At Converge 2025, Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff attended sessions on DEI, tariffs, security, and more. Here are her top takeaways.
CBG, Preferred Jewelers Launch Jewelry Trade Show in Florida
Diplomat is scheduled for Sept. 4 to 6 to allow retailers to stock up for the fourth quarter.

Miami—The creators of the Continental Buying Group and Preferred Jewelers International have debuted a jewelry trade show slated for this fall in Florida.
Scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 4 through Friday, Sept. 6 at the Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida, the new jewelry event is timed to allow retailers to fill up their cases for the important fourth quarter.
In addition to buying, it also will allow for plenty of networking opportunities as it has been set up so that breakfast, lunch, cocktails and all education seminars are scheduled so that both suppliers and retailers can attend, according to show organizers.
The education program is scheduled for the jewelry trade show’s final day.
Seminars include the following.
--Jewelers Vigilance Committee President and CEO Tiffany Stevens and Gemological Science International President Debbie Azar will speak about lab-grown diamonds, mined diamonds and industry members responsibilities to disclose information to customers;
--Keith Elzia from Enterprise Content Solutions will speak about artificial intelligence and how it will help businesses grow and acquire new customers;
--Angela Gage from Solupay will explain how the company can help with website payment options and fraud prevention products; and
--Kendall Kennedy and Jackie Brooks of Bottomline Marketing will close the educational seminar with an interactive presentation on social media and its importance for trade businesses.
Independents retailers interested in more information about Diplomat or if they qualify for an invitation to attend should call 305-868-9004 or visit TheDiplomatShow.com.
The Latest

Six people were shot last week at an Oakland cash-for-gold shop as employees exchanged gunfire with individuals trying to rob the store.

The jeweler has expanded its high jewelry offering, which launched last year, with new pieces featuring its cube motif that debuted in 1999.

With their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.

Ben Bridge Jeweler and Lux Bond & Green were a part of the pilot program.


Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares eight of her favorite jewelry looks from the 77th annual Primetime Emmy Awards, held Sunday night.

It’s predicting a rise in retail sales this holiday season despite economic uncertainty and elevated inflation.

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

It included the sale of the 11,685-carat “Imboo” emerald that was recently discovered at Kagem.

The newly elected directors will officially take office in February 2026 and will be introduced at the organization’s membership meeting.

Associate Editor Lauren McLemore headed out West for a visit to Potentate Mining’s operation hosted by gemstone wholesaler Parlé Gems.

Fordite is a man-made material created from the layers of dried enamel paint that dripped onto the floors of automotive factories.

A decision likely won’t come until January 2026 at the earliest, and the tariffs remain in effect until then.

Located in the revamped jewelry hall at the retailer’s New York City flagship, this opening is Tabayer’s first shop-in-shop.

The new, free app offers accessible educational content, like games and podcasts, for U.S. retailers.

As the gold price rises, the manufacturer is offering a 100 percent payout through Sept. 30 for gold clean scrap.

Jacob & Co. partnered with the German technology company on two pairs of headphones, one set with diamonds and the other with sapphires.

Guillermo del Toro’s 2025 “Frankenstein” will feature 27 jewels and objects from the storied brand, including pieces from its archives.

The Waldorf Astoria New York’s grand reopening this past summer means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event.

Anglo plans to merge with Teck Resources Ltd. to form Anglo Teck. The deal changes nothing about its plans to offload De Beers.

The 9.51-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, which set two world auction records at Sotheby’s in 2014, is estimated to fetch up to $30 million.

The industry veteran joins the auction house as it looks to solidify its footprint in the jewelry market.

The nonprofit awarded four students pursuing a professional career in jewelry making and design with $2,250 each.

The Texas-based jeweler has also undergone a brand refresh, debuting a new website and logo.

The two organizations have finalized and signed the affiliation agreement announced in May.

The single-owner sale will headline Sotheby's inaugural jewelry auction at the Breuer building, its new global headquarters, this December.

Smith recalls a bit of wisdom the industry leader, who died last week, shared at a diamond conference years ago.