Our Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.
Designer Zoltan David to Keynote Portland Jewelry Symposium
The two-day event is back Sept. 29 and 30.

Portland, Oregon—This year’s Portland Jewelry Symposium is all about metal and machinery.
The official theme of the two-day event, happening Sept. 29 and 30 at the Sentinel Hotel in Portland, Oregon, is “Metals—Methods, Machines and Mastery.”
Teresa Frye, founder of the Portland Jewelry Symposium, said in a press release: “Understanding and exploiting the intrinsic characteristics of a metal, whether through design, casting methods or tailored bench techniques, is very powerful for makers.
“The design pallet becomes broader when one can harness not only the aesthetic property of an alloy but also the technical underpinnings that lead to the production of a high-quality piece.”
Sunday, Sept. 29 will feature afternoon breakout sessions—new to the event this year—on topics including Jewelry Forensics, Basic Metallurgy for Jewelers, Legal Considerations for Custom Design and Inlay Techniques.
Award-winning jewelry designer Zoltan David will provide the Sunday evening keynote, speaking on his inspirations and how he practically applies them to his art.
“Zoltan is a true master of designing and creating in diverse metals and we are thrilled to have him delivering the keynote this year,” Frye said.
The program for Monday, Sept. 30 will cover manufacturing techniques in contemporary metals, a panel on jewelry casting, and a business and finance presentation, among other educational sessions.
The complete speaker lineup is online.
Contact Sarah Loveland for more information at sloveland@techformcasting.com or 503-320-1873.
The Latest

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

The retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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






















