The CJA Showcase 2002, sponsored by the California Jewelers Association, is scheduled for Oct. 20 at the Beverly Hills Hotel and is open to all California retail jewelers, designers, and manufacturers. The event provides an opportunity for attendees to meet and talk with representatives of companies that provide products and services for the jewelry industry.

“It’s not a jewelry show,” notes CJA president Peter Hess. “It’s a fun educational program designed to help retail jewelers, designers, and manufacturers operate their businesses more efficiently and profitably.”

The day-long event will feature presentations by industry experts covering such topics as appraisals, managing inventory, disaster preparedness, how to create an Internet presence, controlling costs, handling credit card payments, watch repair services, computer-aided jewelry design, and production casting of platinum jewelry. In addition, suppliers of products and services will be available to talk one-on-one with attendees. A keynote speech by diamond-selling expert Shane Decker will offer tips on how to increase sales of larger-size diamonds.

The Robert B. Westover Award will be presented to Marion Halfacre of Traditional Jewelers, Newport Beach, Calif., for efforts and contributions on behalf of the jewelry industry.

In conjunction with the event, CJA will hold its Jewelry Design Competition.

For information call (213) 623-5722 or visit www.CaliforniaJewelers.org.