Conclave 2026: Full Schedule

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10:30am EDT

(Un)Natural Beauty: Treatments in Ruby & Sapphire

Thursday September 17, 2026 10:30am - 12:30pm EDT

Space for this Hands-on GIA session is limited to 24 participants and is first-come, first-served.

In today’s market, it is increasingly rare to come across ruby and sapphire whose beauty and appeal is entirely due to natural processes. During this hands-on seminar, GIA experts provide an in-depth understanding of various artificial treatments for ruby and sapphire. Through close examination of specimens, participants will learn practical tips for identifying these treatments and gain a better understanding of why these stones were treated at all.

Speakers

Aaron Palke, Ph.D.

Sr. Manager, Colored Stone Research, GIA

Dr. Aaron Palke developed an interest in minerals and gemstones searching for agates and other minerals in eastern Montana. Dr. Palke pursued a formal education in geology, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Tulsa and a Ph.D. from Stanford University.

He began his gemological career as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Gemological Institute of America where he is now the Senior Manager of Colored Stone Research. In this role, Dr. Palke leads GIA’s research efforts into geographic origin determination for rubies, sapphires... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 10:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Royal Dublin A

Track, GIA Hands-On

Level Intermediate
Session Format Hands-on Gemology Workshop
Audience Retailers, Appraisers, Vendors

10:30am EDT

Speaking the Pearl Language

Thursday September 17, 2026 10:30am - 12:30pm EDT

Royal Dublin B

Space for this Hands-on GIA session 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

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, Dr. Hsu has been a major contributor to gemology content deve... Read More →

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 →

Thursday September 17, 2026 10:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Royal Dublin B

Track, GIA Hands-On

Level Intermediate
Session Format Hands-on Gemology Workshop
Audience Retailers, Appraisers, Vendors

11:00am EDT

AWCI Mobile Classroom: Workshop: Cell Replacement, The Right Way

Thursday September 17, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

Walkway to Osceola

This class will utilize modern ways to test the cell and movement ensuring a successful service for your customer. Movement cleanliness is a key element to ensure success. Part of this course will be hands-on with movements, tooling and equipment being provided for use.

Speakers

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 →

Thursday September 17, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Walkway to Osceola

Track, AWCI Hands-On

Level Intermediate
Session Format Hands-on Watches Workshop
Audience Retailers, Appraisers

11:00am EDT

Change is Inevitable. Growth is Optional.

Thursday September 17, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

Colonial A

Markets don’t stand still, and neither can your business. From shifting economic conditions and evolving customer demographics to fluctuations in gold, diamond, and fuel prices, today’s retail landscape demands agility and focus. The most successful retailers and vendors aren’t just reacting; they are recalibrating.

In this dynamic session, you’ll learn how to realign your strategy around three drivers of sustainable growth: Merchandising, Margins, and Marketing. Walk away with practical insights to sharpen your assortment, improve profitability, and connect more effectively with your customers, no matter how the market moves.

Speakers

Abe Sherman

CEO, Buyers Intelligence Group

Abe Sherman understands the challenges faced by retailers and vendors and is dedicated to consistently improving the jewelry industry. His company, BIG, has continually developed new approaches to overcome those challenges.

BIG is comprised of three divisions, Balance to Buy™, ... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Colonial A

Track, Business Management

Level Intermediate
Audience Retailers, Appraisers, Vendors

11:00am EDT

Fancy Clarity: For Exceptionally Rare and Desirable Inclusions

Thursday September 17, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

Royal Melbourne A

Inclusions and other clarity characteristics in gemstones are typically regarded as undesirable, value-reducing imperfections. However, some rare features can be beautiful and fascinating, such as a dazzling purple garnet crystal in a diamond. Should there be a way to communicate “fancy” clarity features in a gemological report? Help us explore this topic and provide your feedback.

Speakers

Evan Smith, Ph.D.

Senior Research Scientist, GIA

Evan M. Smith is a Senior Research Scientist at the Gemological Institute of America. His work focuses on the geology of diamonds, including those originating from depths greater than 300 km, which help constrain models of deep Earth composition and processes. This research has contributed... Read More →

Jason Quick

Senior Director of Diamond Cut Research, GIA

Jason Quick is Senior Director of Diamond Cut Research at GIA, where he leads research and development initiatives focused on diamond grading standards, light performance, and cut design. With more than 20 years of leadership in diamond research, he has played a key role in advancing... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Royal Melbourne A

Track, GIA Lecture

Level Intermediate
Audience Retailers, Appraisers, Vendors

11:00am EDT

If You’re Not Having Fun, You’re Doing It Wrong

Thursday September 17, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

Augusta B

What happens when a father, a wholesaler daughter, and a retail son show how having fun grows both joy and sales?

This high-energy, honest, and entertaining session pulls back the curtain on what really keeps people thriving (and laughing) in the jewelry business. From the retail floor to the wholesale side, this family shares real stories, hard lessons, and simple mindset shifts that will get you smiling and selling more jewelry.

Speakers

Jim Siegel, CGA

Retail store owner, Siegel Jewelers

Aleah Arundale

Fun coach, Jewelers Helping Jewelers

Some might consider selling diamonds a skill or even an art form. For Aleah, it’s more like a natural instinct. Aleah Arundale is a 3rd generation GIA Graduate Gemologist, and a 5th generation jeweler turned loose diamond wholesaler. Selling diamonds on the road taught her endless... Read More →

Jaron Siegel

Marketing Director, Siegel Jewelers

Jaron Art Siegel is a multifaceted author, designer, and entrepreneur known for his engaging speaking style and innovative approach to business. A passionate advocate for blending professional success with a beautiful, wholesome life, Jaron uses his creative gifts to inspire teams... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Augusta B

Track, Sales and Marketing

Level Beginner
Audience Retailers, Appraisers, Vendors

11:00am EDT

Is the Devil in the Details? Appraisals & AI

Thursday September 17, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

Olympic B

Credentials can verify knowledge in a specialized field, and professional growth, experience, and competency are an ongoing journey. With the emergence of AI, appraisal professionals are also navigating new tools and opportunities that are reshaping the profession. As we take a trip down appraisal lane, we will review how appraisal content requirements have evolved and discuss how to create professional, competent, and complete appraisal reports that effectively serve your clients.

Speakers

Mona Miller

Director, Pacific Gem Lab

Mona has been a gem and jewelry appraiser, consultant, and educator in the jewelry industry for the past 40 years. She specializes in period jewelry and forensics, and she is an AQB Certified USPAP instructor. Mona enjoys sharing knowledge in the jewelry field and is always open to... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Olympic B

Track, Appraisals

Level Intermediate
Audience Retailers, Appraisers

3:00pm EDT

AWCI Mobile Classroom: Workshop: Water Resistance: Wet and Dry Methods

Thursday September 17, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

Walkway to Osceola

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

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 →

Thursday September 17, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Walkway to Osceola

Track, AWCI Hands-On

Level Intermediate
Session Format Hands-on Watches Workshop
Audience Retailers, Appraisers, Vendors

3:00pm EDT

Communication in the Jewelry Appraisal Process: Soft Skills for Difficult Conversations

Thursday September 17, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

Congressional B

The initial consultation with an appraisal client can present both challenges and opportunities for an appraiser. In this session you'll hear from a panel of appraisers from different business types and experience levels about some common real-world situations and how they've crafted conversations and questions for their clients.

Speakers

Joel Hassler, ACGA

Owner, Von Hasle Jewelers

Joel started in the industry in 2000, earning his CGA in 2003. In 2018, Joel was chosen as one of the two new CGA Instructors to take over for Cos Altobelli, ECGA. Joel has been a presenter on appraisal and store operations topics at AGS Conclave since 2018. He is a past AGS Board... Read More →

Panelists

Andrea Venn, Ph.D., CGA, JEA

Education Program Specialist, AGS

Andrea began working in the gemstone and jewelry industry 30 years ago, and she continues to become more of an avid gemstone and jewelry enthusiast each day. She has enjoyed working in multiple facets of the industry, including inventory & logistics, sales, repair take-in, buying... Read More →

Mike West, ACGA

Gemologist-Appraiser, RF Moeller Jeweler

Mike West is the appraisal department manager at R.F. Moeller Jeweler. He is a buyer of pre-owned, vintage, and estate jewelry and he has earned his Advanced Certified Gemologist Appraiser credential from AGS.

When outside of the store, Mike enjoys sailboat racing for pleasure.

... Read More →

Randall Lightfoot, CGA, JEA

Gemologist-Appraiser, Mayflower Estate Buyers & Consulting

Randy Lightfoot earned his B.A. in the Geological Sciences from Augustana College, Rock Island, Illinois, in 2013 with an emphasis on volcanology, igneous petrology, and mineralogy. His career has been spent largely studying the use of standard screening methods to identify clues... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Congressional B

Track, Appraisals

Level Intermediate
Session Format Panel Discussion
Audience Retailers, Appraisers

3:00pm EDT

From Instinct to Intelligence: Building a Data-Driven Culture in Your Jewelry Business

Thursday September 17, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

Colonial A

Most jewelers built their businesses on relationships, taste, and instinct, and those things still matter enormously. But in a market where margins are tighter and competition is broader than ever, instinct alone isn't enough. The retailers growing right now are the ones pairing their expertise with data.

In this session, Elle Hill shows jewelers how to build a culture of smarter decision-making without becoming data scientists or overhauling their entire operations. From knowing which metrics actually matter to building simple dashboards your whole team can use, this session is about making data feel like a natural extension of how you already run your business.

Walk in with instinct. Leave with intelligence.

Speakers

Elle Hill

Founder & CEO, Hill & Co.

Elle is a renowned entrepreneur and lauded expert in the diamond, gemstone, and jewelry industry. Her 28 years of achievements include helping businesses large and small to succeed—from launching her own award-winning international designer jewelry retailer, which she brought public... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Colonial A

Track, Business Management

Level Beginner
Audience Retailers, Appraisers, Vendors

3:00pm EDT

Luminescence – A Hugely Underrated Physical Property in Gem Testing

Thursday September 17, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

Olympic A

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

Thomas Hainschwang

CEO, GGTL Laboratories

Thomas is the Director and co-founder of GGTL Laboratories (GGTL Laboratories Liechtenstein). He has founded Gemlab (Liechtenstein) in 1996 and has joined a very close collaboration with GemTechLab in Geneva in 2011, through which GGTL Laboratories emerged, with the three member labs... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Olympic A

Track, Gems Jewelry and Watches

Level Intermediate
Audience Retailers, Appraisers, Vendors

3:00pm EDT

Sculptures of Light: A Sneak Peek at GIA's Upcoming Fancy-Shape Cut Grade System

Thursday September 17, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

Royal Melbourne A

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

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 →

Lisa Kennedy

Technical Advisor, GIA

Thursday September 17, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Royal Melbourne A

Track, GIA Lecture

Level Intermediate
Audience Retailers, Appraisers, Vendors

3:00pm EDT

Underappreciated Gemstones

Thursday September 17, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

Olympic B

Not all jewels are as popular as diamond, ruby, sapphire, and emerald; some are a bit underappreciated. But that doesn’t make them any less spectacular. While these gemstones have been gaining recognition in recent years, there's even more to them than meets the eye. Learn about the lore, history, and science that make peridot, garnet, tourmaline, zircon, and spinel unique.

Speakers

Isabelle Corvin, CG

Gemologist and Merchandising Manager, Panowicz Jewelers

Gemologist, merchandising manager, writer, and more, Isabelle has a passion for the history, lore, and science behind gemstones, and a love for the world beneath a microscope. In 2022, she was honored to be named one of Jewelers of America inaugural class of "20 under 40." This year... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Olympic B

Track, Gems Jewelry and Watches

Level Beginner
Audience Retailers, Appraisers, Vendors

3:00pm EDT

Women in Leadership: The Real Balancing Act Without Burnout

Thursday September 17, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

Congressional A

This candid conversation brings together powerhouse women leaders at every stage of their careers to talk honestly about what it really takes to lead without burning out. From boardrooms to caregiving, from scaling businesses to managing personal health, this session opens up the rarely discussed realities shaping women’s lives today. Topics include stress management, boundaries, perimenopause and menopause, appearance pressures, and navigating personal health challenges while maintaining leadership presence. By sharing experiences about what has worked and lessons learned, the discussion aims to normalize these conversations in professional settings. Attendees will leave with practical strategies, a renewed perspective, and a stronger sense of community.

Speakers

Jen Cullen Williams

Founder, Jen Cullen Williams Communications

Jen Cullen Williams is an award-winning communications consultant recognized for her expertise in retail and marketing trends and her ability to connect businesses with media and consumers to drive visibility and growth. Since launching her career in 2006 in PR agencies, and later... Read More →

Panelists

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 →

Becka Johnson Kibby

CEO, Edge Retail Academy

Becka Johnson Kibby brings more than 30 years of experience in fine jewelry retail management, training, and sales. Her career began while earning her Bachelor of Science in Retail Merchandising and Management, and has since spanned leadership roles with Robbins Brothers The Engagement... Read More →

Denise Richards

Vice President, Underwood Jewelers

Denise Richards is the Vice President of Underwood Jewelers, which has three locations in Jacksonville, Florida. Denise currently serves as Secretary of the American Gem Society (AGS) and Chair of the AGS Conclave Subcommittee. She is the past President of the AGS Young Titleholders... Read More →

Elyssa Jenkins-Perez

Head of North American Development, Responsible Jewellery Council

Elyssa Jenkins Pérez is dedicated to advancing responsible business practices, industry collaboration, and greater inclusion across the global jewelry and watch industry. She serves as Head of North American Development at the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), the world's leading... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Congressional A

Track, Sales and Marketing

Level Intermediate
Session Format Panel Discussion
Audience Retailers, Appraisers, Vendors

4:30pm EDT

AI in Action: Solving Real Business Problems—Together

Thursday September 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

Augusta A

AI isn’t just about tools—it’s about solving real business problems.

In this interactive, workshop-style session, we’ll move beyond theory and into practical application. I’ll start by sharing a curated set of AI tools and real-world examples to spark new ways of thinking. Then, we’ll shift into a collaborative working session where participants bring their own challenges—whether it’s time-consuming admin work, workflow inefficiencies, or communication bottlenecks.

Together, we’ll crowdsource solutions, share what’s actually working, and explore how AI can be applied across different roles and businesses. You’ll gain practical ideas, discover new tools, and learn from the experiences of others in the room.

Whether you’re just getting started or already using AI, you’ll leave with actionable tips and techniques.

Speakers

Jordan Freeman

COO, BOSS Logics

Jordan Freeman is the COO of BOSS Logics, where she oversees everything from account management to business strategy for a platform that helps jewelry brands and retailers manage and distribute content across their networks. She has a knack for spotting the chaos hiding in the back... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Augusta A

Track, Business Management

Level Beginner
Audience Retailers, Appraisers, Vendors

4:30pm EDT

Colored Stone Treatments in the 21st Century

Thursday September 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

Royal Melbourne A

Untreated vs treated gemstones have very different market values, which require the disclosure of treatments to be crucial. From initial discovery to showcasing the treatment's overall effect, this presentation will explore some of the most significant treatments introduced into the market in the 21st century. Gemstone treatments are not going away, which means educating oneself on them is an important tool for anyone in the trade.

Speakers

Nicole Ahline

Sr. Manager, Colored Stone Research, GIA

Nicole Ahline, originally from Chicago, Illinois, completed her undergraduate studies in geology at Cornell College in 2015. In 2016 Miss Ahline enrolled at GIA for the Graduate Gemologist (GG) program earning her GG credentials in that same year. Miss Ahline has also completed the... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Royal Melbourne A

Track, GIA Lecture

Level Beginner
Audience Retailers, Appraisers, Vendors

4:30pm EDT

Finish Well: How to Build a Jewelry Business Someone Actually Wants to Buy

Thursday September 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

Colonial B

Whether you plan to sell, pass it to your children, or simply want the decades you have invested to mean something beyond your last day behind the counter, this session is for you. Many jewelers build genuinely successful businesses and still have nothing structured to show for it at exit. Not because they failed, but because success alone does not create a transferable legacy.

This session covers the financial and operational systems that turn a successful jewelry business into one that can be passed down, sold, or protected regardless of what the future brings.

Mariel Diaz founded Accounting for Jewelers in the shadow of her father, a talented and successful jeweler who built something real but left no systems behind to protect it. When he was gone, so was everything he had built.

Speakers

Mariel Diaz

Founder & Strategic Originator, Accounting for Jewelers

Mariel Diaz founded Accounting for Jewelers in 2013 to provide accounting services to jewelry businesses in the US. Mariel oversees operations and is a trusted advisor to jewelry business owners. She is a second generation jeweler, and she was a GIA Graduate Gemologist, JA Certified... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Colonial B

Track, Business Management

Level Intermediate
Audience Retailers, Appraisers, Vendors

4:30pm EDT

From GG to Appraiser: Bridging the Gap Between Gemology & Appraising

Thursday September 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

Olympic B

It's one thing to earn your Graduate Gemologist® (GG) diploma from GIA, but having your GG does not automatically qualify you as an appraiser of gems and jewelry. For decades, the jewelry industry has been complacent by allowing professionals who only hold their GG to sign off on valuation documents, calling themselves appraisers. While earning the GG diploma is critical and no easy feat, Mike and Randy will discuss other imperatives that are necessary if one wishes to be successful in appraising gems and jewelry. This session will be geared toward anyone who wants to elevate their careers by understanding the duality of gemology and appraising, why USPAP® matters, and their professional development beyond their GG.

Speakers

Randall Lightfoot, CGA, JEA

Gemologist-Appraiser, Mayflower Estate Buyers & Consulting

Mike West, ACGA

Gemologist-Appraiser, RF Moeller Jeweler

Thursday September 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Olympic B

Track, Appraisals

Level Beginner
Audience Retailers, Appraisers, Vendors

4:30pm EDT

How to Boss 2.0

Thursday September 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

Congressional A

The best leaders evolve. We know that leadership demands adaptability, emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and the ability to inspire others. But we've also learned some things in the last few years, so we're taking a crack at this again to open up a conversation about what it's like to lead a company through massive change. “How to Boss 2.0” brings together a dynamic panel of leaders from across the jewelry industry to share candid insights on what leadership looks like in 2026. From motivating multigenerational teams and navigating workplace culture shifts to making tough decisions, managing growth, and staying authentic under pressure, this conversation will explore the real-world challenges and rewards of being “the boss.” This panel is for the dreamers with big ideas and the doers with big dreams. Because leadership isn’t just about being in charge: it’s about bringing people with you.

Speakers

Sara Yood, Esq.

CEO, JVC

Sara Yood, Senior Counsel at the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC), is an attorney admitted in the state of New York with extensive experience in intellectual property law. Sara’s responsibilities at JVC include anti-money laundering compliance, FTC Jewelry Guides compliance, trademark... Read More →

Panelists

Annie Doresca

President + CEO, Diamond Council of America

Annie leads the Diamond Council of America and serves as COO and CFO of Jewelers of America, so she works at the intersection of education, strategic planning, finance, and workforce development. She is especially passionate about Second Spark, the initiative bringing veterans and... Read More →

Jenny Luker

President, Platinum Guild International USA

Lisa Bridge, CG

Monica Stephenson

President, ANZA Gems

After 25+ years in jewelry, Monica is still endlessly curious about the people involved in our beautiful jewelry industry, and constantly working on how to support artisans throughout our supply chain. She's most happy to talk about gemstones and the people and places they are from... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Congressional A

Track, Business Management

Level Intermediate
Session Format Panel Discussion
Audience Retailers, Appraisers, Vendors

4:30pm EDT

The Making of a Collector

Thursday September 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

Olympic A

Join Robert Weldon and Shelly Sergent as they share the stories of curating and photographing pieces from the acclaimed Somewhere In The Rainbow Collection and how this important educational collection has become the basis for museum and gemological exhibitions around the country. An open dialogue regarding the curatorial process and the tricks of Robert's award-winning photography of these gems, jewels and objects of art. A sneak peek behind the scenes.

Speakers

Robert Weldon

Photographer / Writer, SITR

Until 2024, Robert served as the director of GIA’s Richard T. Liddicoat Gemological Library in Carlsbad, California, where he led a team of librarians and subject matter experts. He positioned the library to be a critical archive for researchers and students and the trade, but also... Read More →

Shelly Sergent

Curator of Collection, Somewhere In The Rainbow Collection

Somewhere In The Rainbow specializes in colored gemstones, handcrafted designer jewels, the American Innovator time period, museum exhibitions, and the collection of colored gems. Feel free to talk to Shelly about anything colorful, masterful, and fun! She's spent 44 years in the... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Olympic A

Track, Gems Jewelry and Watches

Level Intermediate
Audience Retailers, Appraisers, Vendors

10:30am EDT

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