The medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.
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

Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025

Globally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.


Production at the mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories topped 1 million carats in Q2, the third consecutive quarter of growth.

The middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.

The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.

The auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.

Jake Duneier and Danielle Duneier-Goldberg have stepped into the roles of CEO and president, respectively.

The “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.

The Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.

In addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.

The “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.

The seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.

The New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.

The trade-only event will host its debut fair in the Emerald City later this month.

Its sessions will focus on inventory strategies, staff performance, retention and acquisition, emerging market trends, and more.

For its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.

The jewelry company is one of several contributing to relief efforts in the region after the recent floods.

Inspired by fiancé Sid Wilson’s nickname for her, the white and yellow diamond ring features a unique honeycomb design.

The brand is marking its 50th anniversary with a limited-edition bangle, high jewelry suites, new collections, and more.

Goldfarb said changes in the industry, coupled with his age and the updates needed to modernize his business, drove his decision.

Longtime LVMH executive Michael Burke has stepped into the role.

Central topics of next week’s event include climate action, labor rights, artisan preservation, and value retention in producing countries.