ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2020
Virtual AGS Conclave Set for Late April
It’s free for American Gem Society members and will include a video dance party.
The American Gem Society’s virtual Conclave event is scheduled for Monday, April 27 and Tuesday, April 28. It is sponsored by Jewelers Mutual, the Gemological Institute of America, and Wells Fargo.
Las Vegas—The American Gem Society will hold a two-day, online-only version of Conclave later this month, the organization announced late last week.
“Engage. Connect. Learn: A Virtual Conclave Experience” kicks off at 9 a.m. PST on Monday, April 27 with “Corporate Social Responsibility: How Giving Back Adds Up,” and continues through the afternoon on April 28.
Sessions include “2020 Design Trends: What’s Hot and What’s Coming!” (April 27, 12:30 p.m. PST), which features National Jeweler Senior Editor Ashley Davis; “How to Navigate the Retail Space in a Changing Business Climate” (April 28 at 9 a.m. PST); and “Gen Z: Who Are They and What Makes Them Tick, Click and Buy?” (April 28 at 11:25 a.m. PST).
Virtual Conclave is free and open to all AGS members.
The sessions are all one-hour long and pre-recorded. During the session, the panelists will tune in live to answer attendees’ questions in the chat.
Attendees also will be able to chat and share ideas with each other.
Toward the end of the conference, AGS will hold a virtual dance party.
Prior to Virtual Conclave, AGS is asking members to film themselves dancing to David Bowie’s “Modern Love” and then send the clips to AGS, which will be creating a supercut, of sorts, of its members’ moves.
The online dance party is an alternative to the organization’s annual President’s Party. A Bowie song was chosen in homage to the 2020 President’s Party theme, which was ‘80s Ski Chalet. (AGS did a poll using songs from the movie “Hot Tub Time Machine,” and “Modern Love” was the winner.)
Matchbox Virtual Media, a producer of virtual events, is streaming Virtual Conclave in partnership with Austin, Texas-based tech company CE21. It is recommended attendees use Google Chrome to stream the conference.
For a full lineup and to register, visit AGS.org/VirtualConclave, and please note that all times provided are Pacific time.
Originally, Conclave was scheduled for April 27 to 29 in Denver but, like myriad events, was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. AGS announced plans for a virtual event when it made the decision to call off Conclave last month.
AGS Conclave 2021 is set for April 26-28 in Louisville, Kentucky.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond MeleeThe supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
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.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 BoardThe governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.
