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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
avatar for Rebecca Boyajian

Rebecca Boyajian

GIA
Rebecca Boyajian, GIA GG, AGS CG, is an opportunity focused brand ambassador, speaker, and relationship builder with 20 years’ experience in the luxury fashion and fine jewelry industries. Working for companies such as Roberto Coin, Bloomingdales, and Neiman Marcus, Boyajian lead... Read More →
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 →
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
Panelists
BT

Brian Toone

Jewelry Design Center

avatar for Jessica Harminson-Olson

Jessica Harminson-Olson

Owner, Maxon Fine Jewelry
avatar for Mitchell Clark

Mitchell Clark

President, BC Clark, Inc.
Mitchell Clark, CG, is the President of BC Clark Jewelers, a fourth-generation family business with three retail stores in Oklahoma City. Mitchell currently serves as President-Elect of the AGS International Board of Directors. In 2026, Mitchell and his brother Coleman were inducted... Read More →
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 →
Panelists
EP

Emily Phillippy

Emily Chelsea

avatar for Monica Stephenson

Monica Stephenson

President, ANZA Gems
After 25+ years in jewelry, I am (still) endlessly curious about the people involved in our beautiful jewelry industry, and constantly working on how to support artisans throughout our supply chain. I’m mostly happy to talk about gemstones and the people and places they are from... Read More →
Wednesday September 16, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Congressional B

4:30pm EDT

From Zero to Watch Repair: Building a Successful Watch Repair Department
Wednesday September 16, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Thinking about adding watch repair to your store but not sure where to start? Whether you're considering offering basic battery changes and bracelet adjustments or envisioning a full-service watch department, this session will walk you through the process of building a successful watch repair program from the ground up. We'll compare the different business models available, from outsourcing all repairs to operating a full-service in-house watch department, and discuss the costs, staffing, equipment, challenges, and opportunities associated with each. You'll also learn how to create efficient workflows, develop a positive customer experience, and identify opportunities to grow watch service into a profitable part of your business. Whether you're just beginning to explore the idea or looking to expand your existing capabilities, you'll leave with practical strategies and a clear roadmap for bringing professional watch service to your store.
Speakers
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 →
avatar for Jason Ziegenbein

Jason Ziegenbein

Lead Watch Educator, AWCI
Jason Ziegenbein is the Watchmaking Instructor for the American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute (AWCI) located in Harrison Ohio. Jason previously served as the Lead Instructor for the School of Watchmaking at Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. He holds an AAS degree... Read More →
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 →
Wednesday September 16, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Congressional B
 
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