AGS Confluence Returns with AI, Sustainability Sessions
Rob Bates of The Jewelry Wire will also moderate a panel on the state of the jewelry industry during the virtual event.

Confluence will be held Wednesday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. PDT.
The virtual, half-day conference offers practical education tailored to jewelry professionals.
Industry experts will lead three sessions, covering AI, sustainability, and the state of the jewelry industry.
Michael Magee, senior subject specialist, jewelry manufacturing arts research and development at GIA, will present “Beyond the Prompt: What’s New in AI Design for 2026.”
The presentation will dive into how generative AI tools are impacting concepting, merchandising, client communication, and regulatory requirements.
Brandee Dallow, chief communications and sustainability officer at Grandview Klein Diamond Group, will present “Communicating Responsibility with Clarity and Credibility.”
Dallow’s session will provide a framework for businesses to understand and communicate responsible practices in a clear, consumer-friendly way.
"Turning Diamond Knowledge into Sales: Free, On-Demand Training with NDC's Diamond Learning Center" will be led by Grace Isley, head of retail strategy and partnerships at the Natural Diamond Council.
The session will guide attendees through the Diamond Learning Center, a free, self-paced training platform that helps jewelry professionals bolster diamond storytelling, support more effective customer interactions, and grow natural diamond sales.
Rob Bates, founder and news director at The Jewelry Wire, will moderate “Hot Topics in the Jewelry Industry,” looking at retail and wholesale trends, global influences, and the economic factors shaping the jewelry market.
Panelists include Johanna Levy of GIA, Morgan Waters of Stuller, Sara Yood of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, and Abe Sherman of Buyers Intelligence Group.
There will also be bonus sessions on sustainability and the debut of AGS's newest educational series, "Members Teaching Members," where AGS members share real-world strategies they use in their businesses.
Registration is free for AGS members. Non-members interested in attending can contact membership@ags.org.
The event will be available to watch on-demand through July 31.
For more information or to register, visit the AGS Confluence website.
The Latest

The “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.

As demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.

The “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

The alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.


Sally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.

McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

The luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.

Kalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.

“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.

The campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.

Plus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.

Presented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.

The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.

The jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.

JSA is seeking information about the gunpoint robbery of a Kay Jewelers location in Oregon’s Washington Square Mall.

The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.

The “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.

Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.

In her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.

“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”

Organizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.

The Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.

The Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.

The “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.























