The first week of May (is for emeralds) is packed with auctions, webinars, and winding conversations about jewelry. From the Responsible Jewellery Council’s doubleheader on May 5 covering human rights due diligence and consumer confidence to Jewelers Mutual’s tip-focused conversation about selling engagement rings in a post-pandemic world, the education and entertainment on tap this week is enough to fill a month’s worth of jewelry programming.
LISTEN
The Jewelry District, Episode 43; Ongoing
In the latest episode of JCK’s The Jewelry District podcast, editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates speak to Christina Miller, one of the jewelry industry’s leading consultants on sustainability. In 2004, she cofounded Ethical Metalsmiths, when the concept of responsible sourcing was not yet commonplace in the trade. Miller left the organization in 2015 and has spent the past six years helping retailers, designers, and civil society organizations put the ideals of sustainability and ethical sourcing into practice. Listen up for some great tips on how to get started.
BID
Phillips’ Geneva Watch Auction—XIII: May 8–9, 8 a.m. ET (in-person and online)
In watch auction circles, Phillips’ Geneva sale is reserved for the world’s rarest, most historic, and most valuable timepieces. This week’s sale, taking place at Geneva’s Hôtel La Réserve, is highlighted by a mythical Patek Philippe reference 2523, one of three with “The Silk Road” cloisonné enamel dial. Also on the block: two Cartier single button chronograph wristwatches, the original and the Collection Privée Cartier Paris version, as well as a quartet of Patek Philippe reference 2499 perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatches sure to make collectors swoon.
LEARN
NAJA Business Development Seminar: May 8, 12–4 p.m. ET (online)
The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA) kicks off its four-course business development and growth seminar series on how to form, structure, market, and grow a successful appraisal practice this week. The opening seminar is a four-hour course titled “Key Considerations to Business.” Additional seminars are scheduled for July 10, Nov. 13, and sometime in early 2022. Members pay $25 per seminar, while non-members pay $50. Register through Paypal.
ATTEND
WJA NY Metro Webinar on Emeralds: May 4, 6 p.m. ET (online)
Shekhar Shah, head of business development and sales and marketing for Real Gems, a third-generation family business specializing in emeralds, leads this WJA NY Metro webinar on May’s birthstone. Consider this a primer on the world’s major emerald sources and current production, with a focus on sourcing raw emeralds and the analysis, metrics, and stages of emerald manufacturing.
RJC Annual General Meeting and Webinar on Deepening Consumer Confidence: May 5, 9 a.m. ET (online)
The Responsible Jewellery Council continues its trade outreach campaign with this week’s all-hands-on-deck general meeting, which includes leadership panel discussions on building consumer confidence and human rights due diligence in the global jewelry and watch supply chains. Tune in to hear practical solutions to build trust among your clientele.
Gemflix Conversation About the Jewelry of Marie Zimmermann: May 5, 12 p.m. ET (online)
For Gemflix’s ongoing “Gem XX Series: Celebrating Strong Women in Jewelry,” Beth Carver Wees, curator emerita of the American Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, delves into the life and work of Marie Zimmermann, once described as “perhaps the most versatile artist in the country.” The presentation is being staged in partnership with the National Arts Club, where Zimmermann, a turn-of-the-century painter, sculptor, and master metalsmith, worked for over 25 years.
Jewelers Mutual Group Panel on Selling Diamonds and Engagement Rings: May 5, 2 p.m. ET (online)
JCK’s All That Glitters blogger Amy Elliott hosts a conversation with Greg Kwiat, CEO of Kwiat Jewelry, and Andrea Hill, CEO of Hill Management Group, on tips, tricks, and innovative tools for selling diamonds and engagement rings in the post-pandemic era. Learn how smart retailers are tracking their customers’ shopping habits and purchases, which digital tools and game-changing platforms they’re using, and other successful retail strategies.
MJSA Webinar on Appraisals, Sales, and Succession: May 6 at 1 p.m. ET (online)
Succession planning may be an overwhelming concept, but it’s critical to every business. If you’re nearing retirement, or simply want to hand your business to a new owner, this webinar will help you determine the next best steps for securing your business’s future. MJSA president and CEO David W. Cochran joins Andrea Hill, CEO of Hill Management Group, and Dan Pharr, president and founder of Pharr Valuation (MJSA’s newest endorsed consultant), in exploring topics such as determining a business’s worth, preparing for a sale, finding a suitable buyer, and developing a successful succession strategy.
CIBJO Webinar on Gemstone Origin and Its Challenges: May 6, 9 a.m. ET (online)
In the latest edition of CIBJO’s “Jewellery Industry Voices” webinar series, Edward Johnson and Steven Benson lead a conversation between industry experts—including Dr. Michael Krzemnicki of the Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF, Anza Gems founder Monica Stephenson, journalist Richa Goyal Sikri, and Dr. Assheton Stewart Carter of TDI Sustainability—on the technological and scientific challenges of determining gemstone origin. The discussion will also cover marketing, sustainability, and traceability efforts.
Museum of Arts and Design Talk With Designer Wilfredo Rosado: May 6, 5 p.m. ET (online)
The Museum of Arts and Design’s jewelry curator Bryna Pomp speaks with pearl designer Wilfredo Rosado about his early career, working with Andy Warhol and Giorgio Armani, and the evolution of his jewelry brand, including dressing Kamala Harris in pearls for the 2021 presidential inauguration. A special collection of his work will be available for purchase following the program, with a percentage of sales benefiting the museum.
Top: Emerald and Hammered Gold Eternity Band in 18k Fairmined-certified yellow gold with 1.2 ct. cushion-cut emerald-cut Muzo emeralds, $3,840; Dana Bronfman
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