Converge delivers fresh perspectives and deep expertise, from keynote panels that highlight industry transformation and honor gemology’s legends to a dynamic lineup of appraisal sessions. Covering everything from big-picture strategy to hands-on valuation skills, Converge delivers actionable insights and training for every jewelry professional.
Visit ConvergeEvent.com to view the full listing of breakout sessions and events.
Keynote Panels Featuring Leaders and Legends
Tuesday, September 9, Converge will open with two fascinating panel discussions.
The first, “Thriving Through Change: Strategies for What’s Next,” will examine how gem and jewelry professionals can not only keep up but get ahead in an era of rapid transformation.
This dynamic panel discussion will explore how today’s industry leaders are navigating disruption, evolving consumer expectations, and charting the future of the fine jewelry market. This candid conversation will dive into strategies for growth, innovation, and resilience in a time of accelerated change.
Moderated by Professor David Ager, senior lecturer at Harvard Business School. The panel will feature:
- Lisa Bridge, CG, Governor, GIA Board of Governors.
- Martin Katz, Founder and CEO, Martin Katz, Ltd
- Olivia Landau, Founder and CEO, The Clear Cut
- Daniel Rose, Vice President of Diamond Sourcing, Signet Jewelers
- Wesley Tucker, CEO, Tracr
The second, “Legends of Gemology,” will feature a discussion between four of the leading gemological experts at GIA:
- Pioneering photomicrographer and prolific author John Koivula
- Noted colored stone expert Shane McClure
- GIA Chief Laboratory and Research Officer Tom Moses
- GIA Senior Research Fellow Dr. James Shigley
These four living legends will share what they have seen and learned in their nearly 200 years of combined knowledge and unique experience. GIA Strategic Advisor Susan Jacques will moderate the panel. Thank you to Wells Fargo for sponsoring this incredible session!
Level-Up Your Appraisal Skills
The Appraisals track at Converge is all about learning from the pros. These experts will share real-world advice, helpful techniques, and fresh ideas you can use right away in your appraisal work. Here are four sessions you won’t want to miss:
Appraising Laboratory-Grown Diamonds
Speaker: Joel Hassler, CGA, Von Hasle Jewelers
- Monday, September 8, 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Appraising laboratory-grown diamonds can seem like a challenging task given the constant changes in price, availability, and provenance. In this session, we will cover some appraisal basics that apply to laboratory-grown diamonds, as well as anything else you might be appraising. We will address some of the screening/testing steps, limiting conditions, report terminology to use, and best practices when appraising laboratory-grown diamonds.
Colored Gem Grading and Pricing Workshop
Speaker: Richard Drucker, Gemworld International
- Tuesday, September 9, 2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
This workshop will offer a systematic approach to grading gems for color, clarity, and cut. Various color systems will be discussed, with hands-on grading of gemstones provided by the instructor, using the World of Color system. A methodology will be taught for assessing colored gemstones for clarity and cut, along with gaining experience in accurate pricing. Limit of 20 people.
Not All That Glitters is Gold: Identifying Counterfeit Jewelry
Speaker: Graham Wetzbarger, Luxury Appraisals & Authentication
- Wednesday, September 10, 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
$275 billion in fake jewelry and watches are sold on the open market annually. This equates to 75% of the legitimate global trade. Fraudsters use computer vision, 3D printing, and even 18k gold to produce extremely convincing replicas. Twenty-four percent of consumers report unknowingly purchasing a fake in the past year. As the resale market for jewelry and watches booms, bad actors continue to infiltrate it.
Protect yourself and your clients by learning the telltale signs to recognize knock-offs. Develop authentication techniques using a combination of visual clues and scientific reporting. Become confident in making conclusive and accurate determinations, protecting the industry, and building consumer trust.
From GG to Appraiser: Your Next Steps
Speakers: Randall Lightfoot, CG, Mayflower Estate Buyers & Consulting, and Mike West, CGA, R.F. Moeller Jeweler
- Wednesday, September 10, 2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
It’s not as easy as you might think. Being a Graduate Gemologist® (GG) from GIA does not mean you are qualified to appraise jewelry. So, you have your GG, but how can you get started appraising jewelry the right way? In this session, Mike West, CGA, and Randy Lightfoot, CG, will discuss ways that GGs can pursue their start in appraising jewelry.
