The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
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

The stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.

The jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.


Alberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged in the armed robbery of a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and remains at large.

The “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

Four directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.

Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.

The jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.

The Los Angeles-based, family-owned jeweler was founded by Lenny and Sunny Friedman in 1946.

The auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.

Fine Jewelry 2027-2028 has more than 900 new styles, including silver, gold-filled, gold-plated sterling silver, and vermeil jewelry.

Learn more about the new terms for lab-grown diamonds and composite gemstones, and the major changes in store for precious metals jewelry.

Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.

With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.

Laughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.

Gretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.

The California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.

A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.

The auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.

Zaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.

Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.

The British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.

The “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.

Nelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.























