Jim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
IJO Takes its Conference Virtual
The online event will feature several jewelry industry experts, including Ben Smithee of The Smithee Group and John Kennedy of the Jewelers Security Alliance.
Southport, Conn.—The Independent Jewelers Organization will hold its semi-annual conference virtually after cancelling its in-person events due to the coronavirus.
“Just because we can’t meet in person doesn’t mean we can’t meet at all,” CEO Jeff Roberts said in a press release announcing the event.
The virtual conference will be held via Zoom on July 27 and 28 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern time.
The speaker line-up is stacked with industry experts, including Andrew Rickard from RDI Diamonds, Ben Smithee from The Smithee Group, Craig MacBean from Ostbye, John Kennedy from the Jewelers Security Alliance, and more.
Shane Decker, president of Ex-Sell-Ence and the Shane Decker Sales Academy, will be the keynote speaker.
“Also included are two moderated panel discussions, and we’re bringing some of the brightest minds directly to our members,” said Conference Planner Jennifer Herold.
Registration for the two-day event is free and open to all IJO members.
For more information about the conference or IJO membership, contact Penny Palmer at 800-624-9252 or penny@ijo.com.
The Latest

When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.

The “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

The jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.


Up for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.

The Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

The organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.

Saks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.

Smith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.

The Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.

The retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.

The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.

The price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.

The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.

Sotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.

A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.

From Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.

The revamped online diamond marketplace will feature pricing intelligence and data-driven tools for more efficient buying and selling.

The miner said demand for higher-quality emeralds is stable, but there is notable caution in the market.

The “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.

This year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.

Three-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.

Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.

These up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.






















