MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.
OtherApr 23, 2014
Conference to explore jewelry history, techniques
The history, science and artistry of fine jewelry will be explored at the Northwest Jewelry Conference in August, with jewelry historians and industry professionals holding presentations and seminars.
Bellevue, Wash.--The history, science and artistry of fine jewelry will be explored at the Northwest Jewelry Conference in August, with jewelry historians and industry professionals holding presentations and seminars.
The second annual conference is scheduled for Aug. 15 to 17 (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) at the Northwest Gemological Institute in Bellevue.
On Aug. 15 after a reception, jewelry historian Diana Singer will present “What Makes Good ‘Good,’”, where she will discuss stone quality, workmanship issues and the components of a good design, including mathematical principles, color usage and negative and positive space.
On Aug. 16, Singer and fellow jewelry historian Peter Shemonsky will cover the history of Tiffany & Co. including its innovations, designs and imposters. The presentation is the launch of conference organizers’ plans to cover one major jewelry house in depth at each conference.
Another planned yearly session is “Another Time and Place,” also scheduled for Aug. 16, that offers a 360-degree look at the influences, developments and transitions within a slice of jewelry history. This year, Shemonsky will examine 1890 to 1905 and the political, socio-economic and technical influences that shaped the 20th century and the jewelry associated with it.
Also presenting on Saturday will be Al Gilbertson, cut historian at the Gemological Institute of America, and Scott Sucher, principal of The Stonecutter, which provides museums with replicas of famous diamonds. Gilbertson and Sucher will explore “The Evolution of Diamond Cutting,” a comprehensive history that will include physical replicas of the world’s most famous diamonds.
Karen Lorne, owner of Facèré Jewelry Art in Seattle, will hold “Jewelry as Art” on Saturday, taking a look at designers who create jewelry for artistry sake rather over intrinsic value and how that jewelry is evaluated.
Closing Saturday’s schedule would be a pearl stringing demonstration with Evie Chung, where attendees can see what happens when a strand is submitted for re-stringing. Chung also will demonstrate a traditional Japanese hand-knotting technique and discuss stringing options and restoration of period pearl strands.
Sunday will focus on workshops, beginning with “What is it?” led by Shemonsky, with examples and testing procedures for the many organics and their substitutes used in jewelry.
Following up will be “Where is it From?,” an interactive presentation and hands-on hallmarks workshop with antiquarian jeweler William Whetstone and antique jewelry appraiser Dasia Niklewicz.
“This is an information-dense weekend,” said Ted Irwin, director of the NGI and
conference host. “Our intent is to bring world-class speakers to a small group environment … it does provide an opportunity for those passionate about period jewelry to explore the topic at home in the Pacific Northwest.”
The cost of a conference ticket is $595 and includes the reception, conference sessions, and breakfast and lunch.
Registration and additional conference information can be found on the Northwest Jewelry Conference website.
More on Other
The Latest
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 ExecsArien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
