The Jewelers Vigilance Committee will present two legal compliance seminars during the JA/NY Winter Show (March 9-11), at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.

JVC will host, “Color Gemstone Sales: Are you Compliant or at Risk?” sponsored by American Gemological Laboratories on March 9 at 2:30 p.m. On March 10, it will present “What’s Next and What You Need to Know” at 8:30 a.m. Both presentations will be in meeting room 1E03 and are free. No registration is required.

Panelists for the colored gemstone seminar include Christopher Smith, vice president and chief gemologist, American Gemological Laboratories, Robin Spector, Federal Trade Commission, and Cecilia Gardner, JVC’s president, chief executive officer, and general counsel. They will present information pertaining to disclosure of gemstone treatment to consumers, current legislation, and initiatives on gemstones from Burma. In addition, there will be updates on irradiated gemstones, including selling current inventories.

The panel will examine some of the challenges the colored gemstone industry face, particularly supply side integrity—conditions under which colored gemstones are produced and distributed. Current regulatory requirements on trade in gemstones from Burma will be discussed, as well as the importance of disclosing the treatment of colored gemstones to consumers. Attendees will receive “The Essential Guide to the U.S. Trade in Irradiated Gemstones” brochure, co-authored by JVC and the American Gem Trade Association.

For the second seminar on March 10, James Freis, Jr., director, Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, will deliver the keynote address to underscore the need for jewelers to develop and implement effective anti-money laundering programs that include employee-training and system testing. The seminar will include AML program requirements mandated by the U.S. Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service, methods the government may use to check jewelers’ programs and possible penalties for failing to maintain effective AML systems. IRS rules for reporting cash transactions of $10,000 or more will be covered. Attendees will receive AML program training credit.

JCK