Events & Awards

JA National Convention Shines Spotlight on DC

Events & AwardsJul 02, 2019

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.

20190702_JA_National_Convention_Logo.jpg
The first Jewelers of America National Convention is scheduled for July 28-29 at the InterContinental New York Barclay.

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

can try out diamond testing devices.

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.
Lenore Fedowis the senior editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.

The Latest

Silvia Furmanovich Horse Mane Earrings, Cece Jewellery Underworld Triptych Necklace, Almasika Invictus Flower Brooch
CollectionsMar 13, 2026
A Trio of Jewels from the 3 Gem Award Nominees for Jewelry Design

Our Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.

Vera Wang
WatchesMar 13, 2026
Citizen, Vera Wang to Launch Watch Collection

The 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.

Andrea Pooler
SourcingMar 13, 2026
Andrea Pooler Joins Third-Generation Diamond Company as COO

Pooler, who has more than 25 years’ experience in jewelry, is now chief operating officer of Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and SNJ Creations.

TopImageCrop.jpg
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.

Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.

24 Karat Club banquet
MajorsMar 13, 2026
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf Astoria

The reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.

Weekly QuizMar 12, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Zoë Kravitz in Jessica McCormack’s Planetary Necklace
CollectionsMar 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Sends Gold, Gemstones Into ‘Orbit’

McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.

David Berdugo
TechnologyMar 12, 2026
Caratwise Launches, Names Former Signet Exec CEO

The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.

dca-laptop.jpg
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry Education

With refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.

Woman working at bruting machine, seal at new Grandview Klein factory in South Africa
SourcingMar 12, 2026
Grandview Klein Opens New Factory in South Africa

The 10,000-square-foot diamond manufacturing facility officially opened in late February and employs 50 people.

26.36 carat round brilliant cut
AuctionsMar 11, 2026
‘Spectacular’ 26-Carat Diamond Going Up for Auction in London

The largest white diamond to come to market in the U.K. in more than a decade, the VVS1, I-color stone is expected to top $1 million.

Cast Compass pendant
TechnologyMar 11, 2026
Cast Jewelry’s Rachel Skelly on Coming Back Online Only

Skelly shares her plans for reimagining the fine jewelry retailer she re-acquired after it faltered last year.

Pyrrha The Space Between Campaign
CollectionsMar 11, 2026
Pyrrha Highlights ‘The Space Between’ In New Collection

The collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.

Charles London, Mayer and Fran Udell, Mark and Candy Udell
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
From the Jazz Age to the Information Age: London Jewelers Turns 100

In 2026, the jewelry retailer is celebrating a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.

Virginia jewelers at charity ball
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $30K for Children’s Hospital

The group of jewelers held a jewelry raffle in support of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.

Stack of gold bangles on denim
FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat

The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.

Saks Fifth Avenue door sign
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More Stores

The retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.

Julianne Moore
TrendsMar 10, 2026
Messika Names Julianne Moore as Ambassador

The award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.

Sorellina Large Bloom Inlay Pendant
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New Collection

The “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.

Constellations Over the Sedona
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation Auction

The unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.

Jake Gyllenhaal as Bulgari Brand Ambassador
TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest Ambassador

Bulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.

TJS scholarship winners 2026
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship Winners

Awards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.

Model wearing diamond necklace and ring
AuctionsMar 09, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Lead White-Glove Sale

The top jewelry lot of the late model’s estate sale, hosted by John Moran Auctioneers, was an Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier necklace.

Tom Moses
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 Years

Moses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.

Charles & Colvard showroom in Morrisville, North Carolina
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price Pressures

Increased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.

Zome Solara Earrings
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial Beauty

The earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.

Pomellato’s International Women’s Day “The Price of Freedom” Campaign
MajorsMar 06, 2026
Pomellato’s 2026 IWD Campaign Spotlights Economic Abuse

“The Price of Freedom” campaign video for International Women’s Day confronts the quiet violence of financial control.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesMar 05, 2026
Tariffs to Increase to 15% This Week, Treasury Secretary Says

Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.

×

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