2025 Fall Education Schedule

Round Up for Change: How Jewelers for Children Can Foster Good Will Among Your Customers

Over the past 27 years, Jewelers for Children (JFC), with the support of our entire industry, has donated over $65 million to non-profit organizations helping kids facing impossible circumstances. Join us for this vibrant discussion as Sara Murphy, JFC’s Executive Director, shares JFC’s revitalized marketing campaign, new charitable partners and the simple way that “rounding up” can serve to foster good will among your customers and make them feel good about buying from your store.

Leveraging AI to Boost the Fine Jewelry Business

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer an abstract concept on the distant horizon; the technology is already being utilized in earnest across multiple industries. Fine jewelry businesses that embrace AI can create built in efficiencies and optimize their bandwidth, thereby bolstering their success. In this vibrant panel discussion, three exhibiting AI companies will highlight their unique AI platforms and share the practical ways that they can be leveraged to make traditionally time-consuming tasks a breeze and increase customer engagement.

Story Time: The History of Diamond Engagement Rings—A True Romance

Marion Fasel’s most recent book, The History of Diamond Engagement Rings—A True Romance, takes a deep dive into the most enduring jewelry traditions in history. From breaking long-held misconceptions about their origins to highlighting some of history’s most famous engagement rings to shining a spotlight on some of today’s most celebrated unions, the book serves as both historic reference and style guide. In this engaging session, Michelle Graff, Editor-in-Chief of National Jeweler, will sit down with the author to discuss the lore surrounding this constant symbol of love.

The Cost of Doing Business: Navigating the Shifting Landscape of Tariffs

As an industry, we continue to navigate the evolving landscape of U.S. Trade sanctions and tariffs that are directly impacting the fine jewelry industry. In this insightful session, Sally V. Winters, Esq., Counsel and Liz Fraccaro, Assistant Counsel of Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC), will provide in-depth information that can help our community stay ahead of the curve to ensure compliance, protect their supply chains and avoid costly disruptions.

Opportunities in a Volatile Market for Designers, Retailers, and Buyers

The jewelry industry is facing many headwinds right now, including especially the high prices of materials. In this session, GemGuide Editor-in-Chief Brecken Branstrator, GIA GG, and longtime influencer Benjamin Guttery, GIA GG, will address some of these challenges and present areas of opportunity for driving growth and profit, from the value to be found in color to the category everyone is flocking to for sourcing amid a tight supply.