GradingFeb 02, 2026
IGI to Acquire American Gemological Laboratories IGI is buying the colored gemstone grading laboratory through IGI USA, and AGL will continue to operate as its own brand.
OtherFeb 12, 2014
Lineup for WJA’s ‘In the Know’ announced
The Women’s Jewelry Association’s 11th annual In the Know Conference is scheduled for March 5, and this year will include a same-day awards ceremony.
New York--The Women’s Jewelry Association’s 11th annual In the Know Conference is scheduled for March 5, and this year will include a same-day awards ceremony.
In the Know will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hearst Tower, and the “In the Spotlight” awards ceremony is slated for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the same location.
This year’s conference will focus on WJA’s 2014 theme, “Connect and Transform,” and will feature speakers who have led TED talks, been recognized by magazines including Fast Company and Fortune, and worked as professionals within the jewelry industry.
Opening the conference is Alexandra Wilkis Wilson, co-founder of Gilt Groupe, who will present “The Gilt Groupe Story: How to Get 1.5 Billion Sales in 3.5 Years.”
Wilson has more than 15 years of experience in the luxury sector, working for bands including Bulgari, Louis Vuitton and Merrill Lynch, and also co-authored By Innovation Only: How We Built Gilt and Changed the Way Millions Shop, a New York Times bestseller.
Rachel Shechtman, founder of retail concept company Story, will discuss with attendees “Storytelling: The New Consumerism.” Named one of Fortune’s “40 Under 40” and one of Fast Company’s “100 Most Creative People in Business,” Shechtman is a retail expert who has consulted for brands including Kraft, Toms Shoes and Lincoln Motor Co.
Motivational speaker Dan Thurmon will present “Off Balance on Purpose: How to Evolve During Changing Times.” Thurmon is the author of two books and an expert in helping organizations and individuals implement action plans and move through transitions.
The conference also will offer two panels.
The first will be moderated by Stellene Volandes, style director at Town & Country magazine, and will feature designers Melissa Joy Manning and Kara Ross discussing how jewelry and watch brands have extended their reach.
The second panel, “Close to the Consumer: How Retailers are Reinventing Themselves,” will be moderated by Orit, president and CEO of the O Group, with panelists Cathy Fischer of Sterling Jewelers Inc., PJ Lynch, the CEO of the Gem Shopping Network, Jennifer Gandia of Greenwich Jewelers, Annelise Peterson of Net-A-Porter and Daniella Yacobovsky of BaubleBar.
Following the conference, the In the Spotlight event will honor WJA regional chapters’ Shining Stars for 2014 as well as the 2013-2014 WJA Diva Design Contest award winners.
Combination and separate tickets for both the conference and awards event can be purchased on the WJA website.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Other
The Latest
CrimeFeb 02, 2026
Ylang 23’s Dallas Store BurglarizedThe Texas jeweler said its team is “incredibly resilient” and thanked its community for showing support.
EditorsFeb 02, 2026
Stars Choose Chokers, Elongated Earrings at 2026 GrammysFrom cool-toned metal to ring stacks, Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights the jewelry trends she spotted at the Grammy Awards.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
CollectionsFeb 02, 2026
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the fact that the 2026 Olympics are taking place in two different cities.
Weekly QuizJan 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysJan 30, 2026
These Are the Top Brands of 2026, Says YouGovFrom tech platforms to candy companies, here’s how some of the highest-ranking brands earned their spot on the list.
CollectionsJan 30, 2026
Follow the Beat With Etiq’s ‘Khol’ RingThe “Khol” ring, our Piece of the Week, transforms the traditional Indian Khol drum into playful jewelry through hand-carved lapis.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
MajorsJan 30, 2026
Arch Crown’s 2026 ‘Tag & Label’ Catalog Is HereThe catalog includes more than 100 styles of stock, pre-printed, and custom tags and labels, as well as bar code technology products.
CollectionsJan 29, 2026
Ghirardelli’s ‘Chocolocket’ Returns for Valentine’s DayThe chocolatier is bringing back its chocolate-inspired locket, offering sets of two to celebrate “perfect pairs.”
AuctionsJan 29, 2026
These Were Bonhams’ Top 10 Jewelry Lots in 2025The top lot of the year was a 1930s Cartier tiara owned by Nancy, Viscountess Astor, which sold for $1.2 million in London last summer.
SourcingJan 29, 2026
Stuller Website to Mark AGTA-Sourced GemstonesAny gemstones on Stuller.com that were sourced by an AGTA vendor member will now bear the association’s logo.
WatchesJan 29, 2026
Audemars Piguet Opens AP House in AtlantaThe Swiss watchmaker has brought its latest immersive boutique to Atlanta, a city it described as “an epicenter of music and storytelling.”
SourcingJan 28, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair to Debut Designer Showcase in TucsonThe new addition will feature finished jewelry created using “consciously sourced” gemstones.
ColumnistsJan 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Setting the Next Generation Up for SuccessIn his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.
SurveysJan 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls Below Pandemic Lows in JanuaryThe index fell to its lowest level since May 2014 amid concerns about the present and the future.
IndependentsJan 28, 2026
Foundrae Heads to Aspen for Latest Store OpeningThe new store in Aspen, Colorado, takes inspiration from a stately library for its intimate yet elevated interior design.
FinancialsJan 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Sales Resilient as LVMH’s 2025 Sales SlipThe brands’ high jewelry collections performed especially well last year despite a challenging environment.
CollectionsJan 27, 2026
De Beers London, GemFair Debut New Collection Highlighting Artisanal DiamondsThe collection marks the first time GemFair’s artisanal diamonds will be brought directly to consumers.
SourcingJan 27, 2026
GemGuide Launches Pricing for Montana SapphiresThe initial charts are for blue, teal, and green material, each grouped into three charts categorized as good, fine, and extra fine.
TechnologyJan 27, 2026
Clientbook Launches Appointment Booking ToolThe new tool can assign the appropriate associate based on the client or appointment type and automate personalized text message follow-ups.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Angolan Diamond Cos. Join NDC as Rio Tinto, Murowa Exit Endiama and Sodiam will contribute money to the marketing of natural diamonds as new members of the Natural Diamond Council.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
Francesca’s To Close All StoresThe retailer operates more than 450 boutiques across 45 states, according to its website.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board MembersThe new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.
CollectionsJan 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates 189 Years of Love StoriesThe jeweler’s 2026 Valentine’s Day campaign, “Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837,” includes a short firm starring actress Adria Arjona.
GradingJan 26, 2026
DCA Updates Colored Gemstone CourseThe new features include interactive flashcards and scenario-based roleplay with AI tools.
