JCK Jewelry Agenda: Week of April 13

By Victoria Gomelsky | April 10, 2025

The spring holidays are upon us! Between the start of Passover last night, Palm Sunday (today), Good Friday, and Easter (next Sunday), it’s a week of feasts and celebrations. In between, catch up on some podcasts, shop for rings, and consider applying for an artist residency.

LISTEN

The Jewelry District Podcast, Episode 144 (ongoing)

J.K. Symancyk CEO of Signet smiling with The Jewelry District podcast and IGI logos — *J.K. Symancyk*

In the latest episode of The Jewelry District, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates talk with J.K. Symancyk, who became CEO of Signet Jewelers in November. Symancyk shares his journey from theater major and aspiring lawyer to the head of America’s largest jeweler. He points out what the sporting goods and pet supply sectors have in common with jewelry (more than you might think!). The hosts and J.K. also dive into the details of Signet’s new “Grow Brand Love” strategy and what it means for Signet’s big three brands—Jared, Kay, and Zales. He also discusses Signet’s shift from banners to brands, why it needs to differentiate lab-grown and natural diamonds, and the ever-evolving future of brick-and-mortar stores.

Plumb Club Podcasts (ongoing)

PC April The Plumb Club’s April podcasts are out. In “Evaluating Current Vendors & Considering New,” Russ Whitehouse of Wilkerson makes the case for evaluating existing vendors, as well as discovering and engaging with new vendors, and how/where to find them when needed. In “Maximizing Vendor/Retailer Partnerships,” Sushil Chocksey, Julian Purifoy, and Adam Freed of IDD discuss key expectations that a retailer should have of a vendor and why it is important to move beyond just product and quality when considering a supplier.

SHOP

Tomfoolery London Love Ring Showcase: April 21–June 28

Tomfoolery LOVE rings Tomfoolery London’s Love Ring showcase opens April 21, featuring one-of-a-kind inclusive love and bridal creations from 30+ unique designers—including Ami Pepper, Ellis Mhairi Cameron, Ruth Tomlinson, Sarah Straussberg, Ciara Bowles, and 12th House—who have all contributed gender-neutral rings. The pieces will be available for purchase both online and in the retailer’s London store.

APPLY

92NY Jewelry Center Application Deadline for Artist Residency: April 15

92Y The 92nd Street Y is accepting applications for its 2025 jewelry artist residency. This is a juried residency for cutting-edge, emerging, and established jewelry artists to develop their work in the New York City art scene. From Aug. 14 through Sept. 18, the residency will provide the opportunity for an artist with a studio-based practice to develop a new body of work or complete research while engaging with NYC’s cultural community.