CollectionsJul 08, 2025
Mikimoto’s High Jewelry Collection Turns Pearls into PetalsThe “Les Pétales” collection imagines roses caught mid-bloom as a tribute to nature’s beauty.
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.
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
ColumnistsJul 08, 2025
Peter Smith: Why Jewelers Struggle With Premium PricingLuxury brands charge thousands for their shoes and handbags. Jewelers pricing diamond products should take note, Peter Smith writes.
IndependentsJul 08, 2025
David Rotenberg of David Craig Jewelers Dies at 79Rotenberg was an active member of the American Gem Society and an accomplished appraiser who also worked with therapy dogs at a hospital.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
TechnologyJul 08, 2025
‘Diamond Divas’ Brings the Showroom to Social Media Reality SeriesIt follows New York-based brand Shahla Karimi Jewelry’s all-women team in “Say Yes to the Dress” meets “The Office”-style episodes.
Weekly QuizJul 02, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesJul 08, 2025
SMO Gold Launches New FoundationIn its inaugural year, the SMO Foundation will focus on supporting two organizations in West Africa and one in South America.
Policies & IssuesJul 07, 2025
Higher Tariffs Set to Take Effect Aug. 1, Officials SayThe announcement comes just as the 90-day freeze on the “reciprocal” tariffs nears its end, giving countries more time to negotiate.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
MajorsJul 07, 2025
Natural Diamond Council CEO David Kellie To Step DownKellie, who joined the organization in 2019, will remain in his role through the end of 2025.
CrimeJul 07, 2025
7 Suspects Charged in California Jewelry Store BurglaryPolice officers apprehended the suspects as they were allegedly attempting to gain entry into another jewelry store.
Supplier BulletinJul 03, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
MajorsJul 03, 2025
Brilliant Earth Names Tennis Star Madison Keys as Its New AmbassadorThe 2025 Australian Open champion is the jewelry brand’s first athlete ambassador.
MajorsJul 03, 2025
Muse Sets Up Shop in Nordstrom’s New Jewelry HallThe West Village jewelry boutique’s new shop-in-shop is the cornerstone of Nordstrom’s revamped jewelry hall.
SourcingJul 03, 2025
SRK Announces Its Natural Diamonds Are Now Carbon-NegativeThis past year, the manufacturer said it recorded below-zero emissions per carat of natural diamond.
CollectionsJul 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Firework of Diamonds From YepremThe brand’s “Golden Strada” statement necklace features round, marquise, and pear diamonds that sparkle like Fourth of July fireworks.
CrimeJul 03, 2025
JSA Shares Holiday Weekend Security Tips Amid Spike in BurglariesJSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.
MajorsJul 02, 2025
Boucheron Looks to LA for First West Coast FlagshipLocated on Rodeo Drive, the store’s design was inspired by Hollywood and Los Angeles culture.
MajorsJul 02, 2025
Marco Bicego Opens Milan FlagshipThe new location continues the brand’s celebration of its 25th anniversary.
WatchesJul 02, 2025
Chrono24 Revamps Brand, Launches New CampaignThe online watch marketplace’s “Time Is Our Thing” campaign highlights the importance of time.
SourcingJul 02, 2025
Bernadette Mack Joins Gem Legacy as Executive DirectorShe will oversee strategic planning, fundraising, industry partnerships, and the launch of the Gem Legacy Campus in Tanzania.
CrimeJul 02, 2025
Pandora, Amazon Partner to Uncover Counterfeit Jewelry NetworkWorking with Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit and law enforcement, Pandora helped to shut down a large-scale counterfeit network in China.
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Cast Closes Business, Plans for RelaunchThe jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.
IndependentsJul 01, 2025
Elie Hannoush, Founder of Hannoush Jewelers, Dies at 73He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Claire’s Is Looking for a Buyer, Report SaysThe jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.
TrendsJul 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Red Hot RubiesWelcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.
CollectionsJun 30, 2025
State Property’s New Jewelry Tells ‘The Story of Everything’Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.
ColumnistsJun 30, 2025
The Smart Lab: Why Q3 Is the Secret Weapon For Holiday Jewelry SalesThe best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.
