Conclave 2026

Jewelers are at an inflection point as they deal with major challenges—and opportunities—facing the industry. Without fresh ideas to navigate these dynamic times, your business could fall behind. This panel will offer bold insights and strategies for future success from the next generation of jewelry leaders, Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 in Jewelry Retail.

Gen Z is reshaping how jewelry is discovered, evaluated, and purchased—especially in the engagement category. In this candid panel, Communications & PR consultant Jen Cullen Williams is joined by Gen Z and young millennial jewelry professionals to break down what’s resonating now. From shifting engagement ring preferences to the role of social media, authenticity, and in-store experience, this session will explore how to effectively connect with the next generation of buyers. Panelists will share real-world insights on communication styles, digital touchpoints, and what builds trust (or breaks it) during the sales journey. If you want to stay relevant and competitive, this session offers a clear, unfiltered look at how Gen Z expects to shop and how you can meet them there.

In this panel, a team of accomplished Partner members (and a retailer) share how they've built strategic relationships with retail members and turned their benefits into real business results. You'll hear how they've maximized the marketing opportunities included in their dues, utilized the educational opportunities offered by AGS to better their own business, made the most of networking events, put member tools to work, and formed alliances with fellow Partner members that benefit everyone involved. You'll leave knowing what AGS brings to the table and how putting it to work makes you a stronger business as well as a stronger partner.
Suppliers, designers, service providers, emerging designers and retailers are welcomed to attend. Retailers: this is a great session to learn how to better utilize your AGS partner members.

Today’s diamond clients are not just buying beauty. They are buying transparency, personalization, and experience. This session explores how verified origin and digital storytelling are reshaping the diamond selling process.

Panelists will share how retailers are using technology to build trust, simplify decisions, and elevate the in-store experience. They will also address rarity, including the reality that not every 3X or AGS 0 qualifies, and how lower rough yield and selective production contribute to value.

This is not a product presentation. It is a practical discussion about selling differently, where emotion remains central but is reinforced with proof, and where transparency, scarcity, and experience come together to create something truly special for today’s consumer.

Having great products is no longer enough; you need to tell a story that is easy to connect with and remember. But what’s the most effective way to bring that story to life? In this session, event experts will focus on how to translate brand identity into meaningful, memorable customer experiences. From everyday interactions to curated events, panelists will share practical, innovative ways to stay top of mind, without requiring large budgets. Learn how to create authentic moments that reflect your brand, deepen relationships, and turn storytelling into a powerful business driver.

Whether you're managing an in-house watchmaker, working with outside service providers, or looking to expand an existing department, this session explores practical ways to increase repair capacity while improving efficiency and profitability. In this session, we'll explore proven strategies for increasing repair capacity, improving workflow, reducing turnaround times, and growing profitability without sacrificing quality or customer satisfaction. From staffing and equipment decisions to pricing, outsourcing, inventory, and process improvements, we'll examine the key factors that influence both productivity and profit. Whether your store performs simple battery replacements or employs a full-service watchmaker, you'll gain practical ideas for expanding your capabilities, serving more customers, and turning your watch department into a stronger contributor to your business.