The Retail Jewelers Organization (RJO) show in Des Moines, Iowa, held July 12-15, hosted 130 of the country’s top vendors. Attendance was better than expected and record sales were reported.

Educational seminars covered topics including pearls, estate jewelry, using software to facilitate jewelry design, using certificates to boost diamond sales, and how to turn acquaintances into customers. Roundtable discussions also were a part of the mix again this year.

For the first time during an RJO show, a silent auction was held, with proceeds going to the Jewelers Charity Fund, which will contribute donations to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, and St. Jude’s Research Hospital.

RJO, which is the nation’s oldest jewelry-buying group, has been in existence for 37 years and holds twice-a-year buying shows for members. For more information, call (800) 247-1774 or visit http://rjo.polygon.net.