From RJO’s Facebook Page

THE MEMBER-ONLY RJO EXCLUSIVE PAGE ON FACEBOOK hosts a variety of interesting discussions every day. Here is an edited exchange from a post earlier this month.

Post: So how do you pay employees you take to jewelry shows? Do you pay them eight hours a day (at an hourly rate)? Obviously I pay all travel expenses, meals, and show fees, etc.

Reply One: I pay them for however many hours they are out working on the show floor.

Reply Two: I paid mine what they were paid for an 8-hour day. Didn’t matter if we were there 12 hours, as we paid all expenses, plus we went to concerts and shows and had great dinners.

Reply Three: I pay eight hours a day and all expenses. If they are there on a Sunday (normally their day off) I give them a day off later during the week to compensate.

Reply Four: Eight hours as well. We pay all expenses.

Reply Five: In our store I pay from the time they arrive until we leave (usually 9 hours). We pay straight-thru, including breaks and such. When we are at shows, it’s the same thing, plus they get all meals and travel expenses paid. I make sure I share this information when they are asked if they want to attend a show. While it is a workday, it’s also a privilege to attend and have the opportunity to see new places, meet the vendors, and have adventures outside work. If they were buyers that attended shows all year, it would be a different story potentially.

Reply Six: I paid eight hours each day, because we talked business from sun-up to sun-down each day.

Reply Seven: Attendance at 12-15 trade shows per year is part of the initial job description for my salaried sales staff. The company pays for everyone to have their own rooms, airfare, and about half or more of their food and drinks. We’ve never paid them eight hours for the Saturday or Sunday, but we make it up with days off here and there and cool company outings, such as snowboarding, boating, etc.

Reply Eight: When I was hourly, I was paid for every hour at the show. Salary employees received regular salary.

Reply Nine: I pay for all expenses and pay them from the second they step out of their rooms in the morning until they go back in the evening. We often work 12-plus hour days while at shows. We work hard, but there is also fun to be had. It’s definitely a privilege for them to get to come along, but I also recognize they’re taking time away from their families and deserve to be compensated.

Buying Show Offers 2 GIA Seminars

RJO HAS PARTNERED with an industry leader in education—the GIA Alumni Collective—to provide two on-site, in-demand seminars, prior to the start of the Summer Buying Show. Each seminar is strictly limited to 24 participants, who must be pre-registered. Each seminar’s $225 fee includes course materials and supplies. Sign up using the Show Registration Form.

Seminar 1

Overview of LaboratoryGrown Diamonds

Friday, July 28th from 3 - 5 p.m. This seminar will provide essential knowledge about laboratorygrown diamonds that will give gem and jewelry professionals the confidence to have responsible discussions with their customers.

Seminar 2

Introduction to Diamond Treatments

Saturday, July 29th from 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.

This seminar examines treatments applied to diamonds and is ideal for gem and jewelry professionals, retailers, sales associates, jewelry enthusiasts, and appraisers.

High Demand Results in a Second Europe Trip this Year

to Europe—from October 5-15—has sold out due to high demand. A second trip is now accepting bookings, and its dates are October 8-18.

The overseas excursion is an annual tradition for RJO jewelers. The trip serves as a purchasing event, allowing RJO members to become a Direct Diamond Importer in their community. It includes two packed days, filled with gem buying, exploring IdarOberstein, and learning about the world of color from RJO vendor hosts, Rolf H. Muller. While in Antwerp you'll experience the world-renowned diamond district, hosted receptions and meals, an exclusive IGI factory tour and a camaraderie that will build lifelong friendships.

The trip’s hosts from last year—Nancy Marchell, of Signature Jewelers in Grand Forks, ND, and Erika

Godfrey, of Hawthorne Jewelry in Kearney, NE, will once again serve as this year’s hosts. For more information, view this flyer about 2023’s Rock Tour offerings, or contact the RJO office at: jodi@rjomembers.com or: (800) 247-1774.

RJO Foundation Names Scholarship Winners

THE RJO FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM provides scholarships and grants to RJO retail owners, vendor owners, and their employees. Through direct member donations of our generous sponsor members and vendors, as well as group fundraising efforts, the RJO Foundation has awarded scholarships, to-date, totaling more than $102,000 to 149 RJO members.

The Foundation Board of Directors is scheduled to meet at the RJO Buying Show in Philadelphia. They will continue their discussions regarding the role the Foundation will play in the industry, sustainable fundraising campaigns, scholarship opportunities, and more.

The recipients of the most recent RJO Foundation Scholarships, ranging from $750 to $1,000, are:

Jennifer Beatty, Wright’s Jewelry Store, Fallston, NC

Catherine Burcham, Georgetown Jewelers, Wood Dale, IL

Lauren DeGrendel, Art Jewelers, Woodstock, GA

Elizabeth Gahan, Herteen & Stocker, Iowa City, IA

Krysta Hanson, Hanson’s Fine Jewelry, Atlantic, IA

Lori McEwen, Diedrich Jewelers, Ripon, WI

Samantha Murray, Fernbaugh’s Diamonds and Fine Jewelry, Plymouth, IN

Audriana Schramm, Krekeler Jewelers, O’Fallon, MO

Jessica Toucinho, Sterling Jewelers, Wethersfield, CT

Eric Young, Meig’s Jewelry, Tahlequah, OK