The JCK Show and Luxury by JCK successfully reunited the jewelry industry with the largest, most comprehensive jewelry trade shows since the pandemic began. The shows brought a return to successful business and healthy optimism, with order writing and product launches and trend discovery primary focal points of most in attendance. Spanning 20 different neighborhoods, over 1,200 exhibitors and more than 10,000 qualified buyers gathered, with government-mandated face-coverings, at The Venetian Expo for the JCK Show from August 27-30, with GEMS opening a day early on August 26, and Luxury open by invitation on August 24-26. The educational seminars, product and trends discovery, networking and special events added unique value that can only be found at JCK and come from live in-person shows.
“Being back at The Venetian with our amazing jewelry community was an incredibly special experience. We thank the industry for coming together, our vendor and retail partners and all our industry friends and supporters under challenging circumstances, and supporting the show including the health and safety measures put in place to provide a safe and comfortable environment for all in attendance,” says Sarin Bachmann, Group Vice President of RX Jewelry Group. “The showfloor was buzzing with energy as vendors and retailers reconnected with a shared passion for jewelry. Some of our exhibitors noted this was their biggest show in terms of orders in the history of their participation with any show, and we believe that’s an indication of a strong holiday and retail season ahead. The trends spotted also indicated a turn toward optimism in both the jewelry industry and its consumers with bright colors, heart motifs and bold structural elements like chain links some of the favorites seen on the showfloor.”
Special events offered educational and networking opportunities with highlights at JCK including:
- JCK Keynote – an invigorating panel discussion on the past 18 months and its impact on the retail industry, consumer spending, diversity and inclusion and brand loyalty featuring executives from Pandora, The National Retail Federation, The Black in Jewelry Coalition, Jewelers of America and eBay, along with RX Jewelry Group, Group Vice President Sarin Bachmann.
- JCK Talks – daily education programming for jewelry professionals exploring trends, tools and insights necessary to succeed in the current retail jewelry climate.
- Live Podcast Zone – live podcasts recorded from the show floor podcasts featuring the industry’s top podcasters and brands such as Rapaport, Joy Joya, JCK Magazine and more.
- JCK Bootcamps – half-day, expert-led intensives on social media and succession planning.
- The Future Lab – a content creation zone, powered by The Smithee Group, allowed attendees to get tips and hands-on advice on the formula for future success in social media, marketing, content and technology.
- The Plumb Club Pavilion returned with a coalition of best-in-class and responsible suppliers and featured complimentary snacks and beverages in The Plumb Club Cafe; TPC-365 and The Jewelers Resource Center an interactive business tool and meeting platform; details on the consumer statistics revealed in TPC’s Industry & Market Insights 2021 research study; and exhibitors who all commit to corporate and consumer responsibility via membership in the Responsible Jewellery Council.
- Le Vian Annual Red Carpet Revue – an invite only event and charitable fundraiser featuring red carpet arrivals followed by a trend forecasting for 2022 presentation, fashion show and over half a million raised for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The Revue revealed 2022 trends that were seen throughout the show floor including yellow diamonds, heart shaped jewelry and platinum as a top metal.
- Jewelers For Children 21st Annual Facets of Hope Gala – honored Virginia “Gina” C. Drosos of Signet Jewelers and Mercedes Abramo of Cartier and included a silent auction to benefit the Jewelers For Children mission.
- JCK Design Awards – were voted on by editors and presented in the categories of New & Noteworthy, Bright & Bold, Zoom Worthy and Diamonds Do Good.
Luxury Events highlights included:
- Luxury Keynote – “The Cartiers: Overcoming Adversity” was sponsored by Natural Diamond Council and featured Francesca Cartier Brickell, Louis Cartier’s great-great-niece, discussing her bestselling book, The Cartiers: The Untold Story of the Family Behind the Jewelry Empire. The presentation included stories about Cartier Brickell’s ancestors and how they followed their dream to turn a small Parisian store into one of the leading jewelry firms in the world, and how they overcame continual adversity to keep the dream alive.
- Luxury Keynote – presented by De Beers Group’s Executive Vice President Stephen Lussier and Chief Brand Officer David Prager, “The Power of Purpose-Led Brands” provided an interesting presentation on how De Beers sees the ongoing consumer focus brands that are demonstrably purpose-led as a tremendous opportunity, rather than a risk, for the diamond industry, and what De Beers is doing to transform its own brand to connect differently with consumers.
- Luxury Lounge sponsored by Bentley Jewellery – a Bentley car valued at over $360,000 was available for retailers to view and learn more about the unique and classic craftsmanship up close on the Luxury showfloor.
- Luxury Café – artwork installation with photo opp moments and coloring area created by Kicks by Sammy included morning coffee and afternoon bar and original DJ tunes spinning all day long.
JCK announced the dates for the 2022 event onsite, back to its typical summer timeframe and celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the JCK Show. JCK Show will be held at The Venetian Expo, Las Vegas from Friday, June 10 – Monday, June 13, 2022, with invitation only days for Luxury from June 8-9.
