‘Disruptive’ jewelry focus of MJSA keynote

Attleboro, Mass.--Wearable technology and other so-called disruptive jewelry trends will be the topic of the keynote speech at MJSA’s Expo New York, scheduled for March 8 to 10.

Delivered by Ben Smithee, a consumer trends expert who has worked with brands including Rio Tinto Diamonds and Coca-Cola, the presentation will focus on the new era of technology-driven production and consumption, in which, among many other innovations, jewelry can monitor its wearer’s health and be made using 3D printing.

Smithee’s speech, The Cyborg Consumer: From Wearable Tech to 3D Printing, is scheduled for March 9, 10:30 a.m. to noon.

It one of a number educational sessions included in the Expo, which will take place at the Hilton New York. Registration is available on the MJSA website.

Additional highlights of the educational program are as follows.

-- Antoinette Matlins, a gemologist and author who has been a guest on ABC’s Good Morning America, NBC’s Today and CBS’s This Morning, will give attendees lessons on How to Buy and Sell Colored Gems (March 8, 10:30 a.m. to noon) and How to Identify Enhanced Gems and Synthetics (March 9, 1 to 3 p.m.)

-- David Geller of JewelerProfit, will offer insight into how to properly price and profit from custom design and repair work, ensuring all costs are covered and margins remain high (March 8, 1  to 2:30 p.m.)

-- An At the Bench Live session with Blaine Lewis will show how to set marquise, pear-shaped and other sharp-angled gems that are coming back into fashion (March 8, 3 to 5 p.m.)

-- Market Smarter with Chris Ciunci, founder of TribalVision marketing company will explain how to develop a strategic plan, generate leads and boost revenue (March 9, 3:30 to 5 p.m.)

MJSA Expo New York also will offer three special educational events. Additional information about those and the Expo in general can be found on the MJSA website.

“Attendees have told us that the educational program is a vital part of the Expo experience, and they rely on it to keep them informed and inspired,” said MJSA President and CEO David Cochran. “This year’s program has been developed to not just meet but exceed those expectations, covering everything from the latest revolutionary technologies to crucial technical and marketing practices.”