Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
Jewelry Industry Summit Announces 2017 Speakers and Sessions
The summit will take place in Tucson, Arizona on Jan. 29 and 30 to facilitate conversations on sustainable and responsible sourcing.
Tucson, Ariz.--The Jewelry Industry Summit has announced its speakers, agenda and sponsors for its second event on Jan. 29 and 30 at the Tucson Convention Center.
The summit is broken down into morning and afternoon sessions.
On Sunday, Jan. 29, following the “Strengths, Opportunities and Aspirations” workshop, Lisa Manley, executive vice president, sustainability strategy and communications at Cone Communications, will speak to attendees. Cone Communications is a public relations and marketing agency, known for its studies on consumer expectations of responsible business.
The afternoon session will feature speaker Thea Polancic, managing partner of Chicago-based consulting firm ClearSpace LLC and founder of the Chicago chapter of Conscious Capitalism, an organization that focuses on voluntary exchange and entrepreneurship, and marrying these capitalist principals with trust and compassion.
This session also will encompass two workshops: “Imagining the Future of Industry Segments” and “Identifying Key Elements of a Sustainable Future.”
The morning and afternoon session on day one will be broken up with a lunch and a reception will follow the second session.
During the reception, 20 posters will discuss responsible sourcing, with a representative from each poster’s organization present to answer questions. (To participate in this, contact Richard Nehls at richard@la-rocks.com. The deadline is Jan. 23.)
On the second day of the summit, Monday, Jan. 30, the morning session will begin with speaker Bob Mitchell, vice president of social and environmental responsibility for the Electronics Industry Citizen Coalition, then will progress to workshops on “Identifying Possibilities to Support Sustainability by Industry Segment” and “Exploring Possibilities to Support Sustainability.”
The afternoon session will include discussions on “Prototyping Tools, Strategies, and Initiatives,” “Rapid Stress Testing of Prototypes,” and “Refine, Redesign, and Plan for Prototypes.”
Sponsors for the second Jewelry Industry Summit are: Jeff Bilgore, American Gem Trade Association/Jeffrey Bilgore LLC; Cecilia Gardner, Jewelers Vigilance Committee; Cleo Zancope Gnatek, Jane Taylor Jewelry; Doug Hucker, AGTA; Christina Miller, Christina Tatiana Miller Consulting; Richard Nehls, LA Rocks; Mike Pace, Diamond Producers Association; Sam Shiroff, Signet Jewelers; and Barbara Wheat, Gemalytics LLC/Natural Colored Diamond Association.
The summit was created to facilitate conversations between all facets of the jewelry industry on sustainable and responsible sourcing.
Cost of attendance for the 2017 event is $275, which includes lunch on both days, coffee breaks and the Sunday night reception. To register, go to JewelryIndustrySummit.com.
The Latest

The credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.

Kimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

The “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.


“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.

The jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

The singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.

The nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.

As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.

January’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.

The annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.

Footage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.

The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.

The Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”

Linda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.

The governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.

Sparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.

The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.

In its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.

Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.

Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.

Shekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.

This year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.

Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.

As part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.






















