Events & Awards

The HardRock Summit 2021 to Debut New Gemstone, Jewelry, Minerals and Fossils Events This Fall

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.

1872x1052-HRS-S&J-TopImage.jpg

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.

The Latest

Stock image of a gavel
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi Scheme

Nelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.

Sandy Lerner’s 18-karat gold and diamond cat brooch
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for You

Cat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.

Arnaud Michon
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of Americas

Arnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.

Cover.jpg
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk About

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

Stainless steel Patek Philippe Calatrava watch
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry Box

The stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.

Weekly QuizAug 27, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Smart Age Solutions founder and CEO Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal Problem

Engagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Charlotte Fournet and Krizia Cucurachi
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Kering Names New Pomellato, DoDo CEOs

Former Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.

1872-x-1052-July-ad (1).png
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying Events

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

Anne Marie Shulman
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA Global

The veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.

Photo of one of the suspects in theft of Queen Nazli’s necklace from MAK museum
CrimeAug 31, 2026
$4M Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace Snatched From Vienna Museum

Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).

Ethiopian paraiba tourmaline
GradingAug 31, 2026
GIA, Gübelin Gem Lab Confirm New Paraíba Tourmaline Deposit in Ethiopia

The labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.

Catbird First Men’s Collection Worn Well
CollectionsAug 31, 2026
Catbird Launches First Men’s Jewelry Collection

The “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.

Buddha Mama Butterfly Necklace
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace

This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.

Gareth Penny
SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary Congress

The former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.

Day’s Jewelers store in Salem New Hampshire
IndependentsAug 28, 2026
Day’s Jewelers Honored With 3 Workplace Awards

The employee-owned jeweler was named a “Best Place to Work” in Maine, New Hampshire, and for women.

Alex Consani in Pandora Talisman campaign
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues

The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.

Stock image of loose polished diamonds
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds

General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.

Counterfeit Cartier Love bracelet
CrimeAug 27, 2026
Customs Seizes Nearly 900 Pieces of Counterfeit Jewelry

The package, intercepted in Indianapolis, contained fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.

Jessica McCormack South Coast Plaza California Store Exterior
IndependentsAug 27, 2026
Jessica McCormack to Open First West Coast Store

The new location in Costa Mesa, California, marks the brand’s second store in the United States and fourth standalone location worldwide.

Kate Spade Movado watches
FinancialsAug 27, 2026
Movado’s Q2 Sales Up As Younger Consumers Take Interest in Watches

The fashion watch category was once threatened by the Apple Watch, but consumers are now opting for new wearables, said Movado’s CEO.

Retrouvaí flying pig signet ring
SurveysAug 26, 2026
5 Jewelry Insights From The RealReal’s Resale Report

The report delves into trending styles, the most popular jewelry brands by city, and why Belle Époque jewelry could be the next big thing.

AGTA 17th edition gemstone information manual
Lab-GrownAug 26, 2026
AGTA Now Requiring Members to Call Lab-Grown Gems ‘Synthetic’

The association added the requirement to its revised "Code of Ethics" and released the 17th edition of its “Gemstone Information Manual.”

Hand pushing a shopping cart
SurveysAug 26, 2026
Consumer Confidence Dips in August Amid Anticipatory Anxieties

Respondents were concerned about the future of the labor market and their income as well as the rising prices of gas and groceries.

Boucheron Goutte Eternity Question Mark
TrendsAug 26, 2026
Boucheron’s New Campaign Celebrates Its ‘Question Mark’ Necklaces

The campaign highlights the asymmetrical high jewelry necklace style that the jeweler first created in 1879.

Harry Winston Rare Jewels of the World
Events & AwardsAug 26, 2026
Harry Winston Exhibition to Open in Shanghai

It will explore the life of “The King of Diamonds” and showcase more than 165 creations from the brand.

Alnesha Bianca Handy and James Arthur Graves Graham Jr.
CrimeAug 25, 2026
Florida Woman Scammed Out of $1.5M in Jewelry, Precious Metals

Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the complex phone scam.

Technology Therapy Group Founder and CEO Jennifer Shaheen
ColumnistsAug 25, 2026
Proof Before Purchase: The Gen Z Way to Buy

In her first column for National Jeweler, Jennifer Shaheen asks jewelers if they know how to connect with the next generation of consumers.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy