The JA Report: News, Tips & Trends from Jewelers of America

Visit JA at the 2011 JCK Las Vegas Show!

The fine jewelry retail industry is about to take over Las Vegas for days of buying and nights filled with networking and events. Jewelry retailers and suppliers should stop by Jewelers of America's booth #L110 at JCK Las Vegas, June 3-6, 2011 to say hello to the JA team and enjoy our show specials.

• We'll be featuring our popular Prize Wheel, where you can spin to win a Kindle, Visa Gift Cards and gift certificates.
• While at the booth, you can also participate in a "Live" Legislative Action Center by signing petitions for important legislation that could affect jewelry businesses.

The JCK Show is known for its excellent educational offerings, and some of Jewelers of America's leadership will be lending their expertise in the areas of marketing, jewelry trends and quality control. Don't miss these JA-led seminars:

Adding Web Videos to Your Marketing Strategy (Part 1)

By Stan Bashmashnikov

Jewelry retailers are gearing up for all things summer. This traditionally “slow” season doesn’t necessarily have to be. Customers will flock to your store through a fun and interactive social media strategy using online video. Audio & Video Production Expert Mark David Zahn's article, "Is your Flip video camera killing your brand image?," provides video how-tos for even the most inexperienced. We've included a hit list of his advice to help you start generating excitement about your brand with web videos.

JIC Co-Produces Successful Jewelry Fashion Show for AGS Conclave

Jewelry Information Center (JIC), the consumer education arm of Jewelers of America (JA), partnered with the American Gem Society (AGS) in a first-ever co-branded jewelry fashion show on April 27, at the Westin St. Francis during AGS Conclave 2011. Check out the first pictures from this exciting event. The fashion show was such a success, Jewelry Information Center is already coming up with ideas for future jewelry fashion events. Stay tuned to see what surprises are instore!

The models strike a pose after the runway show. JIC’s Director of Media &
Special Events Helena Krodel produced the fashion show,
which showcased the jewelry of 25 leading designers.

JA Survey Helps Jewelry Retailers Improve Cost of Doing Business

With Jewelers of America's annual Cost of Doing Business Survey currently underway, we've been posting quick tips from previous Cost of Doing Business Reports on our Facebook and Twitter feeds to show the insightful retail jewelry benchmarking data it reveals. Follow us so you don't miss out -- we've included some highlights after the break!

When you participate in the survey, you receive a copy of the Jewelers of America Cost of Doing Business Report ($150 value) -- which has been an invaluable industry benchmarking resource for 20+ years. 

Click here to participate in the Survey today!

It's quick and easy -- Most of the key measures of financial performance in our 2011 Cost of Doing Business Survey are based on the two primary financial statements: the Profit-and-Loss statement and the balance sheet. Take the survey today!

Top Referring Sales Associates in JIC's Ultimate Proposal Contest

Jewelers of America would like to congratulate the winners of the Ultimate Proposal Contest Sales Associates Referral Contest. These passionate jewelry sales professionals spread the word about Jewelry Information Center’s Second Annual Ultimate Proposal Contest and were rewarded with $50 Visa Gift Cards, courtesy of GE Money.

Welcome New Retail Jewelry Members!

Our national network of retail jewelry professionals keeps growing. Between April 15-May 15, Jewelers of America accepted 17 new Retail Members. The jewelry companies have locations throughout the U.S. from California to New York.

Jewelers of America welcomes these new Retail Members:

Take Legislative Action in Las Vegas

Jewelers of America is offering an opportunity at the JCK Show in Las Vegas for jewelry retailers and suppliers to speak out on issues that could impact their businesses. From June 3-6, 2011, visitors to the JCK Show can stop by JA’s Booth (#L110) at the Mandalay Bay Resort to sign important legislative petitions, watch demos of JA’s online legislative outreach tools and learn about JA’s legislative advocacy.

JA to Take Part in Kimberley Process Panel at JCK Show

Media interest and consumer awareness have kept conflict diamonds at the forefront of issues that impact the jewelry industry. The Kimberley Process (KP) remains a central component in dealing with this issue but has faced its own set of challenges.

With that in mind, Jewelers of America President and CEO Matthew A. Runci will take part in a special JCK Show panel session, “Diamond Dialogue: The Challenges of a Robust Kimberley Process,” Thursday, June 2 at 1:30 p.m at Mandalay Bay Resort, Las Vegas.