The Jewelers Vigilance Committee will conduct a “Retail Law and Successful Selling Practices Seminar”—a customized management-training program to educate managers and sales associates at fine jewelry retailers.

Topics include legal issues pertaining to compliance of FTC guide, including disclosur, buyer’s remorse, employee practices and conduct in the workplace, and legal terms. The program is being offered to retailers to clarify complex jewelry guidelines and laws and improve selling skills, said Cecilia L. Gardner, JVC executive director and general counsel.

In addition to education on legal compliance matters, the seminar explains how current events impact retail jewelry sales. New regulatory systems such as the USA PATRIOTS Act (specific rules requiring businesses to implement anti-money laundering programs) and the Kimberley Process (new regulations governing rough diamond export and entry) are covered in presentation. JVC’s explanation of these new regulations will help jewelry representatives follow best business practices, Gardner says.

Gardner recently presented the program to managers from Saks Fifth Avenue’s Fine Jewelry Department. “As we continue to raise the standards in the Saks Fifth Avenue Fine Jewelry Department, I felt it was critical that all my department managers really understand the legal technicalities of our industry and their jobs,” said Sue Ann Newberg, VP, divisional merchandise manager, Fine and Fashion Jewelry and Watches, Saks. “The seminar was extremely well received, totally engaged my mangers. The feedback we received after a week of meetings, was that this particular seminar was the most educational and beneficial”.

Gardner adds: “In addition to fundamental legal practices, our new management-training program explains the impact of recent regulations such as the Kimberley Process and USA Patriots Act. Explanation of these new regulations will help buyers and sales professionals respond confidently to inquiries about news reports relating to jewelry and terrorism.”

JVC’s seminar includes: PowerPoint presentation, handouts and follow up. Presentation time is two to three hours, depending on clients’ requirements. JVC’s Retailer’s Legal Handbook and fact cards are available to support customers’ managers and sales associates.

JCK