Smart Jewelry Speakers

Janice Mack Talcott has been a teacher and mentor to thousands of jewelers around the world. 

An instructor for many years at the Gemological  Institute of America (GIA), Janice primarily taught Extension Classes and specialized in accelerated learning techniques.

A world-renowned gemologist, her accomplishments include the Penlight Technique of Gem Identification and the development of the GIA Colored Gemstone Grading System. 

As Director of Education, she oversaw most of GIA’s international operations. 

She has been instrumental in course development for GIA, the American Gem Society (AGS) and the Diamond Council of America (DCA).  Her writing has been published in Jewelers Circular Keystone, Professional Jeweler, and In Store magazines.  She has presented numerous seminars on many industry topics all over the world, including most major trade events and shows. 

Having been born into the retail jewelry business, Janice has experience with family issues, partner issues and with all aspects of sales, management and operations in closely held businesses. 

As a partner in Performance Concepts, Janice co-developed fundamental staff and business development tools including programs for hiring, training, performance and compensation management programs and client development.  In addition, she provided consultation services on those topics as well as sales, merchandising and display management.  Her consulting and training has bridged international borders with jewelers in Asia, Europe and Latin America. 

Janice began working with the Hearts On Fire Company in 1996 – originally as a contract trainer and eventually joining the company in 2004,  In 2006 she was named Director of Curriculum.  She developed multiple training concepts for Hearts On Fire covering Product, Emotive Selling, Bridal Selling and Clienteling.  She also created and developed the Hearts On Fire Client Book, The Clienteling Workshop, the Store Meetings and the Train the Trainer Program. 

In 2010 Janice launched a new company under her own private label focusing her efforts in three primary areas:  Staff Acquisition and Development, Clienteling and Customer Relations, and Asset Management. 

Janice can be contacted at 360-951-9044 or jmack04@aol.com.