Editors

4 Takeaways From My First Conclave

EditorsApr 22, 2019

4 Takeaways From My First Conclave

Associate Editor Lenore Fedow recaps the lessons she learned in Seattle at her first AGS Conclave.

20190314_Conclave_Logo_copy.jpg
AGS Conclave wrapped up in Seattle earlier this month and plans to head to Denver next year.

I recently returned from my first American Gem Society Conclave, and now I’m here to write my first blog.

I joined National Jeweler’s editorial team this January, covering breaking news and financials of the large public jewelry companies, like Signet and Tiffany.

I am taking my background in business journalism—covering Wall Street and market trends—and my previous experience working in New York’s Diamond District providing customer service and combining them for this job.

If I’ve learned one thing in my short time here, it’s that I have quite a lot to learn, which is the reason I packed my bags and headed west to Seattle earlier this month.

So, without further ado, here are four takeaways from an industry newbie’s first Conclave.

1. It’s a close-knit community.

I made my way to the registration desk Monday morning to pick up my entry badge. An AGS employee greeted me with a smile and took down my information, printing out my badge and slapping a bright, white sticker on the bottom.

It read “NEWCOMER,” clear as day in shiny gold lettering.

I spotted a fair number of white badges during my time in Seattle at Conclave, but I got the sense that most of the people attending had been coming to Conclave for quite a while.

Rarely did I make it down a hallway or through the lobby without walking around groups of what seemed like old friends, excitedly chit-chatting about what’s gone on since last they met.

The newcomer badge was a wonderful icebreaker when I stopped to chat between sessions or in the elevator. It was encouraging to hear how many years people have been attending Conclave.

While the education sessions were interesting and diverse, I imagine what brings people back year after year is the sense of community.

Here I was halfway across the country in a new city in a new industry and I was made to feel right at home.

So if you stopped to say hello or made space for me at your breakfast table, it was noticed and appreciated.

2. Adapting to change is a slow but necessary process.

A change isn’t coming; it is already here.

Throughout my time at Conclave, I met with so many wonderful people with so much experience and talent to share with the industry.

However, as I sat through sessions and listened in on discussions, I sensed a lot of hesitancy to change, especially in terms of technology and social

media, and I worried that all that love and knowledge might be in danger of fading away in the coming years.

I wouldn’t advise everyone to put their inventory on blockchain or start opening pop-up shops left and right, but an openness to change is a step in the right direction.

I sat in on a session led by Jennifer Shaheen, president of Technology Therapy Group, which provides marketing and tech expertise to retailers, and she was quick to offer a helping hand to jewelers in attendance.

During her session, she went over how artificial intelligence, machine learning, augmented reality and virtual reality were changing the retail landscape and outlined ways storeowners could utilize technology to improve the shopping experience and collect useful data along the way.

If you’re looking to educate yourself on retail technology or make better use of your data, Shaheen would be the person for the job.

3. There is still some confusion about the revised FTC Jewelry Guides.

I attended a session on the revised Jewelry Guides, presented by Tiffany Stevens and Sara Yood of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee.

I was a bit confused as to why the session would be held in April when the revised guidelines were made public in July, but after sitting in on this session I came to see why continual education is needed.

As a relative newcomer to the jewelry world, I thought I’d be alone in my confusion when Stevens and Yood went into the nitty-gritty details of the revised guidelines, but there were a lot of hands up during the Q&A portion.

If you need a refresher, you can take a peek at our stories about the changes to the Jewelry Guides as they pertain to lab-grown diamonds as well as other topics including pearls and metals.

If you have compliance questions, you might want to give JVC a call.

4. Have confidence in your product.

It was clear to me from the start at National Jeweler that lab-grown diamonds have really shaken up the industry.

In a lot of what I've read so far and heard at Conclave, I feel like lab-grown diamonds are being positioned as akin to the bogeyman, lurking around the corner poised to snatch away all natural diamond customers with deceitful advertising.

But at the end of a session on diamond market trends, Rapaport Senior Analyst and News Editor Avi Krawitz said something that stuck with me.

He advised attendees to vouch for their product, highlighting what makes a natural diamond unique, and focus less on the perceived threat of lab-grown diamonds.

I can’t speak for my entire generation but, for me, the natural formation of a diamond, and any gemstone really, is the most fascinating and unique thing about it.

It’s incredible to think that this stone on my finger is the result of carbon molecules coming together over billions of years deep in the earth. Then, human innovation found a way to unearth that stone and transform it into portable art, allowing me to carry a piece of that story around with me every day.

Sold.

In closing, I am grateful for this new experience and the industry’s warm welcome. I look forward to seeing you all again soon!
Lenore Fedowis the associate editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.

The Latest

Claire’s storefront
MajorsMar 18, 2024
Claire’s to Launch in 4,400 Walgreens Stores

The retailer is expanding its footprint via retail partnerships, previously inking deals with Kohl’s and Macy’s.

Jewelers of America logo
MajorsMar 18, 2024
JA Partners with eBay on New Member Benefit

Members will now have access to “eBay Concierge,” a white-glove dedicated customer service team.

The Jewelry Symposium logo
Events & AwardsMar 18, 2024
The Jewelry Symposium Launches Inaugural Scholarship

The deadline to apply is March 29.

BTYB-HoBrothers-updated.png
Brought to you by
The Scalable, Professional, and Effortless Solution for High-Demand Custom Jewelry Retailers

Ho Brothers offers scalable solutions for the future of custom jewelry.

Brilliant Earth x Logan Hollowell Bloom earrings
FinancialsMar 15, 2024
Brilliant Earth Posts Record Sales, Orders in 2023

CEO Beth Gerstein spoke about the growing appeal of its non-bridal fine jewelry and its expansion plans on its recent earnings call.

Weekly QuizMar 14, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Take the Quiz
Arkansas crater of diamonds eclipse tickets
SourcingMar 15, 2024
Crater of Diamonds State Park Selling Eclipse Tickets

Ticketholders can dig for diamonds in the Arkansas park ahead of the eclipse viewing event on April 8.

Lotus Tiara
CollectionsMar 15, 2024
Piece of the Week: The Lotus Tiara

The versatile jewel pairs ancient Egyptian inspiration with a modern design.

GIA id100
Brought to you by
Full Disclosure at Your Fingertips

Distinguishing natural diamonds from laboratory-grown stones – now more available than ever – has been difficult for jewelers. Until now.

Stock image of rough diamonds mined by De Beers
SourcingMar 14, 2024
De Beers Says Retailers Are ‘Restocking Conservatively’

The company’s rough sales improved for the third sales cycle in a row.

Gemological Institute of America logo
GradingMar 14, 2024
GIA Has a New Scholarship for High School Students in San Diego

The spring application window closes on March 31.

15.51-Carat Yellow Diamond
AuctionsMar 14, 2024
Phillips Hong Kong to Auction 15.51-Carat Yellow Diamond

It’s estimated to sell for up to $1.3 million at the upcoming sale on March 28.

Hedda Schupak
Events & AwardsMar 14, 2024
WJA Foundation Establishes Scholarship in Hedda Schupak’s Honor

It aims to support aspiring journalists, media professionals, content creators, and communicators.

Slick Rick
Events & AwardsMar 13, 2024
A Celebration of Hip-Hop Jewelry Is Coming to AMNH

“Ice Cold: An Exhibition of Hip-Hop Jewelry” will open at the New York City museum on May 9.

Dave Meleski
MajorsMar 13, 2024
Richline’s Dave Meleski Takes Over as RJC Chair

He succeeds David Bouffard, who is leaving Signet and the RJC next month.

Zachary’s Jewelers Mother’s Day kids jewelry contest
IndependentsMar 13, 2024
Zachary’s Jewelers Is Holding a Mother’s Day Jewelry Contest for Kids

Three winners will have their jewelry sketches turned into a real piece of jewelry in time for the holiday.

Boucheron Power of Couture
CollectionsMar 13, 2024
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Pays Homage to Ceremony, History

“Power of Couture” recalls Frédéric Boucheron’s love of fabric using diamonds and rock crystal.

Harry Winston diamond necklace
AuctionsMar 12, 2024
Top Lots Don’t Sell at Sotheby’s Signed Jewels Auction

A Harry Winston diamond necklace and other top lots failed to find buyers.

National Jeweler columnist Lilian Raji
ColumnistsMar 12, 2024
The PR Adviser: Closing Sales and Following Up

Lilian Raji offers advice to a business owner who is having trouble crossing the finish line with customers.

Steve Webb
MajorsMar 12, 2024
Steve Webb Named EVP of The Gordon Company

He brings 30 years of retail store management experience to the role.

Diamonds Do Good Awards logo
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2024
DDG to Honor 3 Industry Veterans in Vegas

At its annual gala, Diamonds Do Good will present awards to GIA, London Jewelers, and Lisa Bridge.

2024 Gem Awards audience
Events & AwardsMar 11, 2024
Gem Awards Highlight the Power of Retail, Community

The 2024 winners expressed gratitude to their teams, industry colleagues, and those who turn jewelry dreams into reality.

Jewelry from designers Jean Prounis, Marla Aaron, and Marie Lichtenberg
CollectionsMar 08, 2024
Pieces of the Week: Gem Award for Jewelry Design Nominees

They are Marla Aaron, Marie Lichtenberg, and Jean Prounis.

Peter Montalbano
Events & AwardsMar 08, 2024
Peter Montalbano to Receive JSA Industry Service Award

The Jewelers’ Security Alliance will honor the industry veteran at its upcoming annual luncheon.

Pomellato International Women’s Day video campaign
Policies & IssuesMar 08, 2024
Pomellato’s 2024 IWD Video Calls for an End to Violence Against Women

The annual video stars Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli alongside Jane Fonda and other celebrities and activists.

970x250.jpg
Supplier BulletinMar 07, 2024
Empower Your Team with IGI’s Comprehensive Educational Services

Sponsored by IGI

Eddie Grove
IndependentsMar 07, 2024
‘Old-School’ Jewelry Salesman Eddie Grove Dies at 81

The Pennsylvania native, who sold for Gumuchian and others, is remembered for being kind and outgoing.

A selection of engagement rings
TrendsMar 07, 2024
5 Engagement Ring Trends for 2024

From three-stone rings to fancy shapes, experts weigh in on what consumers could be looking for this year.

×

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