The twin topics of responsible gold sourcing and sustainable development dominate the industry agenda this week, with no fewer than three webinars dedicated to different angles on how jewelers can—and why they should—do their part. On the lighter side, anyone looking for a jewelry or watch fix can tune into a trio of auctions that kick off the spring selling season, led by Christie’s New York Magnificent Jewels sale on April 13. It’s hammer time!
LISTEN
New Plumb Club Podcasts: Ongoing
Two new Plumb Club podcasts take on the modern jewelry business from different angles. In “Strategies to Brand as an Independent Jeweler,” Sam Sandberg, chairman of A. Jaffe, explores what it means to be a brand and how to maintain brand positioning in-store and throughout all communication touch points. And in “Contemporary Metals in Today’s Jewelry Stores,” John Skaret, vice president of sales for Frederick Goldman’s independent division, talks about the history of contemporary metal jewelry, discusses its key characteristics, and, critically, offers ways to market and sell these bands to a new customer base.
BID
Christie’s New York Magnificent Jewels Sale: April 13, 10 a.m. ET (live)
The “Mag Jewels” sale at Christie’s is back with more than 200 lots brimming with colored diamonds (including a fancy vivid purplish pink diamond ring sold without reserve), curated selections from important private collections, trays of unmounted emeralds and diamonds, and signed jewels by Belperron, Cartier, Hemmerle, JAR, and the like. You had us at live auction!
Hindman Important Timepieces Auction: April 13, 11 a.m. ET (live and online)
From its headquarters in Chicago, Hindman is auctioning 177 lots spanning almost four centuries of watchmaking, all from a single hoard owned by a collector by the name of Mr. Del Pelton. Important Timepieces From a Private Collector, Session I, includes wristwatches from makers such as Patek Philippe, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Vacheron Constantin, and F.P. Journe; an extensive pocket watch selection including pieces with advanced complications such as the Haas Moon Phase Perpetual Calendar Chronograph; and a plethora of fun, affordable options for buyers in search of some distinctive wristwear. (Session II takes place online on April 13 at 4 p.m. ET—and is tailor-made for pocket watch aficionados.)
Bonhams New York Jewels Online Sale: Through April 16, 12 p.m. ET (online)
Sure, the Bonhams New York Jewels Online sale, closing this Friday, has your standard auction showstoppers—the fancy yellow diamond rings, the emerald-encrusted Graff earrings, the Cartier Panthère rings—but for jewelry aficionados, the real gems are the unexpected, offbeat finds, such as a pair of onyx and abalone earrings with a beguiling arabesque silhouette, or a pair of gold, ruby, and diamond brooches that look like migrating geese. Honk if you like jewels!
ATTEND
Responsible Jewellery Council Artisanal Mining Roadshow: April 14, 9 a.m. ET (online)
Representatives from the Responsible Jewellery Council, Alliance for Responsible Mining, IMPACT, and the Swiss Better Gold Association answer questions about how partnerships can support jewelers’ efforts to source gold responsibly and contribute to the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Black in Jewelry Coalition Webinar on Responsible Gold Sourcing: April 14, 10 a.m. ET (online)
After the RJC’s broad discussion about partnerships and responsible sourcing, dive into the details with this webinar from the Black in Jewelry Coalition and USAID’s Zahabu Safi Project. Entitled “Sister to Sister: Creating Relationships to Support Responsible Sourcing of Artisanal Gold From Africa,” the session will provide information on how to source artisanal gold directly from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Jewelers of America Webinar on Sustainable Development: April 15, 11 a.m. ET (online)
Under the auspices of the U.N., nearly all the countries in the world have pledged to meet the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. But businesses large and small can help, too. In partnership with the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), the RJC is leading the way forward for the jewelry industry. RJC will give an overview about the SDGs, what they are, and why they matter to the industry and the world at large. Join the conversation and receive guidance, practical tools, and real-life examples on how to implement, measure, and manage your organization’s contribution.
92Y “Designing Women” Course: April 15–May 6, 10 a.m. ET, $95 (online)
The 92Y kicks off a four-course series on historically significant female jewelers working in Europe and the United States during the 20th century through present day. Led by NYC Jewelry Week cofounder Bella Neyman, the $95 series, called “Designing Women: Female Jewelers Then and Now,” runs every Thursday through May 6, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. ET. Prepare to discuss the legacies of Julia Munson, Suzanne Belperron, and Jeanne Touissant, among other groundbreaking designers whose contributions to the trade are still largely unknown.
Top: In support of #StopAsianHate, we’re highlighting Asian and Asian American jewelry designers in this Sunday newsletter and throughout our editorials this month and beyond. (Jackson three-drop 2.78 cts. t.w. pavé diamond earrings in 18k white gold, $16,300; Mimi So)
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