The American Gem Society (AGS) has announced Confluence 2024, a virtual event set to provide industry professionals with updates on both natural and laboratory-grown diamonds. The event will take place on September 25, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time, with all sessions available on-demand starting from September 26 through December 31, 2024.
Confluence 2024 will provide AGS members and jewelry professionals with updates on diamond-related topics. It will feature three main sessions, each addressing key aspects of the diamond market, including pricing, disclosure, and diamond screening.
Focus on Laboratory-Grown Diamonds
The first session, titled Laboratory-Grown Diamonds: Pricing, Supply, and Disclosure, will be moderated by David Mazer, CG, of Marks Jewelers. A panel of experts, including Sarah Yood, Esq. (Jewelers Vigilance Committee), Abe Sherman (BIG), Stanley Zale (Hill & Co.), and Joel Hassler, CGA (Von Hasle Jewelers), will explore the evolving landscape of the laboratory-grown diamond sector. Discussion topics will include pricing strategies, supply chain complexities, and best practices for maintaining transparency in consumer communications.
“The session will cover market trends and opportunities relevant to maintaining competitiveness in the evolving lab-grown diamond sector, according to the AGS.”
Diamond Screening: A Critical Issue
As lab-grown diamonds become more common, accurate identification and screening have become increasingly important. The second session, The Importance of Diamond Screening: Challenges, Techniques, and Resources, will address this issue. Moderated by Wade Abel, CG, Director of Gemology at AGS, the session will feature Raluca Anghel (Natural Diamond Council), Randy Lightfoot, CG (Mayflower Estate Buying & Consulting), and Guy Borenstein (Stuller).
This panel will review updates in diamond screening technology and address challenges retailers and suppliers face in distinguishing natural diamonds from lab-grown diamonds. It will also provide information on resources for selecting Diamond Verification Instruments (DVIs), including the Natural Diamond Council’s ASSURE program.
Understanding the Unique Value of Natural Diamonds
The final session, The Incredible Story of Natural Diamonds, will spotlight the geological and historical aspects of natural diamonds. Dr. James Shigley and John Cason from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) will discuss the rarity of natural diamonds and their formation processes, offering narratives that jewelers can use to differentiate natural diamonds from lab-grown alternatives in conversations with customers.
On-Demand Content and Registration
In addition to the main sessions, bonus content related to both natural and laboratory-grown diamonds will be available on-demand after the event. The first 200 AGS members to register for Confluence 2024 will be able to attend for free, while non-members will have access to special pricing options.
This virtual event highlights the need for jewelers to remain informed about both natural and lab-grown diamonds as the market evolves.
For further details and registration, visit the American Gem Society’s website.
Implications for the Industry
Confluence 2024 offers jewelers a valuable opportunity to stay current on key market trends and advancements in diamond verification technology. With lab-grown diamonds increasingly impacting the market, staying informed about supply, pricing, and accurate screening methods will be essential for retailers and suppliers alike.
