Live September 25, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. PT / 12:00 p.m. MT / 1:00 p.m. CT / 2:00 p.m. ET
On-Demand Through December 31, 2024

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Confluence 2024 Schedule

Confluence is a virtual, three-hour conference live on September 25, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. PT / 12:00 p.m. MT / 1:00 p.m. CT / 2:00 p.m. ET. Plus, the event will be available on-demand through December 31, 2024.

The Importance of Diamond Screening: Challenges, Techniques, and Resources

  • 11:00-11:45 a.m. PT
Join us for an essential panel session where industry experts will explore the multiple aspects of diamond screening. As the prevalence of laboratory-grown diamonds increases, the need for accurate and reliable screening techniques becomes critical. This session will cover the available screening technologies and address common challenges and limitations in the field. Also included will be techniques for using standard gemological instruments to provide further clues when screening.
 
The session will guide you through resources for selecting the right Diamond Verification Instrument (DVI) to meet your specific needs, with insights into the metrics and assessments provided by the Natural Diamond Council’s ASSURE program. Ensuring the integrity and trustworthiness of your diamond inventory is vital for retailers, gemologists, and diamond dealers alike.

Moderator

Wade Abel, CG

American Gem Society

Panelists

Raluca Anghel

Natural Diamond Council

Guy Borenstein

Stuller Inc.

Randall Lightfoot, CG

Mayflower Estate Buyers & Consulting

Laboratory-Grown Diamonds: Pricing, Supply, and Disclosure

  • 12:00-12:45 p.m. PT
In this insightful panel session, industry experts will delve into the complexities surrounding this rapidly evolving segment of the jewelry market. As laboratory-grown diamonds continue to reshape the landscape, understanding their pricing dynamics, supply chain intricacies, and the critical importance of transparent disclosure is essential.
 
This session will offer a comprehensive analysis of market trends, explore the challenges and opportunities we have before us, and provide guidance on best practices for disclosure and transparent communication. Whether you are a retailer or supplier, this session is crucial for staying ahead in a competitive and shifting industry.

Moderator

David Mazer headshot

David Mazer, CG

Marks Jewelers

Panelists

Joel Hassler, CGA

Von Hasle Jewelers

Abe Sherman

BIG, Buyers Intelligence Group

Sara E. Yood, Esq.

Jewelers Vigilance Committee

Stanley Zale

Hill & Co.

The Incredible Story of Natural Diamonds

  • 1:00-2:00 p.m. PT
Natural diamonds are rare minerals and exceptional gemstones. They formed millions of years ago deep in the earth under conditions which created a unique geological “signature” in their atomic structure and crystal morphology. This natural signature, which can be detected using scientific instrumentation, is important because it cannot be created in laboratory-grown diamonds which form very quickly by methods which do not exist within the earth.
 
This presentation will summarize aspects of the geological history and mining of diamonds that will hopefully provide jewelers with ideas to share with customers considering a natural diamond purchase.

Presenters

John Cason

GIA

Dr. James Shigley

GIA

We are profoundly grateful to our Presenting Sponsor, GIA, whose generous support has made it possible for us to bring you these distinguished industry speakers.

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