Events & AwardsJul 08, 2021
The Industry’s About 50/50 on Vegas This Year, Survey ShowsEvents & AwardsAug 12, 2021
JA New York Returns With a Buzz
The jewelry trade show took place at the Javits Center from Aug. 8-10.
The JA New York Summer show took place Aug. 8-10 at the Javits Center in Manhattan. It was the first JA New York show held since the start of the pandemic.
New York—For the first time since fall 2019, the JA New York show happened, in a city silenced in the early days of the pandemic and in a space that, up until a month ago, was being used as a mass vaccination site.
JA New York Summer took place Aug. 8-10 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, with organizers reporting in a post-show release—and attendees confirming—that the show was busy.
Buyers filled the show floor and were placing orders with exhibiting brands, designers, and manufacturers. According to JA NY, some at the show said business, “felt like the 1990s.”
Attendees and organizers also remarked on how happy they were to reconnect with friends and colleagues, some of whom they hadn’t seen in person in 18 months or more.
Paul Schneider, owner of jewelry store Twist in Portland, Oregon, was among those saying it felt good to attend a trade show again.
“While we’ve continued to do robust business throughout the pandemic, having the opportunity to meet with people in person is so important to maintaining our most critical relationships, and walking shows is paramount to discovering new collections and brands,” the jeweler told JA NY organizers.
Former JCK magazine publisher Mark Smelzer, who is now chief content executive at Jewelers Mutual and publisher of The Zing Report, also remarked on the necessity of trade shows and connecting in person.
“Despite all of the challenges of the last year and a half, it was great to see the show floor filled with buyers, to see people buying and selling, and to see friends in person after far too long,” he said.
“Being at JA New York for two full days was simply proof that the need for face-to-face encounters endures.”
Related stories will be right here …
JA New York Summer took place Aug. 8-10 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, with organizers reporting in a post-show release—and attendees confirming—that the show was busy.
Buyers filled the show floor and were placing orders with exhibiting brands, designers, and manufacturers. According to JA NY, some at the show said business, “felt like the 1990s.”
Attendees and organizers also remarked on how happy they were to reconnect with friends and colleagues, some of whom they hadn’t seen in person in 18 months or more.
Paul Schneider, owner of jewelry store Twist in Portland, Oregon, was among those saying it felt good to attend a trade show again.
“While we’ve continued to do robust business throughout the pandemic, having the opportunity to meet with people in person is so important to maintaining our most critical relationships, and walking shows is paramount to discovering new collections and brands,” the jeweler told JA NY organizers.
Former JCK magazine publisher Mark Smelzer, who is now chief content executive at Jewelers Mutual and publisher of The Zing Report, also remarked on the necessity of trade shows and connecting in person.
“Despite all of the challenges of the last year and a half, it was great to see the show floor filled with buyers, to see people buying and selling, and to see friends in person after far too long,” he said.
“Being at JA New York for two full days was simply proof that the need for face-to-face encounters endures.”
A number of other industry events are slated to take place in person later this month.
The Independent Jewelers Organization said in June that it plans to hold its conference Aug. 13-17 in Kansas City, Mo.
And the major trade shows that normally take place in Las Vegas in early June—Couture and JCK Las Vegas—were postponed to the end of August.
Couture and the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show are scheduled for Aug. 24-26 at the Wynn Las Vegas, while AGTA GemFair Las Vegas will take place at the neighboring Encore hotel on the same dates.
The dates for JCK Las Vegas, which takes place at the Venetian and Sands Expo Center, are Aug. 27-30.
JA New York is slated to return again this fall, Oct. 24 to 26 at the Javits Center.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CollectionsOct 09, 2025
Katkim Launches First Men’s CollectionThe line includes a “Shadow” series crafted exclusively for the new men’s offering and reimagined styles from the brand’s core collections.
SourcingOct 09, 2025
Gemfields’ Mini Mixed-Quality Ruby Auction Garners $11MThe rough on offer was recovered from a newer area at the Montepuez mine.
SourcingOct 08, 2025
In ‘Storied Diamond,’ Jared Jewelers Is Emphasizing the Journey The retailer’s new collection of engagement rings and fashion jewelry is set with natural diamonds that are traceable via blockchain.
Brought to you by
JA New York Fall Is Right Around the CornerThe upcoming show provides savvy retailers with the opportunity to stock their cases with best sellers in advance of the holiday season.
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Emily P. Wheeler Shifts Into Neutral for Latest ‘Ombré’ CollectionThe champagne colorway in her newest “Ombré” collection combines white and trendy brown diamonds, a departure from her usual vibrant hues.
Weekly QuizOct 02, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Tsuba Designs Inspire Monica Rich Kosann’s New CharmsKosann partnered with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, to create a set of necklaces inspired by the artwork on samurai sword handguards.
CrimeOct 07, 2025
Men Who Posed as Utility Workers Found Guilty in Jeweler’s MurderCarlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo face life in prison for the October 2024 murder of 72-year-old Detroit-area jeweler Hussein Murray.
CollectionsOct 07, 2025
Jessica McCormack Looks to Sea Spirits for ‘Tempest’ CollectionThe brand’s first high jewelry collection, “Tempest” plays with movement while calling to mind the folklore of the sea.
SourcingOct 07, 2025
Columbia Gem House Announces ‘Opals for Outback Heroes’ FundraiserProceeds from its jewelry raffle will go to a volunteer-run fire and rescue group in the Lightning Ridge area of New South Wales, Australia.
MajorsOct 07, 2025
Stuller Names Its S.E.R.V.E Stars for 2025Stuller said the recipients embody the company’s core values, which include community participation and personal and professional growth.
WatchesOct 06, 2025
This Fall, Citizen’s Forecast Calls for RainCitizen’s new “Rainell” women’s watch has a raindrop-shaped case and is available with a silver-, gold-, purple-, or green-colored dial.
AuctionsOct 06, 2025
The ‘Rolex That Made Rolex’ Heads to Auction at Sotheby’s The “Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster,” named for the British endurance swimmer who made it famous, will go up for sale next month.
GradingOct 06, 2025
GIA India Names Former De Beers Exec as New Managing DirectorAmit Pratihari was previously the managing director of De Beers India and Forevermark India.
SourcingOct 06, 2025
SoCal 24 Karat Club Integrates Into Diamond Club West CoastMembers of the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California will gain access to expanded services, resources, and connections, DCWC said.
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco Tie the Knot Wearing Diamonds, White MetalsGomez’s jewelry included Tiffany & Co. drop-style earrings while Blanco stacked diamonds from Jacob & Co. on his wrist.
GradingOct 03, 2025
Grading Lab HRD Antwerp Names New CEODiamond industry banking veteran Paul De Wachter will take on the role in January 2026.
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kallati’s Pink Sapphire RingTaylor Swift flaunts an Elizabeth Taylor-esque gemstone in promo for her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”
CollectionsOct 02, 2025
Boucheron Debuts Cuffs Crafted With 3D-Printed SandIts “Quantre Sand” capsule was made using a 3D sand printing technique borrowed from the automotive and aeronautics industries.
CrimeOct 02, 2025
$1M in Jewelry Stolen in Northern California Smash and Grab Four individuals have been charged in the “takeover-style” robbery of Heller Jewelers last month, and additional charges are expected.
MajorsOct 02, 2025
Neil Lane Jewelry Exhibition Coming to Toledo Museum of Art“Radiance and Reverie” will showcase more than 150 jewels from Lane’s personal collection by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and more.
TrendsOct 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Colorful ShowThe month’s birthstones, tourmaline and opal, complement the palette of autumn.
ColumnistsOct 01, 2025
Peter Smith: Why Vendor Success Starts With Self-ReflectionSmith shares the importance of looking at your company with openness and honesty to identify opportunities you may be missing.
EditorsOct 01, 2025
Playing Favorites: The Best Jewelry From VicenzaoroAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco visited Italy to spot jewelry trends at the September Vicenzaoro show and share her top finds.
SurveysOct 01, 2025
Consumer Confidence Hits 5-Month Low in September Respondents were concerned about job availability and rising prices.
SourcingOct 01, 2025
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Falls 47%Its latest interim financials revealed a challenging first half due in part to production troubles at its mines.
MajorsSep 30, 2025
Pandora CEO to Retire in 2026, Hand Reins to CMO Alexander Lacik has led Pandora since 2019. Berta de Pablos-Barbier will succeed him, the first woman to head the company.
