The “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
5 Must-Attend Education Sessions at Conclave
From an update on diamond grading reports to succession planning for jewelry store owners, here’s a rundown of just a few of the education sessions taking place at AGS Conclave 2016.

Washington--Former Secretary of State Colin Powell will kick off American Gem Society Conclave 2016 on Wednesday, speaking on leadership in the event’s opening keynote.
Joining the retired four-star general in the lineup of keynote speakers are Shawn Achor, the bestselling author of two books on how to be happy; retired U.S. Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell, author of the bestseller Lone Survivor; and returning Conclave speaker Joel Zeff, who will deliver the closing keynote on how to lead teams in times of change.
Outside of the keynote presentations, there’s many more education sessions at Conclave, which is taking place in the nation’s capital this year.
Here are five that stood out to National Jeweler’s editors as must-attend events for jewelry store owners.
1. Diamond Grading Reports 2016 – An Update!
SPEAKER: Andrew Rickard, RDI Diamonds Inc.
DATE: Friday, April 15
TIME: 11:45 a.m.
2. Business Transition: When to Start, What to Do, How to Finish
SPEAKER: Daniel Pharr
DATE: Friday, April 15
TIME: 3:30 p.m.
3. The Year in Style: Jewelry Fashion Trends That Define
SPEAKER: Jennifer Heebner, JCK magazine and JCKOnline.com
DATE: Thursday, April 14
TIME: 11:45 a.m.
4. How Generating Rave Reviews Drives More Business
SPEAKER: Dhanusha Sivajee, XO Group
DATE: Friday, April 15
TIME: 10:15 a.m.
5. Engaged. Trend Talk on All Things Engagement and Bridal Style
MODERATOR: Michelle Graff, National Jeweler editor-in-chief
PANELISTS: Desiree Hanson, NPD Group; Danielle Miele, Gem Gossip; Stacy Tasman, How He Asked
DATE: Wednesday, April 13
TIME: 3:45 p.m.
To view a complete list of sessions, download the 2016 AGS Conclave Mobile App by searching “AGS Conclave” or “American Gem Society” in the App Store or Google Play.
AGS Conclave 2016 is scheduled for April 13 to 16 in Washington, D.C.
The Latest

This year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.

Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

These up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.


The lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.

This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

High-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

The designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.

Buying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.

The trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.

The Curated Designer Project has expanded to highlight eight independent jewelry designers during CBG’s Las Vegas show.

Bring a cool tone to your summer jewelry with these white metal pieces.

The deal closed this week, which means Instore will produce the JA NY show slated to take place this fall.

The company’s jewelry sales were up in Q4 and the fiscal year, with Richemont raising prices in part because of the cost of gold.

The “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.

The updated catalog has a newly dedicated section for gift wrapping.

Everett covers colored stones’ surging popularity, the mellow return of the “Mellon Blue,” and his “The Devil Wears Prada” doppelgänger.

Fourth-generation CEO Lilly Mullen wants to emphasize experience, connection, and personalized service.

The new award, created in partnership with Henne Jewelers, honors the late designer’s legacy through supporting jewelry education.

The addition of the diamond-producing countries as nation affiliated members broadens the federation’s global representation, WFDB said.

The NYPD is warning elderly New Yorkers to keep their jewelry hidden when walking outside to avoid being a target.

Designer Viviana Langhoff has realized her dream of owning a space for her Chicago jewelry store that looks and feels like her brand.

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.

Former Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry executive Morgan P. Richardson is joining the lab-grown diamond jewelry brand.

The $400 pocket watch is a blend of Audemars Piguet’s iconic eight-sided Royal Oak and Swatch’s unserious Pop watches from the ‘80s.
























