The Fall 2023 edition of the JA New York Show was a high-energy event that provided motivated buyers with ample opportunity to shop, network and engage with industry insiders. JA New York was proud to introduce its new Industry Row, where several non-profit and service organizations were on-site to share the unique value they bring to the industry. From Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC), who made their JA New York debut, to Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA), who was returning to the show after a hiatus, to Jewelers Board of Trade (JBT), who has long been a stalwart of the event, these associations enhanced the value of the event for both exhibitors and attendees.
Adding further value to the JA New York Fall Show was its education offerings. On Sunday afternoon, Ben Guttery of Third Coast Gems fame shared a presentation with an engaged audience outlining best practices for social media. Beer and wine were offered, compliments of De Beers Institute of Diamonds, throughout the session, which ended with a vibrant Q&A that allowed people to ask Ben specific questions about their approach to social media. Not only did people walk away with actionable steps for implementing and enhancing their own social media programs, Ben also covered some hacks for understanding the ever-changing algorithms and shared some of today’s top jewelry trends, chief among them, pearls.
Following Ben’s presentation, Adrianne Sanogo, GIA, GG, GP and Founding Member and Education Chair of BJIC, took the dais to discuss The Business of Gems: Finding and Nurturing Top Talent. Breaking down her presentation by the 4 C’s for cultivating talent, which she identified as Clarity, Culture, Curation and Confidence, Adrianne shared some actionable tips for finding the best talent, such as looking into tax incentives certain states offer for hiring United States veterans.
Monday’s education headliner was our industry’s own TikTok star, Julia Hackman Chafé of Jewels with Jules. Over spiked cider offered as a happy hour, she explained her journey from working for her dad’s high end gemstone company to adding “influencer” to her resume, her favorite royal family, and the celebrity moments that live rent-free in her head. She also offered practical tips for taking the plunge and getting active on TikTok and revealed her “overnight success” story was anything but! As an added bonus, she added to the trends Ben covered by including “anything rainbow” in the list of current must-have jewelry.
Rounding out education on Tuesday was Diamonds Do Good, who launched their newest marketing campaign at an event the previous night. Real People, Real Impact focuses on the positive effects diamond mining can have on the communities in the areas from which diamonds are mined. Nancy Orem Lyman, the organizations Executive Director and Vice President, shared some of the history of Diamonds Do Good (formerly Diamond Empowerment Fund) while Madison Harvey, who spearheads Marketing, Programs and Events, shared stories from her recent trip to Botswana, offering her perspective as a “Zillennial,” one who is born on the cusp of Millennial and Gen Z generations. They also talked about the success of their Charity Bracelet and how easy it is for retailers and direct-to-consumer brands to incorporate the piece into their existing offerings.
JA New York’s Spring Show is taking place March 10-12, 2024 and registration is now open!
