Popular industry education event the Jewelry Independent Summit is bringing Shark Tank–style live pitching to its programming.

The winter edit of the Jewelry Independent Summit, taking place Jan. 15, will debut “Pitch Perfect”—a session where real jewelry designers pitch their collections to actual store owners. Retailers Tara Silberberg and Sasha Peck of iconic New York City jewelry store Clay Pot will field between three and five pitches—and look at a small selection of jewelry—then offer real-time feedback on both in front of the Summit’s live audience. 

Designers interested in being considered for “Pitch Perfect” must purchase a “Pitch Perfect” audience ticket. Within three days of purchasing that ticket, they will receive an email with directions on how to submit materials needed for review. To be eligible, designers need to have a least seven completed works to present and also be able to explain their pricing, manufacturing, and material use and selection. And all pitches will be live, so they must plan to be in attendance at the Summit on Jan. 15.

The Jewelry Independent Summit was founded in 2018 with the goal of providing education, support, and networking opportunities to emerging jewelry designers and brands. Samantha Silverberg is the Summit’s director and heads up the event’s smart, market-driven programming, which is created for independent designers, but is open to all industry pros. The Summit takes place three times a year: in winter, spring, and fall. 

January’s lineup of speakers comprises a glittering mix of of-the-moment designers, retailers, and tastemakers. Third Coast Gem’s Benjamin Guttery will return as host. And presenters include the founders of D2C jewelry brand AUrate, who will dish on strategy and fundraising; Alison Chemla, founder of Alison Lou, who will discuss operating a business with a signature style, along with the ins and outs of opening a flagship; vintage jewelry retailer Elizabeth Potts, aka the Moonstoned, who will talk about how to optimize social media interaction, along with the spiking popularity of antique and vintage jewelry among Gen Zers; and Jessica Cohen, aka the Product Agent, who will discuss a new approach to public relations pushes in TV and film.

Also new in January will be a session featuring “rising” emerging designers—Julie Lamb, Theresa Kaz, and Ashley Zhang—who will share the “raw truth of what building a business in this market looks like,” says Cassie Lawson, social strategist for the Jewelry Independent Summit. She adds, “We often have established and known designers talking, so this will look and feel very different!”

JCK readers get $50 off their $215 Summit ticket by entering the code JCKWINTER at checkout. Streaming tickets are also available, which allow attendees to watch the Summit live or for up to 60 days after the event. 

Top: Industry speakers from the last Jewelry Independent Summit (photo courtesy of the Jewelry Independent Summit)

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Emili Vesilind

JCK Senior Editor