A Guide to JCK Talks’ 101 Sessions

By Victoria Gomelsky | May 01, 2025

On Thursday June 5, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the JCK show is offering the equivalent of a university course in jewelry retailing through a series of seven 45-minute-long JCK Talks 101 educational sessions that are free for all attendees.

Every session takes place in the same spot: Venetian Room 101 on Level 1.

Whether you’re a jewelry newcomer just getting started in retail or an industry veteran keen for a refresher course, these bite-size classes are guaranteed to spark ideas, motivation, and dare we say joy!

11 a.m. — How to JCK… from the Experts!
Join the JCK team for a session on making the most of your JCK experience. Learn how to navigate the show efficiently, take advantage of essential resources, and get insider tips for success. Plus, bring your questions for a live Q&A with the team.

12 p.m. — Transforming Jewelry Retail: Monetizing Services for Customer and Revenue Growth
What if the future of jewelry retail isn’t just about selling products, but about selling services that drive lasting customer relationships and revenue? This panel brings together executives from retail, insurance, and financial services to explore how businesses can monetize value-added services like financing, buy-now pay-later, insurance, and concierge offerings. Learn how industry leaders are leveraging these strategies to enhance customer loyalty, increase profitability, and create new revenue streams. Don’t miss this discussion on transforming jewelry retail with a service-first approach.

1 p.m. — What’s Working in Retail Sales 2025?
Want to know what’s actually moving the needle in retail sales right now? Not just theory, but real strategies that are driving results? Join Elle Hill, founder and CEO of Hill & Co., and a powerhouse panel of industry veterans as we cut through the noise and dive into what’s genuinely working in 2025’s complicated retail landscape.

This panel will share insights, real-world experiences, and actionable tips for thriving in a rapidly evolving retail landscape, from leveraging technology that is worth your investment to enhancing customer experiences.

2 p.m. — Safeguarding Your Business: Crime Prevention in 2025
Are you prepared to handle emerging security threats, and do you have the right measures in place to safeguard your store and assets? This panel will explore the latest threats facing jewelry retailers, including burglary, smash-and-grabs, organized retail crime, and cyber threats. Industry experts will share prevention strategies, essential security measures, and best practices to help protect your business.

3 p.m. — Industry Resources to Advance Your Career & Business
Leaders from top industry organizations will share valuable resources designed to help advance your career and grow your business. Discover key programs, scholarships, networking opportunities, and tools available to support your success in the jewelry industry.

4 p.m. — Common Jewelry Customer Misconceptions & Myths
How can you effectively address common misconceptions that affect consumer trust in the jewelry industry? A panel of experienced retailers, joined by the CEO of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee and moderated by Karen Dybis, JCK magazine’s retail-focused contributing editor, will tackle common customer misconceptions in the jewelry industry. From pricing and appraisals to lab-grown diamonds, gold buying, and engagement ring myths, the topics covered will provide valuable insights to help educate consumers and build trust.

5 p.m. — The Changing Retail Landscape: Economic Shifts & Consumer Trends
Longtime industry analyst Edahn Golan will break down the latest economic shifts and provide insights on the issues created by tariffs and consumer trends affecting jewelry retailers. Backed by data from Tenoris, the only company tracking $4.6 billion in jewelry sales and more than 320,000 monthly transactions, this session will provide exclusive insights into market dynamics and buying behaviors.

Top: Engagement 101 editor-in-chief Severine Ferrari, Your Personal Jeweler
founder-designer Trish Carruth, and Sky Diamond Jewelers owner Isreal Morales, and at a 2024 JCK Talks panel on wedding trends (photo by Camilla Sjodin)