From a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
Ben Smithee to keynote Portland conference
The business marketing consultant is scheduled to speak on Oct. 4, the day before the Portland Jewelry Symposium begins.
Portland, Ore.--Ben Smithee will present the keynote address at this year’s Portland Jewelry Symposium, an annual event that covers design trends, technology, bench work and business for manufacturers and designers.
The symposium is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 5 at the Sentinel Hotel in Portland.
Smithee will deliver his keynote on Sunday, Oct. 4 at a dinner kicking off the symposium at the Portland Art Museum.
The chief strategy officer for Relevents, a company that produces business events, Smithee has consulted with brands including Coca-Cola, General Mills, Sterling Jewelers, Geico, McDonald’s and Ebay.
In addition to Smithee’s keynote, the symposium will offer 10 education sessions on Monday, including “Making Great Money from Custom Designing and Repairs” with David Gellar and “Top 10 Ways to Get Sued” with Cecilia Gardner of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee. Digital design, manufacturing and other topics also will be discussed.
A complete list of speakers and sessions can be found on PortlandJewelrySymposium.com.
Registration for the symposium is open and also can be found on its website while hotel accommodations are here.
This is the eighth edition of the symposium, which founder Teresa Frye said has seen strong growth in attendance and sponsorship each year.
“I believe there is growing interest in the trade for events like ours where in-depth networking opportunities complement a full education program,” she said.
The Latest

Groundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.

Jost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine


From shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.

The designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.

“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.

The lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.

A Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.

New collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.

The citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.

Lanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.

A replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.

Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.

To enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.

The grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.

The winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.

The rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.

It is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.

Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.

The jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.

Spectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.

Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.

Alexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.




















