RAPAPORT... Jewelers of America (JA) will launch its first NationalConvention in New York next July. The forum - open to jewelry professionals -will feature expert presentations and discussions on issues facing the US and international jewelry industry, the JA said last week. It willrun from July 28 to 29, coinciding with other New York industry events,including the Women's Jewelry Association awards and the American Gem Society'sCircle of Distinction honors ceremony. "Our first annual convention [is] a destination for jewelryprofessionals to come together, network, learn and take their learnings back tobetter their business," JA president David Bonaparte said. Image: Times Square, New York. (Bsadowski1)