Omar Roy, 72, was arrested in connection with the murder of jeweler Dionisio Carlos Valladares.
‘Fear’ Author Judi Holler to Open JA National Convention
Holler is a speaker, professional improv artist and wrote “Fear Is My Homeboy.”

New York—Jewelers of America announced Thursday that “Fear Is My Homeboy” author Judi Holler will deliver the opening keynote at its first National Convention, slated to take place next week in New York.
Holler's keynote is scheduled for Sunday, July 28 from 9-10:15 a.m. in the Grand Ballroom at the InterContinental New York Barclay, 111 E. 48th St.
An alumna of The Second City’s Conservatory, the professional training program for Chicago’s famed Second City improv comedy troupe, Holler studied and performed improv at night while working in sales and marketing full time during the day.
Holler’s keynote at the convention, called “Fear Is My Homeboy: 4 Ways You Can Transform Fear Into a Powerful Secret Weapon” will be “fun and interactive,” JA said.
She’ll use improv to help participants understand how fear can help them and how not to be burdened by it, as well as give them tools to manage fear, both personally and professionally.
Jewelers of America’s first National Convention will take place over two days, July 28 and July 29, at the InterContinental New York Barclay.
The event has four keynotes, including Holler’s opening address, and 12 breakout sessions, as well as hands-on experiences like a laboratory where retailers can try out diamond testing devices.
The entire schedule is available here.
For more information on the convention or to register, visit 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.
Editor’s note: This story was updated post-publication to include additional information.
The Latest

The New Orleans-based brand’s “Beyond Katrina” jewels honor the communities affected by the storm.

Lilian Raji explains why joining an affiliate network is essential for brands seeking placements in U.S. consumer publications.

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

As summer winds down, celebrate the sunny disposition of the month’s birthstones: peridot and spinel.


Moshe Haimoff, a social media personality and 47th Street retailer, was robbed of $559,000 worth of jewelry by men in construction outfits.

Xavier Dibbrell brings more than a decade of experience to the role.

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

The addition of Yoakum, who will lead Kay and Peoples, was one of three executive appointments Signet announced Thursday.

The insurance company’s previous president and CEO, Scott Murphy, has split his role and will continue as CEO.

The nearly six-month pause of operations at its Kagem emerald mine earlier this year impacted the miner’s first-half results.

The necklace uses spinel drops to immortalize the moment Aphrodite’s tears mixed with her lover Adonis’ blood after he was fatally wounded.

The diamond miner and marketer warned last week that it expected to be in the red after significantly cutting prices in Q2.

Jewelers of America’s 35th annual design contest recognized creativity, artistry, style, and excellence.

Tratner succeeds Andie Weinman, who will begin stepping back from the buying group’s day-to-day operations.

The president made the announcement via Truth Social Wednesday, adding that India also will face a penalty for its dealings with Russia.

The luxury titan’s star brand Gucci continued to struggle amid a "tough" environment.

Its opening marks the completion of the retailer’s new 11,000-square-foot store in the Texas capital.

Respondents shared concerns about tariffs and commentary on the “Big Beautiful Bill.”

“Making a Killing in Diamonds” tells the story of Mimi Rosen, the disappearance of a scientist, and the murder of lab-grown diamond CEO.

Senior Editor Lenore Fedow learned a lot when she took a behind-the-scenes factory tour with the jewelry brand earlier this year.

The first-time exhibitors, set to debut at the New York City show, share a devotion to craftsmanship, storytelling, and material integrity.

The online auction house’s September sale will feature rough Brazilian emeralds of various qualities.

She’ll lead an executive committee consisting of President-Elect Bryan Moeller, Mitchell Clark, Bill Farmer, and Larry Rickert.

Announced Sunday, the deal will set the tax on goods imported into the United States from the European Union at 15 percent.

A new edition of the Italian brand’s “Ipanema” collection has debuted with gemstones that evoke Brazil’s breathtaking views.

The retailer will refer its customers to WonderCare, founded by venture capitalist and watch collector Kevin O’Leary.