(MIAMI BEACH, Fla.) – On Thursday, October 15, 2015 the jewelry industry descended upon Miami Beach, Florida for opening day of the Jewelers International Showcase (JIS) October jewelry trade show. By the time the show concluded on Sunday evening, JIS reports all prior JIS attendance records were shattered. Attendance reporting presented a 16% increase over the October 2014 event, also making it JIS’s largest year to year attendance increase in the show’s thirty six year history.

(CARLSBAD, Calif.) - More than 600 job seekers and guests packed GIA’s headquarters in coastal Carlsbad on October 9, where 33 companies were looking to fill hundreds of positions during the Institute’s annual Jewelry Career Fair & Open House. The gem and jewelry industry’s most illustrious recruiting experience drew crowds for hiring opportunities, one-on-one career coaching and three panel discussions with award-winning designers, innovative entrepreneurs and top executives.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Texas Jewelers Association (TJA) has adjusted the date on its 2015 Convention. The Convention, originally scheduled to take place from October 10 - 12 in San Antonio, will now be held from November 7 - 9, 2015.

TJA Executive Director Ann Glynn stated: “Although we had to deal with some unexpected circumstances, I am thrilled to announce that aside from the change in date, most everything else on our previous schedule will stay the same, including our beautiful location at the El Tropicano Hotel, located directly on the Riverwalk in San Antonio.

North and South Carolina jewelers are on the move!  Next year, their annual meeting and conference will be held at the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina, April 22-24. Citing its warm southern hospitality, amazing array of restaurants and charming atmosphere, Charleston was named once again the No. 1 Top City in the U.S. and Canada in the Travel + Leisure 2015 World’s Best Awards. This marks the third consecutive year Charleston made top North American rankings. Both the North Carolina and South Carolina Jewelers Associations concur with the magazine, citing these attributes in moving the conference from Myrtle Beach, SC.

Henry (Tracy) Bronson, founder of Tracy Pearls, died on May 31, 2015. Bronson opened Tracy Pearls, a pearl importing and wholesaling company in 1960. He worked there until 2004 when he sold the company to Rebecca Shemwell. Tracy and Rebecca had been partners until she bought him out. Rebecca will be forever grateful to Tracy for taking her under his wing and teaching her how to work with other countries.

(NEW YORK) - The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) is pleased to announce that well-known gems and jewelry expert Gary Roskin has been appointed as ICA Executive Director.

Mr. Roskin began in the new position on August 4 at ICA’s New York office. He is responsible for ICA’s day-to-day activities, and will contribute to the development of the association. He will report to the ICA’ Board of Directors.