Jewelers of America's Learning Workshop

One-day of education and networking in New England

Jewelers of America’s Learning Workshop will bring together jewelry manufacturers and retail professionals for a day of targeted education and industry insights! The program features sessions on the State of the Industry, navigating the volatile precious metals market and diamond education – as well as sessions presented by MJSA focused on building career pathways to the bench and the practical applications of a rose engine. Attendees will also gain actionable strategies for maximizing social media, implementing employee best practices, and advocating for their businesses on Capitol Hill.

With a mix of expert-led presentations and panel discussions, the workshop offers valuable opportunities for networking and knowledge-sharing across the jewelry supply chain.

Details
May 4, 2026, 9:00AM-5:00PM (registration begins at 8AM)
Providence Marriott Downtown
Providence, RI

Registration
Price: $50 (includes education and lunch)
REGISTER HERE

Hotel & Parking
Providence Marriott Downtown parking lot surrounds the hotel. It is self-parking and complimentary for stays of less than 9 hours.

Thank You To Our Learning Workshop Sponsors
Synchrony | Jewelers Mutual Group | International Gemological Institute (IGI) 
Media Sponsors: National Jeweler | MJSA

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Education Program & Schedule

We're bringing in the experts for the industry's hottest topics!

8:00-9:00 AM: Registration and Networking

9:00-9:30 AM: Welcome Remarks and State of Industry Presentation

• Presented by Regina Ciarleglio, VP Membership & Strategic Partnerships, Jewelers of America

9:30 - 10:30 AM | Panel: Successfully Navigate the Volatile Precious Metals Market

• Moderated by Michelle Graff, Editor-in-Chief, National Jeweler
• Panelists: Edward N. DeCristofaro, President and Owner, LDC, Inc.; John Antonacci, VP of Sales & Marketing, Gannon & Scott; Sam Mulani, President, Reko Enterprises Inc.

With metal prices hitting new records on an almost daily basis, including gold exceeding $5,000, jewelers have had to double down on innovative design, craftsmanship and emphasizing the strong value proposition for gold jewelry. This session will cover top strategies for managing both customer expectations and your business in this volatile market.

10:45 AM -11:15 PM | Building Career Pathways to the Bench

• Presented by Rich Youmans, Vice President of Communications & Publisher, Executive Director, MJSA Education Foundation

Attracting, training, and retaining qualified bench jewelers remains one of the industry's most pressing issues. This session will explore how jewelers are finding ways to overcome this challenge, from developing liaisons with local high schools and colleges to bringing on interns and apprentices—including through the MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship initiative, the industry's first nationally registered program.

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM | Diamond Intelligence 2026 - Navigating the New Dual-Diamond Economy

• Presented by John Pollard, Senior Director of Education, International Gemological Institute (IGI)

With accidental and deliberate mixing in OTC and secondary market transactions becoming more widespread, safeguarding your inventory is a business-critical mandate. This presentation from the International Gemological Institute (IGI) addresses the high-stakes B2B-B2C lifecycle, from the implementation of new screening resources to strategies for 're-romancing' natural diamond rarity and price stability in all sectors. Learn to combine technical defense with a dual-category sales strategy, providing transparent, positive facts for both natural and lab-grown diamonds that empower modern consumers to make actionable decisions.

12:00-1:00 PM: Lunch

1:00-1:05 PM | Providence Jewelers Club Presents Scholarship Recipients
An inaugural recipient of the Jewelers of America Impact Initiative, PJC will present scholarships awarded through the initiative to expand educational opportunities for bench jewelers and watchmakers.

1:05-2:00 PM | Practical Applications of a Rose Engine in the Modern Shop

• Presented by Chris Ploof, Owner and Designer, Chris Ploof Designs

Chris Ploof will share his journey and the insights he’s learned working with a rose engine and ornamental lathe. He’ll discuss what the machine is capable of, including the creation of unique, saleable styles of jewelry for the modern market.

2:00-2:45 PM | Panel: Top Tips for Maximizing Your Social Media

• Moderated by Michelle Graff, Editor-in-Chief, National Jeweler
• Panelists: Jennifer Shaheen, President, Technology Therapy; Nikia Levesque, Vice President of Marketing, Day’s Jewelers

An effective social media strategy can be a powerful tool to expand your reach, connect with customers (both new and existing) and strengthen brand identity. But the path to authentic connections that grow your business is full of pitfalls to avoid. In this panel session you will get actionable insights on how to successfully engage with customers across social media platforms and avoid common mistakes.

2:45-3:30 PM | Drive Success with Employee Best Practices

• Presented by Melissa Casey, Human Resources Executive and Entrepreneur

Join HR vet Melissa Casey as she shares her expertise from more than 15 years of leadership and experience in the retail jewelry and manufacturing sectors. Melissa offers a pragmatic, data-driven approach to HR—balancing organizational needs with employee well-being while driving meaningful change in talent management, leadership development, benefits optimization, and organizational transformation. Leave with tools to help you maximize your talent for greater success.

3:45-4:15 PM | Advocating for Your Business on Capitol Hill — Presentation and Q&A

• Presented by Susan Posnock, Director of Public Affairs and Education, Jewelers of America with Q&A with Edward N. DeCristofaro, President, LDC, Inc.

From taxes to crime, the jewelry industry needs to speak up for itself when it comes to government policies that have an impact on business. Hear about how Jewelers of America has been taking this message to Capitol Hill and how you can join our efforts.

4:15-4:30 PM: JA and MJSA Membership Benefits and Closing Remarks

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