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Wednesday, September 16
 

10:15am EDT

AWCI Mobile Classroom: Workshop: Modern Watch Timing Equipment: Watch Timers and Their Use
Wednesday September 16, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
This class will utilize modern Witschi mechanical watch timing equipment to analyze mechanical watch movements. The course will give a general overview of the timing equipment, allowing for questions and answers as well as an opportunity to use the equipment. Part of this course will be hands-on with movements and equipment being provided for use.
Speakers
JZ

Jason Ziegenbein

Lead Watch Educator, AWCI
Wednesday September 16, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Walkway to Oscola

10:15am EDT

Beyond Bridal: Elevating the Independent Jeweler Experience
Wednesday September 16, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Today's discerning client wants personalization, curation, and an experience. We'll look beyond the bridal case — sourcing like an insider and building a concierge, style-led sales model that meets them where they are.
Speakers Panelists
avatar for Grant Mobley

Grant Mobley

Jewelry & Watch Editor, Natural Diamond Council
Grant Mobley is the Jewelry & Watch Editor of Only Natural Diamonds and the Natural Diamond Council and writer and contributor of diamond and diamond industry-focused content. He comes with 17 years of jewelry industry experience, starting with growing up in his family’s retail... Read More →
avatar for Mark Klein

Mark Klein

Vice President, Julius Klein Diamonds
Mark is a 3rd generation Diamantaire, following in his families heritage who established Julius Klein Diamonds in 1948.

Mark has firsthand knowledge, experience, and expertise of the entire global diamond trade. From overseeing master diamond cutters and polishers in the company’s diamond cutting facilities, to working first hand with the jewelry manufacturing team, to the ultimate selling and distribution... Read More →
NN

Niveet Nagpal

Omi Gems, Inc.

Wednesday September 16, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Congressional B

10:15am EDT

Luminescence – A Hugely Underrated Physical Property in Gem Testing
Wednesday September 16, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
For many in the gem trade, luminescence is nothing more than the observation of the glow that gemstones exhibit under a UV lamp used in gemology, with limited use such as the distinction of natural and synthetic spinel. But fluorescence is a property of much more importance used in a wide array of applications. In the past three decades a large variety of luminescence-based gem-testing methods have been developed, from imaging to spectroscopy using all sorts of excitation sources. Today, luminescence-based testing is extensively used for diamond testing but also for a wide range of other gem species such as corundum, spinel, beryl and many others. This presentation offers an insight into the world of gemstone luminescence, with amazing images, surprising science, and convincing results.
Speakers
avatar for Thomas Hainschwang

Thomas Hainschwang

CEO, GGTL Laboratories
I am Director and co-founder of GGTL Laboratories (GGTL Laboratories Liechtenstein). I have founded Gemlab (Liechtenstein) in 1996 and have joined a very close collaboration with GemTechLab in Geneva in 2011, through which GGTL Laboratories emerged, with the three member labs in Liechtenstein... Read More →
Wednesday September 16, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Olympic A

10:15am EDT

Pure Transparency
Wednesday September 16, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
In an industry built on trust, I believe transparency is no longer optional — it is the foundation of sustainable growth. At Shree Ramkrishna Exports, this belief has been deeply shaped by my father, Shri Govind Dholakia, who has always led with integrity, purpose, and a people-first approach.

In this session, I will share how we have embedded what we call “Pure Transparency” into our business, not just as a principle, but as a way of operating every day. From ethical sourcing and digital transformation to building a strong internal culture, I will talk about how transparency can strengthen trust, create long-term value, and differentiate a brand in today’s evolving diamond industry.

For me, true success lies in building a business that is not only profitable but also principled.
Speakers
SD

Shreyans Dholakia

Entrepreneur- Brand Custodian, Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt. Ltd.
Wednesday September 16, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Colonial B

10:15am EDT

Introduction to Jewelry Forensics
Wednesday September 16, 2026 10:15am - 12:15pm EDT
Space for this Hands-on GIA session is limited to 24 participants and is first-come, first-served.

Buyers of used jewelry and those who take in jewelry for appraisal or repair go through a process to identify, analyze, and assess the quality and nature of an item. Many know only certain aspects of manufacturing and are only able to recognize a narrow range of certain make traces. GIA has a systematic framework that will guide you in identifying areas to gain more exposure. Through this lecture and hands-on seminar, you will learn “jewelry forensics” basics, including identifying hand-fabricated components, cast components, CAD/CAM manufactured components, and cast-in-in-place gemstones. Attendees will understand and learn a systematic process and recognizing basic traces of manufacturing processes.
Speakers
avatar for Mike Magee

Mike Magee

Senior Subject Specialist, Jewelry Manufacturing Arts, GIA
Mike Magee is a Sr. Subject Specialist in the jewelry manufacturing arts at GIA. An award-winning CAD designer, Mike has spent more than 25 years in the jewelry industry and over 15 years teaching CAD/CAM and digital jewelry design. After graduating from Cornell University, he trained... Read More →
avatar for Al Gilbertson, CG

Al Gilbertson, CG

Project Manager of Cut-Research, GIA
Al, currently the Project Manager of Cut-Research at GIA’s Carlsbad Laboratory, was raised in the lapidary (gem-cutting) business and eventually managed a high-end AGS retail jeweler whose shop employed several custom goldsmiths. He later owned a high-end trade shop specializing... Read More →
Wednesday September 16, 2026 10:15am - 12:15pm EDT
Royal Dublin A

10:15am EDT

Making the Call - Check List of the Defining Features of the major US jewelry periods from 1850-1950: A Systematic approach
Wednesday September 16, 2026 10:15am - 12:15pm EDT
This presentation is a 2-hour lecture and hands-on session.

Decisions, decisions—making an era call can be a tough decision, but it also shows your expertise. Suzanne and Starla have dedicated their professional lives to the forensics of jewelry dating. Part 1 of this 2-hour session covers the critical design elements, construction techniques, and materials available to create a set of factors that determine antique/vintage/reproduction jewelry dating. Part 2 is a hands-on session that has you using a checklist to "make the call" on a variety of pieces from the different eras. Working in small groups with your loupe, you will be able to test your knowledge. Then we will examine the pieces together in a "do you see what I see" wrap up, highlighting the key elements.
Speakers
avatar for Starla Turner

Starla Turner

Inventory Cataloguing and Staff Gemologist, Lang Antique and Estate Jewelry
I spend my day at the microscope deciphering  a piece of jewelrys' history by adding up the clues from all it's parts..  Each piece we handle has its story. The metals it was created from, the gems that embellished it, and how the metalsmith put it all together with the technology... Read More →
avatar for Suzanne Martinez

Suzanne Martinez

Owner/Buyer/Gemologist, Lang Antiques and Estate Jewelry
I am a credentialed senior gemologist, jewelry appraiser, jewelry historian and the curator for Lang's Antique jewelry collection. I actively buy from sellers all over the world and in our store. I am also the founder of our Antique Jewelry University. It would be my pleasure to help... Read More →
Wednesday September 16, 2026 10:15am - 12:15pm EDT
Olympic B

10:15am EDT

The Amazing Natural Diamond Story
Wednesday September 16, 2026 10:15am - 12:15pm EDT
Space for this Hands-on GIA session is limited to 24 participants and is first-come, first-served.

Many jewelers work with diamonds on almost a daily basis, and they can lose sight of how remarkable these natural gemstones are. This presentation will discuss the geological conditions of diamond formation that give rise to their rarity, and the distinctive features which provide positive evidence of their natural origin.
Speakers
avatar for James Shigley, Ph.D.

James Shigley, Ph.D.

Distinguished Research Fellow, GIA
Dr. James Shigley is a distinguished research fellow at the Gemological Institute of America in Carlsbad, California.  Prior to joining GIA in 1982, he studied geology as an undergraduate at the University of California Berkeley and later received his doctorate in geology from Stanford... Read More →
avatar for Brenda Harwick

Brenda Harwick

Senior Manager, On Campus and Lab Gemology Instruction, GIA
A specialist in both the theory and practice of diamond grading, colored stone grading, and gem identification, Brenda Harwick’s expertise comes from a ten-year background in retail and gemological training. Brenda earned her Graduate Gemologist diploma, and in 1999 she was hired... Read More →
Wednesday September 16, 2026 10:15am - 12:15pm EDT
Royal Dublin B

11:45am EDT

Sculptures of Light: The Artistry of Contrast in Fancy-Shaped Diamonds
Wednesday September 16, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
This GIA session will be repeated.

Sculptures of Light: The Artistry of Contrast explores the role of dark zone features in fancy-shaped diamonds and their influence on Visual Performance. Often misunderstood, contrast features are an impactful component of how diamonds create pattern and visual character. Through guided education, comparative analysis, and real-world examples, this presentation examines the wide range of dark-zone appearances across GIA’s grading scales. In addition to providing a sneak peek at GIA’s upcoming fancy-shape cut grade system, the session will explore the fascinating way intentional contrast anchors a diamond’s visual design, providing both dimension and space to its unique optical architecture.
Speakers
avatar for Amanda Hawkes, CG

Amanda Hawkes, CG

Research Support Manager, GIA
Amanda Hawkes, GG, is the Research Support Manager for GIA’s Cut Grade Research Team. She began her gemological career at AGS Laboratories in 2011, where she held a variety of diamond grading and leadership roles, including Laboratory Grading Manager, before joining GIA in 2022... Read More →
avatar for Lisa Kennedy

Lisa Kennedy

Technical Advisor, GIA
Lisa Kennedy is a Technical Advisor for GIA Education, known for her strong scientific foundation and more than a decade of hands-on gemological experience. She began her career in fine jewelry retail before advancing to GIA’s New York laboratory as a Gemologist, where she specialized... Read More →
Wednesday September 16, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
Royal Melbourne A

11:45am EDT

The Art and Science of Why We Buy Luxury
Wednesday September 16, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
Luxury purchases are often explained through demographics, psychographics, or income levels. Yet the decision to buy luxury—especially luxury jewelry—is rarely that straightforward. The motivations behind these purchases are far more complex, emotional, and often unconscious. This session will explore the art and science of luxury buying behavior. We examine the psychological forces that shape desire, hesitation, and decision-making, and why clients themselves often struggle to articulate their needs. Most importantly, we will discuss how talented sales professionals ethically unlock resistance and positively influence client buying behavior through subtle psychological cues and effective behavioral nudges.
Speakers
PS

Peter Smith

Principal Partner, The Retail Smiths
Wednesday September 16, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
Augusta B

11:45am EDT

The Art of Intentional Merchandising: Turning Product Into Story, Structure, and Sell-Through
Wednesday September 16, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
Merchandising is not just about displaying product; it is about creating clarity, meaning, and a reason to shop.
In today’s retail environment, many showcases are overfilled yet underperforming, leaving customers overwhelmed and disengaged. Intentional merchandising transforms existing inventory into cohesive, story-driven collections that guide the customer journey and improve conversion.

In this session, jewelry strategist Nan Lung Palmer shares real-world examples from working with independent retailers ranging from $2M to $25M in revenue. Through before-and-after photos and videos of in-store transformations, she will demonstrate how to rethink case lines using strategic product grouping, visual hierarchy, and storytelling.

Beyond the showcase, this session also explores how to streamline vendor and manufacturer mix, buy with intention, and establish merchandising standards that ensure the right product is brought into the store—and placed with purpose.

Attendees will leave with a practical, repeatable framework—the 5 P’s of Merchandising—to drive engagement, improve sell-through, and elevate the retail experience.
Speakers
avatar for Nan Lung Palmer

Nan Lung Palmer

Owner and Managing Director, Facets Jewelry Consulting
Nan partners with CEOs, owners, and leadership teams across the jewelry industry to turn merchandising into a strategic growth driver. Through her proprietary 5 P's of Merchandising™, Product, Price, Place, People, and Presentation, Nan brings together data and design, strategy... Read More →
Wednesday September 16, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
Colonial B

11:45am EDT

The Leader You Imagined You'd Be and the One Your Business Actually Needs
Wednesday September 16, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
Most jewelry business owners and managers became leaders by accident. They were great at the craft, great at the sale, great at the product—and one day found themselves responsible for people, culture, and performance without ever being taught how. The leader they imagine themselves to be rarely matches the leader their business actually demands. In this session, Andrea Lucille Pooler, COO of Modani Jewels, draws on more than 25 years leading, coaching, and transforming jewelry businesses to help attendees honestly assess where they are, identify the specific gaps holding their teams back, and leave with a clear, actionable path forward. This is not a motivational talk. It is a leadership diagnostic, with the tools, frameworks, and next steps to begin closing the gap.
Speakers
avatar for Andrea Lucille Pooler

Andrea Lucille Pooler

COO, Modani Jewels
Wednesday September 16, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
Colonial A

3:00pm EDT

Attracting the Sustainable Shopper with an Impact-Driven Business Model
Wednesday September 16, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
This panel focuses on how ethical purchasing can help jewelers reach a growing demographic of clients who care about impact and accountability. It is designed as a practical “how to” conversation, not theory. Drawing on the experience of corporate buyers, retail store owners, and suppliers who prioritize transparent and fair supply chains, speakers will share what responsible practice looks like in real life. We’ll talk about how real stories and transparent sourcing build trust, long-term loyalty, and measurable economic value for businesses and mining communities alike.
Speakers
avatar for Susan Wheeler

Susan Wheeler

Founder, Responsible Jewelry Transformative, VirtuGem, Susan Wheeler Design
I'm a jewelry designer and a responsible jewelry advocate who works to bring people together from across the global jewelry supply chain and work together to transform the jewelry industry to be more equitable and responsible. I'm the founder of the Responsible Jewelry Transformative... Read More →
Wednesday September 16, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Congressional B

3:00pm EDT

AWCI Mobile Classroom: Workshop: Water Resistance: Wet and Dry Methods
Wednesday September 16, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Not only will the testers be demonstrated, but each participant will go hands-on with each machine. This training even includes programming these devices for their optimal use. Guidelines for testing will be discussed and specification charts will be handed out. Cases will be prepared for random testing. This is a hands-on workshop and tooling will be provided.
Speakers
JZ

Jason Ziegenbein

Lead Watch Educator, AWCI
Wednesday September 16, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Walkway to Oscola

3:00pm EDT

Colored Gem Grading and Pricing Workshop
Wednesday September 16, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
This Hands-on session will be repeated. Space is limited to 20 participants and is first-come, first-served.

This workshop will offer a systematic approach to grading gems for color, clarity, and cut. Various color systems will be discussed with actual hands-on grading of gemstones that I bring using the World of Color system. A methodology will be taught for assessing colored gemstones for clarity and cut and to gain experience in accurate pricing.
Speakers
avatar for Richard Drucker

Richard Drucker

President Emeritus, Gemworld International
Richard Drucker is the founder and president emeritus of Gemworld International, Inc. in Glenview, Illinois. His credentials include: Graduate Gemologist of the Gemological Institute of America; Honorary Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain; Senior Member of the... Read More →
Wednesday September 16, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Olympic B

3:00pm EDT

Edit to Grow: The Discipline Behind Profitable Jewelry Assortments from Concept to Retail
Wednesday September 16, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Growth in today’s jewelry market does not come from carrying more product. It comes from carrying the right product with intention.

As gold costs fluctuate and consumers become more informed before beginning the buying process, retailers and brands must rethink how assortments are structured, edited, and presented. Strategic assortment discipline, from initial design concept through the sales floor and digital storefront, offers a path to stronger profitability and differentiation.

In this session, strategist Nan Lung Palmer shares case studies showing how retailers, designers, and suppliers can refine product strategies through collaboration, disciplined SKU creation, and clearer price architecture to improve margin clarity, product turn, and brand focus.
Speakers
avatar for Nan Lung Palmer

Nan Lung Palmer

Owner and Managing Director, Facets Jewelry Consulting
Nan partners with CEOs, owners, and leadership teams across the jewelry industry to turn merchandising into a strategic growth driver. Through her proprietary 5 P's of Merchandising™, Product, Price, Place, People, and Presentation, Nan brings together data and design, strategy... Read More →
Wednesday September 16, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Colonial B

3:00pm EDT

The Future of Fine Jewelry: What’s Changing, What’s Enduring, and What Actually Matters
Wednesday September 16, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Luxury jewelry is evolving fast—and no, it’s not just about bigger stones and higher gold prices. In this session, we’ll take a clear-eyed, good-humored look at what’s shaping the future of our industry: the rise of lab-grown diamonds, ongoing gold price volatility, tariffs and global supply chain shifts, changing consumer expectations, and what all of this means for brands and independent retailers. We’ll separate noise from opportunity, trends from truths, and short-term challenges from long-term strategy. Most importantly, we’ll talk about how strong brands continue to win—by staying agile, authentic, and focused on value beyond the product itself. Insightful, practical, and refreshingly candid, this is a conversation about navigating change without losing authenticity.
Speakers
JR

Jodi Riesenberg

EVP TACORI, TACORI
Panelists
avatar for Alexis Padis

Alexis Padis

President, Padis Jewelry
Alexis Padis is President of Padis Jewelry in the San Francisco Bay Area. Padis Jewelry has been serving the Bay Area for 50 years and has five locations including three in San Francisco, a tasting room and jewelry store in Napa Valley, and a location within Broadway Plaza Mall in... Read More →
Wednesday September 16, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Congressional A

3:00pm EDT

What Every Jeweler Should Know About Precious Metals Metallurgy
Wednesday September 16, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
While jewelers are trained in karat, color, and metalworking techniques, many would appreciate and benefit from a more in-depth understanding of metallurgical principles and the properties specific to the precious metals they work with and sell every day. Knowing the underlying concepts will illuminate issues that are common at the bench, at the sales counter, and in the customer’s long-term satisfaction.

This presentation explores precious metals metallurgy, the mechanical properties of various jewelry alloys, the impact of casting techniques on quality, and the anatomy of common casting defects. Additional highlights will include the metallurgical impact of various bench techniques and tips for using your new technical knowledge at the sales counter.
Speakers
avatar for Joel Meltzer

Joel Meltzer

Director of Manufacturing, TechForm Advanced Casting Technology, LLC
Joel Meltzer is the Director of Manufacturing at TechForm Advanced Casting Technology. Joel studied art in many different forms, from large-scale sculpture to printmaking, but fell in love with jewelry making while living in Tucson, Arizona. He received his BFA with a concentration... Read More →
avatar for Silas Morgan

Silas Morgan

Director of Business Development, TechForm Advanced Casting Technology, LLC
Wednesday September 16, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Olympic A

3:00pm EDT

Speaking the Pearl Language
Wednesday September 16, 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
This Hands-on GIA session will be repeated. Space is limited to 24 participants and is first-come, first-served.

The pearl market is more complex than ever, making precise terminology essential for protecting both your business and your customers. This session offers a concise look at pearl formation before diving into the core of pearl categorization. Using high-quality images and graphics developed by the GIA pearl research and education teams, we will make both the formation and categorization digestible to you. The session also offers hands-on experience taking advantage of the pearl samples handpicked for the purpose of this seminar. By the end of this session, you will have a professional command of the proper terminology used to accurately describe your pearl products.
Speakers
avatar for Tao Hsu, Ph.D.

Tao Hsu, Ph.D.

Director of Gemology Content and Professional Development, GIA
Dr. Hsu received her PhD degree in geology from University of Southern California. She also earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Gemology from China University of Geosciences (Beijing). After joining GIA in 2012, she has been a major contributor to gemology content development... Read More →
avatar for Lisa Kennedy

Lisa Kennedy

Technical Advisor, GIA
Lisa Kennedy is a Technical Advisor for GIA Education, known for her strong scientific foundation and more than a decade of hands-on gemological experience. She began her career in fine jewelry retail before advancing to GIA’s New York laboratory as a Gemologist, where she specialized... Read More →
Wednesday September 16, 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Royal Dublin B

3:00pm EDT

The Microworld of Natural Diamonds
Wednesday September 16, 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Space for this Hands-on GIA session is limited to 24 participants and is first-come, first-served.

Dive into the microworld of natural diamonds with a renowned analytical microscopist, gemologist, and award-winning photomicrographer. This presentation will explore some of the most fascinating inclusions and microfeatures found in natural diamonds as well as discuss why they are gemologically interesting and geologically significant.
Speakers
avatar for Nathan Renfro

Nathan Renfro

Sr. Manager, Identification, GIA
Nathan Renfro, a native of western North Carolina, developed an interest in minerals during his late teens, which was sparked by his grandfather’s rock collection. In 2006 he completed his undergraduate studies in geology and then went on to enroll at GIA for the resident Graduate... Read More →
Wednesday September 16, 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Royal Dublin A

4:30pm EDT

AI's Next Role in Jewelry Design
Wednesday September 16, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Generative AI is moving quickly from a novelty tool for inspiration toward a practical part of the jewelry design workflow. This session explores how today’s AI platforms are being used to create more realistic jewelry concepts, test material and proportion accuracy, and support the development of 3D design assets. We will look at where these tools are already helping retailers communicate ideas more effectively with clients, as well as where they still fall short of true manufacturing readiness. Attendees will leave with a clearer sense of what AI can do today, what is still hype, and how to evaluate these tools without compromising the craftsmanship, trust, and artistry at the heart of fine jewelry.
Speakers
avatar for Mike Magee

Mike Magee

Senior Subject Specialist, Jewelry Manufacturing Arts, GIA
Mike Magee is a Sr. Subject Specialist in the jewelry manufacturing arts at GIA. An award-winning CAD designer, Mike has spent more than 25 years in the jewelry industry and over 15 years teaching CAD/CAM and digital jewelry design. After graduating from Cornell University, he trained... Read More →
Wednesday September 16, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Royal Melbourne A

4:30pm EDT

Colored Gem Grading and Pricing Workshop
Wednesday September 16, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Space for this Hands-on session is limited to 20 participants and is first-come, first-served.

This workshop will offer a systematic approach to grading gems for color, clarity, and cut. Various color systems will be discussed with actual hands-on grading of gemstones that I bring using the World of Color system. A methodology will be taught for assessing colored gemstones for clarity and cut and to gain experience in accurate pricing.
Speakers
avatar for Richard Drucker

Richard Drucker

President Emeritus, Gemworld International
Richard Drucker is the founder and president emeritus of Gemworld International, Inc. in Glenview, Illinois. His credentials include: Graduate Gemologist of the Gemological Institute of America; Honorary Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain; Senior Member of the... Read More →
Wednesday September 16, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Olympic B
 
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