Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.
JA to Hold Its First National Convention Next Year
It will take place in New York in late July.

New York—Jewelers of America announced Wednesday that it will hold its first national convention next year, an education-focused jewelry event that will be open to all jewelry professionals.
The Jewelers of America National Convention is scheduled to take place Sunday, July 28 and Monday, July 29 in New York, the same week as the Women’s Jewelry Association’s annual Awards for Excellence gala (July 29) and the American Gem Society Circle of Distinction dinner (July 30).
(Emerald Expositions announced in July that it is moving the JA New York Summer jewelry trade show, which used to take place in late July in conjunction with the WJA and AGS jewelry events, to August. A GIA spokeswoman said Tuesday that dates have not yet been set for its New York Career Fair, which also normally takes place in late July.)
Pittsburgh jeweler and current JA Board Chair John Henne said Jewelers of America, which is headed by a board of 23 retailers, felt there was a need for an educational event that gives jewelers the chance to learn and network.
He brought up an observation made recently by his 88-year-old father Jack Henne, who has been in the business for six decades: There has been more change in the industry in the past 10 years than there was in the previous 50. Jewelers today need to constantly be innovating, learning and growing to stay relevant.
“Trade shows are awesome, but you tend to spend so much time looking at merchandise that you don’t have the opportunity to slow down and learn,” Henne said. “We thought this would be a great opportunity for that.”
The exact agenda and location for the Jewelers of America National Convention is to be determined, as are ticket prices.
However, the jewelry trade association did say the event will include presentations and discussions on the pressing issues shaping the industry both in the United States and abroad; “compelling” keynote speakers and seminars on top-of-mind challenges for retailers; and networking events including lunches and a JA Member Meet Up & Cocktail Party.
For more information or to sign up for email notifications on convention news, visit Jewelers.org.
National Jeweler is a for-profit subsidiary of Jewelers of America, which purchased the publication in 2015. The two organizations act independently of each other.
The Latest

The best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.

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

The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.


Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.

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

Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.

The “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.

The event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.

The Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.

Agents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.

The designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.

The trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.

The organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.

Lori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.

The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.

The “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.

Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.

Signatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.

The winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.