In response to several recent issues in the diamond industry—from conflict diamonds to the GIA grading scandal—Jewelers of America will devote an entire day to diamond-related topics, as part of its three-day educational programming at the JA New York Summer Show.
The free sessions will be held July 31 in the Crystal Palace at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. A show badge is not required for admittance. Seating will be limited.
The focal point of the diamond program will be a special panel session, “Diamond ‘Certs’ – Do Retailers Really Need Them?” This discussion of diamond grading documents and their use as a selling tool will be held from 8:45 a.m. to 10:15a.m. Peggy Jo Donahue, JA director of Public Affairs America, will moderate a panel of industry experts that include:
* John Green, president and ceo, Lux Bond and Green Jewelers, Hartford, Conn.
* Michael Wilson, CG, vice president, Wilson & Son Jewelers, Scarsdale, N.Y.
* Bill Sustachek, CGA, Owner, Rasmussen Diamonds, Racine, Wisc., representing the American Gem Society.
* Margaret De Young, GG, marketing manager, lab liaison, Gemological Institute of America Laboratory.
* Richard Drucker, GG, president, Gemworld Intl., Northbrook, Ill.
* Cecilia Gardner, president, ceo, and general counsel, Jewelers Vigilance Committee.
Additional programs throughout the day will include insight into diamond buying and selling. The JA New York Summer Show will be held from July 30 to Aug. 2.
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