sapphire necklace
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
Historic ‘Marie-Thérèse Pink’ Diamond Fetches $14M at Christie’s

The 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week. 

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy