The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
AGS, Kaiser Time Offering Watch Course
The course is non-brand-specific and geared toward the sales professional.
Las Vegas—The American Gem Society is partnering with watch industry consulting agency Kaiser Time to offer a foundational course on watches.
Geared toward the sales professional, the non-brand-specific course will be offered through AGS’s online learning portal and AGS Pro. It will focus on universal watch concepts and will cover both knowledge and sales training.
“Completing this course will immediately and noticeably set you apart from other timepiece sales professionals and arm you with fundamental knowledge and understanding of key watch concepts,” AGS and AGS Laboratories CEO Katherine Bodoh said.
“The American Gem Society saw a need for this course as there are few resources for jewelers wishing to learn more about watches. By making it available to all jewelry industry professionals, we are extending our mission of consumer protection by ensuring that quality education is available to the industry.”
CEO Steven Kaiser said, “Kaiser Time is extremely excited to work with the AGS to improve retail sales training in the luxury watch industry. The opportunity to help elevate education at the retail level is something that we feel passionate about, and working with the AGS is a natural fit to help improve knowledge and sales training for retail professionals in our industry.”
The course will be available industrywide, with AGS members receiving special pricing. For more information, contact AGS’s education team at agseducation@ags.org.
The Latest

The industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.

The panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.

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

Inspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.


The company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.

The jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.

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

Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”

Those born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.

The platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.

Jim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.
























