Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.
JA Moves Its National Convention Online
Originally slated for New York in July, it will now take place May 26 through 28.

New York—Jewelers of America has moved its second annual national convention online.
The JA Virtual National Convention is scheduled for Tuesday, May 26 through Thursday, May 28, the trade organization announced Tuesday.
The online-only event will include many of the same presentations already planned for the in-person event, which was supposed to take place in New York in July but ultimately was canceled due to uncertainties surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.
JA will welcome back to the (virtual) stage political forecaster Charlie Cook, editor and publisher of the Cook Political Report.
Cook, who delivered his political prognostications at the inaugural JA National Convention last year, will again share his non-partisan and expert take on what may be one of the most critical and contentious election seasons ever.
Other session topics include: omnichannel marketing, social media, security, investment trends, and retail evolution.
“COVID-19 has completely shifted the way our industry is having to operate,” JA President CEO David J. Bonaparte said in a release announcing the virtual event.
“The decision to transition our National Convention to virtual was not an easy one to make. However, the education we had planned is extremely important for our members and we felt it was best to push the convention up to May with the hopes that business will be in full swing as soon as possible and retailers can focus entirely on their clients and stores.”
Cook’s session is one of eight planned for the three-day convention.
It will be free for all JA members to attend. Non-members can take advantage of JA’s limited-time free membership offer to gain access to the virtual event.
A full schedule and registration details will be announced shortly.
To learn more about the Jewelers of America Virtual National Convention, visit Jewelers.org.
National Jeweler is a for-profit subsidiary of Jewelers of America, which purchased the publication in 2015. The two organizations act independently of each other.
The Latest

In her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.

“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”

You deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.

The Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.


The Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.

The “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.

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

The big diamond’s sale added to the company’s revenue though the market remains “challenging” overall, particularly for smaller goods.

The Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.

With their durability, brilliance, and beauty, diamonds are the perfect stone for everyday birthstone jewelry.

The retailer failed to file its annual report on time and said it may issue a going concern warning.

Smith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.

John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.

Founder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.

“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.

“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.

Signet confirmed that Caffie, president of Zales and Banter, and Bentzen, who headed Blue Nile, have left the company.

The antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.

Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.

Iconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.

The luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.

The NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.

The one-of-a-kind locket, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal three hidden images to keep close to your heart.

The new facility was also designed to better serve its growing customer base in Canada.

The campaign is a tribute to the year 1893, when Kokichi Mikimoto created the world’s first cultured pearl.

It is the only GIA school to offer the GIA Graduate Gemologist program in Chinese.


























