WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
Brought to you by
The HardRock Summit 2021 to Debut New Gemstone, Jewelry, Minerals and Fossils Events This Fall
Get ready – an all-new trade show for the gem, jewelry, mineral and fossils industries is soon to rock downtown Denver this September.
Brought To You By HardRock Summit
Get ready – an all-new trade show for the gem, jewelry, mineral and fossils industries is soon to rock downtown Denver, Colorado from September 16 - 21, 2021. The HardRock Summit will feature two key venues: “Evolution” for minerals and fossils at the Colorado Convention Center from September 16 – 19; and “Sparkle & Joy” a destination for fine gemstones and jewelry at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel from September 18 – 21. The two venues are within walking distance of each other and are connected by a complimentary shuttle service on the overlap days to allow visitors to easily move from one location to the other.
The HardRock Summit will consist of over 200 exhibitors with many international companies not being able to attend this year.” In addition, the Denver Gem & Mineral Show will hold their annual show for the first time at the Colorado Convention Center adjacent to the Evolution show, and American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) will have dedicated AGTA Gemfair pavilion within the Sparkle & Joy venue.
In addition to having very special exhibits at the Evolution show, the HardRock Summit 2021 will feature special exhibits at the Sparkle and Joy venue to include the most fascinating gems and crystals from the Gene Meieran collection and famous tourmalines from Maine.
The HardRock Summit 2021 is brought to you by a team of specialists, led and driven by its two co-founders, Christoph Keilmann, organizer of The Munich Show and Gemworld Munich, the largest trade fair in Europe for minerals, gemstones and jewelry, and Wolter Mehring, an international entrepreneur and gemstone industry expert noted for his role in the development and rapid growth of the Pueblo Gem & Mineral Show in Tucson, Arizona.
“Denver was chosen as the location for the HardRock Summit because it’s a beautiful city with a rich history rooted in nature, science and mining as well as being a thriving business hub. In addition to the access to incredible accommodations, amenities and transportation – the public awareness and appreciation for minerals, gemstones and fossils is ever growing,” says Mehring.
Keilmann and Mehring aim to create an unprecedented, high-class event for commerce, connection and education and have brought on seasoned group of industry expert ambassadors - Alan Hart (Gemstones), Manos Phoundoulakis (Jewelry), Dave Waisman (Minerals) and Kirby Siber (Fossils).
SPARKLE & JOY
Fine Gemstones. Fine Jewelry. One-of-a-Kind Pieces.
September 18 – 21, 2021
Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, Plaza Ballroom
The Sparkle & Joy event is dedicated to fine gemstones and jewelry and collectible gemstone objects. The venue is open to qualified trade professionals, buyers, retailers, press as well as invitation-only $30 VIP ticket admission. The AGTA Pavilion is restricted to trade pr,,ofessionals only.
EVOLUTION
Minerals. Fossils. Meteorites. Gemstones. Jewelry.
September 16 – 19, 2021
Colorado Convention Center, Four Seasons Ballroom
The Evolution area is a vibrant marketplace for minerals, fossils, accessories and other specialties with some of the finest dealers in the world. The venue is open to qualified trade professionals, buyers, retailers, press as well as the general public for a $10 ticket admission.
“The HardRock Summit will be the central meeting point for all those who are already part of our community and those who want to be,” says Keilmann. “In addition to our dedication to build a top market platform, our eyes are also focused on emerging trends, first-hand news from the industry and the joy of sharing experiences and conducting business together.”
Mehring continues, “My enthusiasm for creating an exceptional Summit that will bring together a variety of talent, exquisite product and excitement is without measure. We look forward to joining forces with the very best in this field to achieve a unique and enjoyable experience for all involved.”
For more information on attendee registration, education, events and industry partnerships, visit https://hardrocksummit.com/. You can also download HardRock Summit's mobile app in the app store.
HardRock Summit’s key objective will be to work closely with local governmental agencies to follow their COVID-19 guidelines and protocols to keep all visitors as safe as possible.
HardRock Summit’s key objective will be to work closely with local governmental agencies to follow their COVID-19 guidelines and protocols to keep all visitors as safe as possible.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
Weekly QuizJun 25, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy BoardThe three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.
ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online CartJewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-TrendThe fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.
SourcingJun 24, 2026
Columbia Gem House To Offer Alexandrite Melee OnlineThe collection features traceable alexandrite from Brazil in calibrated sizes that is sorted by grade.
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales OfficerDhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in EthiopiaSSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime DayAs Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnerCole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.
