AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
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
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
