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Thursday, September 17
 

11:00am EDT

From Overseas to Your Counter: How Tariffs Really Impact Your Jewelry Business
Thursday September 17, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Tariffs aren’t just headlines; they shape what you stock, what you pay, and what your customers see at the counter. This panel brings together wholesalers and retailers to break down how tariffs directly affect every step of the supply chain. From sourcing materials overseas to pricing and profitability in U.S. stores, our panelists will share firsthand insights, real numbers, and practical strategies for navigating today’s shifting trade landscape. Whether you buy, sell, or design, this discussion connects global policy to everyday business decisions.
Speakers
avatar for Anna Samsonova, CG

Anna Samsonova, CG

Owner, Samsonova Consulting
Anna Samsonova, CG, is a Chicago, IL–based jewelry consultant and industry leader with more than 20 years of luxury experience working with retail and wholesale companies across sales, merchandising, buying, branding, event marketing, and operations. She is the founder of Samsonova... Read More →
Panelists
avatar for Adam Funk

Adam Funk

Owner, Diamonds & Gold
Native to Green Bay, Adam lives on the west side with his two sons Wyatt, and Evan and puppy Enzo. Adam is very involved in the local community, and he has worked in the jewelry industry since 2000. He is a GIA Graduate Gemologist as well as a Certified Gemological Appraiser with... Read More →
avatar for Joshua Israileff, RS

Joshua Israileff, RS

Co-Owner, ASBA USA
Joshua attended DePaul University where he graduated with degrees in Finance, Marketing, and Economics. Post-graduation he worked at UBS Financial before joining ASBA USA, the family business. He has received accreditation from the GIA, AGS, as well as the CPAA. He now does speaking... Read More →
avatar for Sara Yood, Esq.

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

3:00pm EDT

Communication in the Jewelry Appraisal Process: Soft Skills for Difficult Conversations
Thursday September 17, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
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
avatar for Joel Hassler, ACGA

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
avatar for Andrea Venn, Ph.D., CGA, JEA

Andrea Venn, Ph.D., CGA, JEA

Education Program Specialist, AGS
Andrea began working in the gemstone and jewelry industry during her school summer vacations 30 years ago, and she continues to become more of an avid gemstone and jewelry enthusiast each day. She has enjoyed writing appraisals, procuring high quality ready-to-wear gemstones and jewelry... Read More →
avatar for Mike West, ACGA

Mike West, ACGA

Gemologist-Appraiser, RF Moeller Jeweler
Qualified Appraiser,
Sailboat racing for pleasure

avatar for Randall Lightfoot, CGA, JEA

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, IL in 2013 with an emphasis on volcanology, igneous petrology and mineralogy.  Mr. Lightfoot’s career has been spent largely studying the use of standard screening methods to identify... Read More →
Thursday September 17, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Congressional A

4:30pm EDT

How to Boss 2.0
Thursday September 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
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
avatar for Sara Yood, Esq.

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
avatar for Annie Doresca

Annie Doresca

President + CEO, Diamond Council of America
I lead the Diamond Council of America and serve as COO and CFO of Jewelers of America, so I work at the intersection of education, strategic planning, finance, and workforce development. I am especially passionate about Second Spark, our initiative bringing veterans and returning... Read More →
avatar for Jenny Luker

Jenny Luker

President, Platinum Guild International USA
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 →
Thursday September 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Congressional A
 
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