8 education sessions at AGTA GemFair

National Jeweler combed through the AGTA GemFair seminars schedule to pick two per day that seem best suited to retailers.

Michelle Graff michelle.graff@nationaljeweler.com

New York--Next week, many in the industry will converge on Tucson, looking to connect with gem dealers and suppliers to stock up on what’s hot and find the best loose stones.

One of the main shows taking place is the American Gem Trade Association’s GemFair, which, in addition to buying and selling, will have a number of seminars and education sessions on a variety of topics.

National Jeweler combed through the schedule to pick two seminars per day that seem best suited to retailers.

Wednesday, Feb. 4
9 to 10 a.m.
2020 Vision: Today’s Steps Toward Tomorrow’s Success
Kate Peterson, Performance Concepts, for Diamond Council of America

By 2020, more than one-fourth of the population will be between the ages of 20 and 34, and a total of $16 billion will be spent per year on jewelry and watches. What this means for businesses is that the consumer base will change dramatically over the next few years. This seminar is meant to help businesses ensure that they are taking the right step to leverage those difference and capture new shoppers.

1 to 2 p.m.
Thousands of Years with Luminous Pearls
Betty Sue King, King’s Ransom

It’s clear that pearls have been important and prominent since prehistoric times. This seminar will trace humankind’s link with pearls through time as healing agents, mythical symbols, fashion accessories, and more.

Thursday, February 5
9 to 10 a.m.
Trending Now in Tucson
Richard Drucker, GemWorld International, Inc.

Researcher, author, and colored gemstone expert Richard Drucker will offer insights and truths about what to expect in regards to quantities, qualities and pricing this year and beyond as well as market trends, industry issues and gems will be seen in Tucson.

1 to 2 p.m.
Color Trends and Jewelry Marketing via Social Media
Amanda Gizzi, Jewelers of America

This session will teach the audience about the current color and jewelry trends and how to use them on social media to establish the business as a trend destination.

Friday, February 6
9 to 10 a.m.
The Psychology of Sales
Brad Huisken, IAS Training

This motivational seminar will cover the psychology of sales when it comes to colored gemstones, including the three types of customers who come into a jewelry store and how to make a store the place where they want to buy jewelry.

1 to 2 p.m.
Emerald Clarity Enhancement:

Banner will be right here …

Detection, Filler Identification and Disclosure
Monruedee Chaipaksa, Bryan Clark and Christopher Smith, American Gemological Laboratories

This hands-on workshop from AGL will provide the audience with methods for detecting and identifying the most commonly used emerald fillers, disclosure practices, and a chance to see samples in person.

Saturday, February 7
9 to 10 a.m.
“How to Sell Custom Design”
Peggy Jo Donahue, MJSA Education Foundation

Since many retailers are buying loose colored stones at the shows in Tucson, this seminar will teach jewelers how to establish and maintain a custom design business.

1 to 2 p.m.
“Portable Gemology”
Edward Boehm, Raresource

Portable instruments can be valuable when it comes to purchasing in the field or at a trade show, so Boehm will offer experiences and tips for applying portable instrumentation, as well as how the smartphone can help with gemstone identification and documentation.

GemFair also will feature appraisal classes and MJSA’s At The Bench Live sessions. A full list of the education programs, seminars and labs at AGTA’s GemFair can be found on AGTA.org.

Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.