Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
NYJDI to Host Business Classes for Designers
The trilogy of courses will focus on marketing, branding, sales and writing a business plan.
The classes are “Jewelry Marketing and Branding,” “Increase Your Jewelry Sales,” and “Business of Jewelry Design.”
The classes are intended to build upon one another. It’s the first time NYJDI, which normally offers standalone courses, has created such a curriculum.
“Budding jewelry designers are very passionate about their designs and put the majority of their energy into creating amazing pieces. Unfortunately, they struggle to fully launch their careers because they lack the business skills to do so,” said Jenine Lepera Izzi, NYJDI creative director.
“A successful designer will spend 20 percent of their time designing and 80 percent of their time running their business. We strive to make sure our students learn how to design jewelry, as well as learn how to run a successful business.”
"Jewelry Marketing and Branding" is an eight-session course that will be held on Thursday evenings beginning March 9 and concluding April 27.
Taught by Vashti de Verteuil, a professor at Parsons, The New School for Design, and owner of Gallery Vercon, the course will teach students the difference between marketing and branding and how to create a successful brand story through techniques like emotional marketing and targeted marketing.
Following this course is the "Increase Your Jewelry Sales" course, led by another Parsons professor, Nancy Klein. This course will also run on Thursday evenings, beginning May 4 and ending June 22.
Klein said: “Sales and marketing go hand-in-hand. Students will be inspired to launch their brand with the skills needed to make it happen. In the course, they will learn the tools to jump-start their business.”
Topics covered will include establishing brand reputation, how to increase perceived value and how to gain and sustain market value.
The trilogy of courses will conclude with “Business of Jewelry Design,” also taught by de Verteuil.
It will examine all aspects of setting up a business, from legal requirements to writing a business plan.
The dates for this course have yet to be announced.
Each class will be held at NYJDI’s Diamond District campus in Manhattan. The cost to take all three is $1,675 but the courses also can be done separately if someone feels that they only need to take one or two of the classes.
Here is the cost breakdown per class:
Jewelry Marketing and Branding, $550;
Increase Your Jewelry Sales $575; and
Business of Jewelry Design, $550.
To learn more about the classes, contact NYJDI at 212-777-5393 or email info@nyjdi.com.
The Latest

The credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.

Kimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

The “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.


“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.

Founded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

The singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.

The nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.

As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.

The trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.

The annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.

Footage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.

The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.

The Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”

Linda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.

The governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.

Sparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.

The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.

In its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.

Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.

Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.

Shekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.

This year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.

Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.

As part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.























