Fernandez to Open ‘Living Up To Diamonds’ Panel at JA NY Show

140 95 Rapaport News

Press Release: Jewelers of America (JA), the national trade association for businesses serving the fine jewelry retail marketplace, is pleased to announce a special guest appearance by U.S. Assistant Secretary for Economic and Business Affairs, Jose W. Fernandez, who will kick off the panel session, “Living Up To Diamonds,” on Monday, July 29, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.  the JA New York Show at Javits Convention Center. The panel will discuss the important projects that help jewelers support diamond communities, source responsibly and protect consumers’ confidence in diamonds.

Fernandez is the top U.S. official overseeing government policy related to the Kimberley Process. Nominated by President Barack Obama in 2009, he’s been a strong proponent for positive change and responsible sourcing in the diamond and jewelry industry.

“Assistant Secretary Jose Fernandez’s appearance underlines the need for the jewelry industry to take a proactive leadership role in ensuring our products are sourced in a responsible manner,” said JA’s president and CEO, David J. Bonaparte. “Jewelers of America is honored to have him jumpstart this important discussion.”

Bonaparte will appear on the panel, along with Dr. Benjamin Chavis, the senior strategic advisor for the Diamond Empowerment Fund; Cecilia Gardner, the president, CEO and general counsel of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee; Ngomesia Mayer-Kechom, the manager for international programs at the Diamond Development Initiative International and Martin Rapaport, the chairman of the Rapaport Group. The session will be moderated by Whitney Sielaff, the publisher and editorial director of ”National Jeweler.”

Media are invited to attend the session, which will be located in the Jewelers of America education classroom on the show floor. Jewelers of America produces two days of free seminars at the JA New York Show, on Sunday, July 28, and Monday, July 29. Click here for a full list of jewelry seminars offered at the show.
 
About Jewelers of America 
Jewelers of America (JA) is the national trade association for businesses serving the fine jewelry retail marketplace, with the primary purpose of improving consumer confidence in the jewelry industry. JA’s consumer education arm, Jewelry Information Center (JIC), has provided public relations and marketing services on behalf of the fine jewelry and watch industry since 1946. Visit www.jewelers.org and www.JIC.org for more information. 
 
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