“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.
This Year’s Portland Jewelry Symposium is Focused on the Future
“Future Think: Innovate, Create, & Thrive” is the theme of the tenth edition of the annual conference, to be held held Oct. 1 and 2.

Portland, Ore.--The theme of the tenth edition of the annual Portland Jewelry Symposium, slated for October, is “Future Think: Innovate, Create, & Thrive.”
The conference will begin the evening of Sunday, Oct. 1, with a dinner and presentation by keynote speaker Peter Smith, CEO of Vibhor Gems and National Jeweler columnist.
Smith will speak about his 2016 article for National Jeweler, “What Will Become of Retail Jewelry Stores?” which was one of the most-read articles of the year.
On Monday, Oct. 2, speakers will include: digital manufacturing expert Kevin Abernathy of BisVentures; social media expert Peggy Jo Donahue, who will moderate a technology panel featuring Calla Gold, Wendy Brandes and Lisa Krikawa; retail business expert Becka Johnson Kibby from Edge Retail; Monica Stephenson of jewelry blog iDazzle and Anza Gems, speaking about responsible sourcing; and specialist in XRF analytics technology Jennifer Caban of Olympus.
The full line-up of speakers can be found on the Portland Jewelry Symposium website.
“Given the rapid evolution we are experiencing in both retail business models and manufacturing technologies, it is very timely for the symposium to take a deep dive into the innovative business models of tomorrow,” symposium founder Teresa Frye said.
“Beginning with our keynote address and continuing across all presentations and bench demonstrations, we endeavor to create a sense of the visionary at this year’s event.”
The conference costs $195 to attend and includes a networking dinner and drinks on Monday night.
The symposium will be held at The Sentinel Hotel in downtown Portland.
Those interested in attending may register online, call 503-652-5224 or email info@portlandjewelrysymposium.com.
The Latest

Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.

Designer Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.

Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.

The company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.


Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

Simon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.

The risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.

A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.

The company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.

The organization also announced its board of directors.

Charms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.

Located in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.

A platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.

The basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.

The Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.

The 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.

Lilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.

GCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.

The Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Van Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.

Industry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
The two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

The Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.

The jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.

The “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.