IndependentsMar 14, 2025
Stafford’s Diamonds in Ohio to Close After 40 YearsThe Dayton-based jeweler, which has been in business since 1985, was formerly known as Stafford Jewelers.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2019
Northwest Jewelry Conference to Highlight JAR
A close friend of the renowned jeweler will share stories about Joel Arthur Rosenthal’s inspirations and impact.
Goldsmith and historian Peter Shemonsky discusses jewelry fabrication techniques at last year’s Northwest Jewelry Conference. The 2019 edition of the event is set for Aug. 9-11 in Seattle. (Photo credit: Robert Weldon)
Seattle—Renowned jewelry designer Joel Arthur Rosenthal, better known simply as JAR, fascinates many a jewelry lover, both with his exceptional creations and his reclusive nature.
One of the most important modern-day designers, JAR caters to an exclusive clientele from his unmarked storefront in Place Vendôme in Paris.
His workshop produces less than 100 pieces per year, and his creations have sold for millions at auction.
While the designer tends to stay out of the spotlight, attendees of the upcoming Northwest Jewelry Conference, slated for Aug. 9 to 11 in Seattle, will be treated to an exclusive look into his world, courtesy of one of the designer’s close friends.
Noted jewelry historian, writer and educator Amanda Triossi will provide a revealing look at the preeminent artist, sharing insights and stories, and providing an in-depth look at JAR’s inspirations and impact on other designers.
Standalone tickets for the opening session on JAR and the reception on Friday night, Aug. 9, will be made available to the general public for $125.
For those attending the entire conference, Triossi also will delve into a personal passion through “The Jeweler’s Art of the 1960s-1970s,” which will tie into a 2020 exhibition she is cataloging for the Cincinnati Museum of Fine Arts.
Other sessions scheduled for the Northwest Jewelry Conference include “A History of Cameos and Intaglios” by Carol Elkins, senior vice president of jewelry for Sotheby’s, in which she will delve into judging quality, collectability and current values.
Meanwhile, Ulysses Grant Dietz, past chief curator of the Newark Museum, will look at the world of collectable silver jewelry in “Hi Ho, Silver!”
There also will be sessions from two veterans who contribute to the event every year.
Diana Singer, a well-known estate jewelry dealer, frequent lecturer and president of the American Society of Jewelry Historians, will give a talk titled “The Russians are Coming, the Russians are Coming,” exploring the opulent historical jewels of Mother Russia and where they are now.
Singer also will provide insights for collectors in the session “From Creating to Dissolving Your Jewelry Collection.”
Peter Shemonsky, goldsmith, historian, course writer and frequent expert on PBS’ “Antiques Roadshow,” will present “Rough, Tumbled, Carved and Polished,” exploring the lapidary arts and the statements made in jewelry design.
He also will look at “Modernist Art Jewelry of England and Europe,” which will include a peek into the cataloging of a major upcoming exhibition, according to conference organizers.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
Additionally, Antique Jewelry University creator Suzanne Martinez and Starla Turner, staff gemologist for Lang Antiques, will lead a hands-on workshop, “Period Dating: Rings from 1900 to 1950.”
Full tickets for the conference, held at Seattle’s Cedarbrook Lodge, are still available. It costs $795, which includes daytime meals and the reception.
For more information or to register, visit NorthwestJewelryConference.com.
Full tickets for the conference, held at Seattle’s Cedarbrook Lodge, are still available. It costs $795, which includes daytime meals and the reception.
For more information or to register, visit NorthwestJewelryConference.com.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CollectionsMar 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Sorellina’s Aries Zodiac PendantThe piece, celebrating birthdays from March 21 to April 19, debuted with Sorellina’s new line of astrological pendants.
MajorsMar 13, 2025
Tanishq Opens 2 New Stores in the U.S.The Indian jewelry brand recently opened stores in Atlanta and Seattle.
Brought to you by
Watch: GIA Field Gemology at the One-Hundredth Expedition: A Look Back and to the FutureSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
FinancialsMar 13, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s 2024 Sales Struggled Amid Engagement RecoveryCEO Beth Gerstein shared its most popular price points, what’s trending in non-bridal fine jewelry, and its holiday performance.
Weekly QuizMar 14, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsMar 13, 2025
Chopard Unveils High Jewelry Collection Created From 6,225-Carat Emerald The 15 pieces were crafted from the “Insofu” emerald, discovered in Zambia in 2010.
MajorsMar 13, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Names New CFO, TreasurerChris Anderson is joining the insurance provider as the new chief financial officer and treasurer.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
Lab-GrownMar 13, 2025
JA Offering Some ‘Counter Intelligence’ on Diamonds Jewelers of America is distributing a brochure for retailers to use when discussing the differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds.
SourcingMar 12, 2025
5 Factors That Will Impact the Diamond Industry in 2025The industry is changing as it grapples with new realities around distribution, supply, and the need for consistent, effective marketing.
SourcingMar 12, 2025
Q&A: New GJEPC Chairman Kirit BhansaliBhansali discusses the potential impact of U.S. tariffs, demand for diamonds by market, and the “cautious confidence” in India right now.
Lab-GrownMar 12, 2025
Beyond Jewelry: Possibilities in the Lab-Grown Diamond SectorAs lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.
SourcingMar 12, 2025
Indian Leader, Retailer Among 2025 DDG Honorees Govind Dholakia and Tanishq will be recognized for their contributions to the industry at the Diamonds Do Good Awards in Las Vegas.
IndependentsMar 12, 2025
Marla Aaron Migrates to LondonThe New York City-based brand has opened its first U.K. location with a permanent shop-in-shop at Liberty in London.
AuctionsMar 12, 2025
A Medieval Bishop’s Sapphire Ring Is Going Up for SaleA metal detectorist discovered the ring that is believed to have belonged to a bishop in the late 12th to early 13th century.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2025
Bogolo Joy Kenewendo to Speak at Annual JVC LuncheonKenewendo, Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, will discuss the future of diamonds.
CrimeMar 11, 2025
Man in Florida Swallows Allegedly Stolen Tiffany & Co. Jewelry The suspect allegedly stole almost $800,000 worth of diamond jewelry from a store in Orlando and then swallowed it during a traffic stop.
ColumnistsMar 11, 2025
Creative Connecting: How to Pose on the Red CarpetAhead of the Gem Awards on Friday, Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share pro tips for taking the best photos.
CollectionsMar 11, 2025
Marco Bicego Celebrates 25 Years With Collection, CampaignFounded in 2000, Marco Bicego is commemorating its milestone anniversary with a “25 Best” collection and campaigns honoring its heritage.
TechnologyMar 11, 2025
Hill & Co. Launches New B2B Buyer DatabaseThose attending the company’s upcoming Zoom workshop will receive early access to “The List,” its new resource for finding buyers.
Events & AwardsMar 11, 2025
JSA to Honor GIA Employee at Annual LuncheonThe organization will present an award to Amy-Elise Signeavsky, law enforcement and diamond recovery manager at GIA.
MajorsMar 10, 2025
Terry Chandler to Retire After 24 Years as Head of DCA Chandler started his jewelry career at Michelson Jewelers, joining the Diamond Council of America as president and CEO in 2001.
CollectionsMar 10, 2025
MaeVona Co-Founder Debuts 3D-Printed ‘Tùsaire’ CollectionScottish American designer Maeve Gillies collaborated with Platinum Guild International on jewelry created by direct metal 3D printing.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersAhead of its trade show in May, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to five up-and-coming jewelry industry professionals.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
These Designers, Journalists, and Retailers Are Up for a Gem Award The 2025 Gem Awards are set to take place Friday at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
MajorsMar 07, 2025
Jane Fonda, Mariska Hargitay Star in Pomellato’s IWD CampaignThe annual star-studded campaign for International Women’s Day encourages collective action against domestic violence.
CollectionsMar 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yeprem’s ‘Golden Strada’ NecklaceThe statement piece is seen in Yeprem’s new “You Play the Game” campaign, created for International Women’s Day.
