Events & Awards

Here is JA’s Education and Events Lineup for JA New York

Events & AwardsFeb 28, 2018

Here is JA’s Education and Events Lineup for JA New York

A cocktail party to benefit JFC and an expansive education line-up are planned for the March show.

2016-JA-logo.jpg

New York--The JA New York Spring trade show is fast approaching, and Jewelers of America has announced its full agenda of events taking place during the March event.

Sunday, March 11 will kick off with a session on “Embracing E-Commerce without the Expense and Expertise,” with speaker Lauren Kennedy, the vice president of marketing at Bright Society. Kennedy will talk about the expectations of consumers when visiting e-commerce sites and the most essential aspects of selling online on which retailers should focus.

Tammy Lail, merchandising vice president at Stuller Inc., will lead a session titled “Maximizing Your Repair Profit,” covering strategies and solutions for making the most of repair sales.

President and CEO of Performance Concepts, Inc. Kate Peterson and President and CEO of Diamond Council of America Terry Chandler will tell attendees how to “Sharpen Your Competitive Edge.” The session will focus on how to train employees to best serve today’s educated consumer.

In “Capitalize on the Diamonds Do Good Message--A Win/Win for Your Business and Your Customers,” Nancy Orem Lyman, the executive director of the Diamond Empowerment Fund, will explain how businesses can successfully convey what they’re doing responsibly and ethically to millennial consumers who are interested in purchases that make a difference.

On Sunday night, JA will partner with Jewelers for Children to host “Celebrate New York,” a cocktail party and silent auction, which will raise money for the latter. Taking place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Special Events Hall at the Javits Center, the event includes an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, silent auction, DJ & dancing.

Attendance is free for Jewelers of America members, who can register online. The event also is sponsored by JA New York, Jewelers Mutual Insurance Group and Synchrony Financial.

Then, on Monday, March 12, JA will host an Idea Exchange at 8 a.m., giving show attendees an opportunity to discuss and brainstorm topics pertinent to the jewelry business. While free to attend, space for the exchange is limited and attendance should be confirmed online to reserve a spot.

Also happening Monday at 1 p.m. is JA’s Professional Certification exams in sales and management. Those who register in advance will receive $10 off the exam fee.

Monday’s educational agenda kicks off with a “Stand Out on Social Media” discussion, led by Amanda Gizzi, director of public relations and events at JA, and Lauren Kalma, JA’s public relations

and events coordinator. Gizzi and Kalma will share their tips and tricks for making an impact in a crowded social marketplace.

Travis Isaacson, vice president, sales and marketing at Lashbrook, will speak about the necessity of growing your custom business in his session, “Custom: The Next Catalyst for Growth for Brick-and-Mortar.”

A timely topic, former President and CEO of Jewelers Vigilance Committee Cecilia Gardner also will speak, addressing “Sexual Harassment in the Workplace: Tools for Employees and Business.” She’ll let industry members know what rights are available to employers and employees and how to protect a business from the most common litigation issues.

Finally, JA’s Director of Membership and Sales and publisher of National Jeweler, Matthew Tratner, will present a session titled “Improve Your Business with Key Insights from the 2017 Fine Jewelry Industry Consumer & Retail Market Report.” Analyzing two in-depth studies, Tratner will underline the future opportunities that jewelers should begin to capitalize on now.

JA also will display the winning designs from the 2018 CASE Awards at its booth, #1072, at the show and will offer a special $99 rate for JA membership, plus a chance to win a Foldio 360 lightbox.

JA’s full schedule of educational programming and events is free to JA New York Show attendees. For more information visit Jewelers.org.
Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

Itä Aguaviva Tassel Pendant, Ashaha Anzar Cuff, Cultus Artem Quetzal Ring
CollectionsMay 28, 2026
Meet The 17 Newcomers to Couture’s Design Atelier

These up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.

GCAL 8x Cushion Cut diamond
GradingMay 28, 2026
GCAL By Sarine Launches 8X Cushion Cut

The lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.

Smart Age Solutions CEO and National Jeweler columnist Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsMay 27, 2026
What Jewelers Can Learn From Luxury Fashion’s Digital Playbook

High-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

PG-05-SHOT-2-LUCIDA.033 1.png
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in Vegas

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

National Jeweler columnist Sherry Smith, partner at The Retail Smiths
ColumnistsMay 26, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show Buying

Buying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.

Weekly QuizMay 21, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
JCK Talks panel on stage
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
12 JCK Talks Sessions to Add to Your Las Vegas Schedule

The trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.

CBG Curated Designer Project Logo
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
CBG Brings Its Curated Designer Project to Las Vegas Show

The Curated Designer Project has expanded to highlight eight independent jewelry designers during CBG’s Las Vegas show.

1872x1052-NextGem-2026-National-Jeweler-Advertorial.jpg
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry Retailers

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

Walters Faith
TrendsMay 26, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Cooldown Is Coming

Bring a cool tone to your summer jewelry with these white metal pieces.

Shot of attendees at a JA New York jewelry trade show
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2026
Instore Buys JA New York Show

The deal closed this week, which means Instore will produce the JA NY show slated to take place this fall.

Buccellati Waikiki gold and diamond earrings
FinancialsMay 22, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Lead the Charge in Q4

The company’s jewelry sales were up in Q4 and the fiscal year, with Richemont raising prices in part because of the cost of gold.

Leigh Maxwell Bauble Earrings
CollectionsMay 22, 2026
Leigh Maxwell Celebrates 5 Years at Couture With ‘Bauble’ Collection

The “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.

Stuller 2026-2027 packaging and display catalog
MajorsMay 22, 2026
Stuller’s New Packaging, Display Catalog Is Out

The updated catalog has a newly dedicated section for gift wrapping.

My Next Question, Episode 5: Amanda Gizzi, Michelle Graff, Frank Everett
PodcastsMay 21, 2026
Episode 5: Sotheby’s Frank Everett Puts the Auction Market in Perspective

Everett covers colored stones’ surging popularity, the mellow return of the “Mellon Blue,” and his “The Devil Wears Prada” doppelgänger.

Springer’s Jewelers new flagship rendering
IndependentsMay 21, 2026
Springer’s Jewelers’ New Flagship Will Serve Next-Gen Luxury Shoppers

Fourth-generation CEO Lilly Mullen wants to emphasize experience, connection, and personalized service.

Nina Pugliese
Events & AwardsMay 21, 2026
JA Announces Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship

The new award, created in partnership with Henne Jewelers, honors the late designer’s legacy through supporting jewelry education.

WFDB International Summit
SourcingMay 21, 2026
Botswana, Angola Join WFDB

The addition of the diamond-producing countries as nation affiliated members broadens the federation’s global representation, WFDB said.

Jewelry scam flyer and police officer handing flyer to elderly man
CrimeMay 20, 2026
NYPD Warns of Jewelry Swap Scams Targeting Seniors

The NYPD is warning elderly New Yorkers to keep their jewelry hidden when walking outside to avoid being a target.

New Adornment & Theory jewelry store in West Town, Chicago
IndependentsMay 20, 2026
Adornment & Theory’s New Store Feels Like Home

Designer Viviana Langhoff has realized her dream of owning a space for her Chicago jewelry store that looks and feels like her brand.

Couture Show Logo
Events & AwardsMay 20, 2026
Here Is Couture’s 2026 Education Lineup

The sessions will run from Friday, May 29, to Sunday, May 31, with one being a live taping of an episode of Couture’s podcast.

Morgan P. Richardson
Lab-GrownMay 20, 2026
Savannah Friedkin Jewelry Names New CEO

Former Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry executive Morgan P. Richardson is joining the lab-grown diamond jewelry brand.

Audemars Piguet x Swatch white Royal Pop watch
WatchesMay 19, 2026
Here’s the AP x Swatch Pocket Watch That Caused Pandemonium

The $400 pocket watch is a blend of Audemars Piguet’s iconic eight-sided Royal Oak and Swatch’s unserious Pop watches from the ‘80s.

Chris Ploof Modern Electrum Collection Milgrain Rows and Diamonds Ring
CollectionsMay 19, 2026
Chris Ploof’s New Collection Makes an Ancient Metal Modern

With gold prices on the rise, the “Modern Electrum” collection uses an alternative, non-tarnishing metal alloy composed of gold and silver.

Ellen and Michael Fruchtman
IndependentsMay 19, 2026
Ellen and Michael Fruchtman Retire, Sell Marketing Agency

Fruchtman Marketing has new owners, Erin Moyer-Carballea and Manuel Carballea, and will relocate to Miami.

Peter Smith and National Jeweler contributor
ColumnistsMay 19, 2026
Peter Smith: The (Mostly) Immutable Sales Truths

In a column for the 2026 State of the Majors issue, Smith lists 10 time-tested principles about sales that still ring true.

Edahn Golan, Tenoris co-founder and National Jeweler contributor
ColumnistsMay 18, 2026
Edahn Golan: What a K-Shaped Economy Means for Fine Jewelry

In a column for the 2026 State of the Majors issue, Golan spells out how the growing economic divide in the U.S. is reshaping the market.

Foundrae Limitless Expansion of Joy and Hope Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsMay 18, 2026
Foundrae’s New Collection Taps Into Joy

The “Limitless Expansion of Joy and Hope” collection evokes summer through colored gemstones and motifs of butterflies and florals.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy