Conclave is less than two weeks away, and now is the time to plan your educational experience. These five sessions deliver critical industry updates on everything from changing consumer demand and diamond merchandising to tariffs, compliance, and growth strategies.
The New Diamond Horizon: Merchandising & Profit in a K-Shaped World
Gaurav Khandelwal, Union Gems
- Tuesday, September 15, 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. ET
The diamond category is undergoing dramatic changes. Structural changes upstream include Anglo American’s plan to sell De Beers, alongside continued lab-grown diamond demand.
In this session, we’ll translate market shifts into practical decisions AGS retailers can implement immediately:
- What to stock (and what to stop stocking)
- How to merchandise for a K-shaped consumer economy where affluent buyers remain resilient
- How to protect profitability when “high-margin” lab-grown sales can still produce shrinking gross-profit dollars
Attendees will leave with a clear playbook for assortment strategy and merchandising discipline as the diamond category enters its next chapter.
Our Changing Jewelry Industry
Harold Dupuy, FGA, Stuller, Inc.
- Tuesday, September 15, 2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m. ET
This session offers a comprehensive exploration of today’s jewelry industry, which is navigating through challenging economic and geopolitical conditions. It will provide a macro view of the headwinds and tailwinds influencing our jewelry industry, including market size and growth, industry health, and competitive influences.
With a focus on the jewelry store market, topics include sales trends, custom jewelry, pricing trends, natural and lab-grown diamond markets, diamond screening technology, bridal market changes, color gemstone market, and an overview of the U.S. manufacturing market. Benchmark your company against current market changes.
Harold is the 2020 AGS Sallie Morton Award winner and is known for his many presentations on jewelry market analysis to industry organizations.
Legal & Compliance Essentials for Today’s Jewelry Professionals
Liz Fraccaro, Esq. and Sara Yood, Esq., Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC)
- Wednesday, September 16, 10:15 a.m.–11:15 a.m. ET
Global trade policy is shifting rapidly, and jewelry businesses are feeling the impact. From new tariff proposals and customs enforcement priorities forcing businesses to seriously evaluate sourcing strategies, today’s market requires companies to stay informed and adaptable. The jewelry industry continues to evolve, as do the legal, regulatory, and consumer protection issues impacting businesses every day.
Join the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) for an informative and practical session covering the most important compliance topics facing jewelry professionals today. This presentation will explore key areas including tariffs, advertising and marketing claims, social media and influencer compliance, product disclosures, responsible sourcing considerations, and emerging legal trends affecting the industry.
JVC experts will also share real-world examples and best practices to help businesses reduce risk while building consumer trust and confidence. Designed for professionals across all sectors of the jewelry industry, this session offers valuable takeaways to help attendees strengthen compliance practices and stay ahead in a rapidly changing marketplace.
From Overseas to Your Counter: How Tariffs Really Impact Your Jewelry Business
Moderator: Anna Samsonova, CG, Samsonova Consulting
Panelists: Adam Funk, CGA, Diamonds & Gold; Joshua Israileff, RS, ASBA USA; Sara Yood, Esq., Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC)
- Thursday, September 17, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. ET
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.
Change is Inevitable. Growth is Optional.
Abe Sherman, Buyers Intelligence Group (BIG)
- Thursday, September 17, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. ET
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.
Conclave is September 14–17, 2026, at the Omni Orlando at ChampionsGate. Register at ags.org/conclave.