ColumnistsMay 12, 2026
It’s Official: We’re Getting ‘Brain Rot’ From Watching Short-Form Videos Peter Smith gives tips on leading meetings, developing marketing, and making trade show appointments in the age of short attention spans.
OtherFeb 12, 2014
Lineup for WJA’s ‘In the Know’ announced
The Women’s Jewelry Association’s 11th annual In the Know Conference is scheduled for March 5, and this year will include a same-day awards ceremony.
New York--The Women’s Jewelry Association’s 11th annual In the Know Conference is scheduled for March 5, and this year will include a same-day awards ceremony.
In the Know will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hearst Tower, and the “In the Spotlight” awards ceremony is slated for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the same location.
This year’s conference will focus on WJA’s 2014 theme, “Connect and Transform,” and will feature speakers who have led TED talks, been recognized by magazines including Fast Company and Fortune, and worked as professionals within the jewelry industry.
Opening the conference is Alexandra Wilkis Wilson, co-founder of Gilt Groupe, who will present “The Gilt Groupe Story: How to Get 1.5 Billion Sales in 3.5 Years.”
Wilson has more than 15 years of experience in the luxury sector, working for bands including Bulgari, Louis Vuitton and Merrill Lynch, and also co-authored By Innovation Only: How We Built Gilt and Changed the Way Millions Shop, a New York Times bestseller.
Rachel Shechtman, founder of retail concept company Story, will discuss with attendees “Storytelling: The New Consumerism.” Named one of Fortune’s “40 Under 40” and one of Fast Company’s “100 Most Creative People in Business,” Shechtman is a retail expert who has consulted for brands including Kraft, Toms Shoes and Lincoln Motor Co.
Motivational speaker Dan Thurmon will present “Off Balance on Purpose: How to Evolve During Changing Times.” Thurmon is the author of two books and an expert in helping organizations and individuals implement action plans and move through transitions.
The conference also will offer two panels.
The first will be moderated by Stellene Volandes, style director at Town & Country magazine, and will feature designers Melissa Joy Manning and Kara Ross discussing how jewelry and watch brands have extended their reach.
The second panel, “Close to the Consumer: How Retailers are Reinventing Themselves,” will be moderated by Orit, president and CEO of the O Group, with panelists Cathy Fischer of Sterling Jewelers Inc., PJ Lynch, the CEO of the Gem Shopping Network, Jennifer Gandia of Greenwich Jewelers, Annelise Peterson of Net-A-Porter and Daniella Yacobovsky of BaubleBar.
Following the conference, the In the Spotlight event will honor WJA regional chapters’ Shining Stars for 2014 as well as the 2013-2014 WJA Diva Design Contest award winners.
Combination and separate tickets for both the conference and awards event can be purchased on the WJA website.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Other
The Latest
CollectionsMay 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Debuts Antique Coin-Inspired Medallions for SummerThe 11-piece “Medallions” capsule collection features five motifs: a crying eye, a heart on fire, a spiral, a flower, and a swallow.
IndependentsMay 12, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2026
The Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award Is BackThe partners have announced the second cycle of the program, which has expanded to include a $25,000 student scholarship.
Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsMay 11, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 YearsThe owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Former Macy’s CEO Joins Signet Jewelers BoardJeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Lucky May May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.
TechnologyMay 11, 2026
Clientbook’s New Tool Helps Jewelers Plan In-Store EventsThe new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond ClaimsNDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award WinnersTwo pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account ExecutiveIn his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEOJosé Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship ProgramIt has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain FutureThe owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown DiamondsThe company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to ApprovalThe retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby'sOf the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His RootsFollowing decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports HistoryThe museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure ProgramThe new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.
