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Wednesday, September 16
 

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 →
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Niveet Nagpal

Omi Gems, Inc.

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

11:45am EDT

Natural Carat Crushers
Wednesday September 16, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
What separates average retailers from absolute powerhouses? Natural Carat Crushers reveals the three distinct niche business practices that enable these dynamite stores to dominate the natural diamond market. These aren’t generic sales tips—they’re specialized strategies that consistently drive massive natural diamond movement and produce unparalleled closing ratios. In this high-impact session, we break down how top-performing retailers position natural diamonds for maximum emotional connection, engineer in-store experiences that accelerate buying decisions, and implement precision inventory and pricing tactics that keep stones turning at remarkable speed. The result? Higher average tickets, stronger margins, and clients who say “yes” faster and more often. Total natural diamond domination!
Speakers
avatar for Jessica Gylsen

Jessica Gylsen

Vice President, XL Diamonds
Wednesday September 16, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
Congressional B

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

4:30pm EDT

A Discussion of the Status of the Global (and US) Watch Industry
Wednesday September 16, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
The watch industry is always shifting—from changing consumer habits to evolving dynamics in both the new and pre-owned markets. In this panel, we’ll take a step back and look at where the watch industry stands today, both in the U.S. and globally. We’ll talk trends, challenges, and opportunities that are shaping the future of watch retail, service, and collecting. This conversation will help you better understand the forces at play—and how to navigate them in your own business. Bring your questions—this one’s meant to be interactive.
Speakers
avatar for Justin Shiver, RJ

Justin Shiver, RJ

Watchmaker, Underwood Jewelers
Justin Shiver has over a quarter of a century of experience as a watchmaker and workshop manager in a retail jewelry store. Justin’s expertise extends beyond the workshop. He is a current member of the American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute (AWCI) Board of Directors. As a member... Read More →
avatar for Jason Champion

Jason Champion

Education Director, AWCI
Jason Champion is a Certified Watchmaker 21 and the education director for the American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute (AWCI) where he aids in curriculum development, teaches classes, and oversees AWCI’s world-renowned certification, traveling education, and the Archie Perkins... Read More →
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Jason Ziegenbein

Lead Watch Educator, AWCI
Wednesday September 16, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Congressional B
 
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