CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ DesertThe “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
TrendsMar 06, 2017
NYJDI to Host Business Classes for Designers
The trilogy of courses will focus on marketing, branding, sales and writing a business plan.
New York--The New York Jewelry Design Institute (NYJDI) has added three business-focused classes for designers to its 2017 education roster.
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.
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.
More on Trends
The Latest
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerThe author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.
Weekly QuizMay 28, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsMay 28, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Buy The Clear Cut Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.
CollectionsMay 28, 2026
Meet The 17 Newcomers to Couture’s Design AtelierThese up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
GradingMay 28, 2026
GCAL By Sarine Launches 8X Cushion CutThe lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
5 Security Tips for Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week 2026This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.
ColumnistsMay 27, 2026
What Jewelers Can Learn From Luxury Fashion’s Digital PlaybookHigh-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
Couture’s ‘The Iridescence’ Will Showcase 7 Emerging Jewelry DesignersThe designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.
ColumnistsMay 26, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
12 JCK Talks Sessions to Add to Your Las Vegas ScheduleThe trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
CBG Brings Its Curated Designer Project to Las Vegas ShowThe Curated Designer Project has expanded to highlight eight independent jewelry designers during CBG’s Las Vegas show.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2026
Instore Buys JA New York ShowThe deal closed this week, which means Instore will produce the JA NY show slated to take place this fall.
FinancialsMay 22, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Lead the Charge in Q4The company’s jewelry sales were up in Q4 and the fiscal year, with Richemont raising prices in part because of the cost of gold.
CollectionsMay 22, 2026
Leigh Maxwell Celebrates 5 Years at Couture With ‘Bauble’ CollectionThe “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.
MajorsMay 22, 2026
Stuller’s New Packaging, Display Catalog Is Out The updated catalog has a newly dedicated section for gift wrapping.
PodcastsMay 21, 2026
Episode 5: Sotheby’s Frank Everett Puts the Auction Market in PerspectiveEverett covers colored stones’ surging popularity, the mellow return of the “Mellon Blue,” and his “The Devil Wears Prada” doppelgänger.
IndependentsMay 21, 2026
Springer’s Jewelers’ New Flagship Will Serve Next-Gen Luxury ShoppersFourth-generation CEO Lilly Mullen wants to emphasize experience, connection, and personalized service.
Events & AwardsMay 21, 2026
JA Announces Nina Pugliese Memorial ScholarshipThe new award, created in partnership with Henne Jewelers, honors the late designer’s legacy through supporting jewelry education.
SourcingMay 21, 2026
Botswana, Angola Join WFDBThe addition of the diamond-producing countries as nation affiliated members broadens the federation’s global representation, WFDB said.
CrimeMay 20, 2026
NYPD Warns of Jewelry Swap Scams Targeting SeniorsThe NYPD is warning elderly New Yorkers to keep their jewelry hidden when walking outside to avoid being a target.
IndependentsMay 20, 2026
Adornment & Theory’s New Store Feels Like Home Designer Viviana Langhoff has realized her dream of owning a space for her Chicago jewelry store that looks and feels like her brand.
Events & AwardsMay 20, 2026
Here Is Couture’s 2026 Education Lineup The sessions will run from Friday, May 29, to Sunday, May 31, with one being a live taping of an episode of Couture’s podcast.
Lab-GrownMay 20, 2026
Savannah Friedkin Jewelry Names New CEOFormer Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry executive Morgan P. Richardson is joining the lab-grown diamond jewelry brand.
