The couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
JA National Convention Shines Spotlight on DC
The first Jewelers of America National Convention will feature experts on taxes, tariffs, the Kimberley Process and more.

New York—Jewelers of America is rounding up political experts for its first national convention this July, looking to keep retailers in the loop about happenings on the Hill that could affect their businesses.
The keynote lunch, scheduled for Sunday, July 28 at noon, will feature Charlie Cook, editor and publisher of The Cook Political Report, presenting “Election Outlook 2020.”
Cook will discuss the upcoming election season, both congressional and presidential, and outline what a win by a Democrat or a Republican could mean for retailers.
Attendees looking for a crash course on taxes and tariffs may want to sit in on “Policy & Retail: Why What Happens in D.C. Matters,” a breakout session that will provide an overview of key policies that could impact retailers.
Jason Straczewski, vice president of government relations and political affairs at the National Retail Federation, will guide retailers on how to strategize and prepare for all possible outcomes.
Monday’s keynote, “Economic Outlook: Key Investment Themes,” presented by Michael Vakin, chief markets economist for J.P. Morgan Private Bank, will share possible short- and long-term impacts on the health of the retail sector based on the current macroeconomic outlook.
Vakin, an expert in global, macroeconomic and market research, will also provide guidance on investment themes and how to best incorporate them into a business.
“Responsible Sourcing in the Jewelry Supply Chain: The Kimberley Process & Beyond” will be led by Pamela Fierst-Walsh, senior advisor on conflict minerals and U.S. Representative to the Kimberley Process, Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs, U.S. Department of State.
Fierst-Walsh will talk about responsible sourcing in the gem and jewelry supply chain and share her perspective on the Kimberley Process 16 years after its creation.
She has a background in foreign policy and national security as well as experience working with the private sector on supply chain compliance with U.S. law.
“The National Convention’s goal is to bring independent jewelers from across the country together so they can be well-informed about every aspect of their business, ensuring the legacy of family businesses continues to thrive. Their fight is our fight, “ JA President David Bonaparte said.
Scheduled for July 28 and 29 at the InterContinental New York Barclay, JA’s first National Convention will feature a total of four keynotes, including an opening address by “Fear Is My Homeboy” author Judi Holler.
There will be 12 breakout sessions as well as hands-on experiences, including a laboratory where retailers
To learn more about JA’s National Convention or to register, visit the convention 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.
The Latest

Consumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.

In February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.

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

The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.


The luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.

The company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.

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

In the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.

Helzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.

Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.

The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.

Laura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.

The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.

Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.

It purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.

The lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.

Chandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.

The boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.

Sponsored by Digital Monitoring Products

The special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.

The “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.

Two awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.

Berta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.

Sotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.

Winners will receive free registration and lodging for its fourth annual event in Detroit.




















