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

Honest Hands Workbench Ring Builder
TechnologyAug 10, 2026
Colorado Jeweler Launches Customization Tool He Built Himself

Honest Hands Ring Co. Founder Benjamin Bosworth shared his thoughts on jewelry technology and why AI can never replace the human element.

QVC Group logo
MajorsAug 10, 2026
QVC Exits Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Names New Interim CEO

QVC Group President and CEO David Rawlinson is temporarily being replaced by a familiar face, former QVC CEO Mike George.

State Property Lorenz Station Bracelet
CollectionsAug 10, 2026
State Property Puts a Ripple in the ‘The Voyager’ Collection

The brand also added two one-of-a-kind brown diamond pieces to the “Sanssouci” series of its “Gardens” collection.

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.

Ostbye receiving Vendor of the Year trophy at 2026 IJO show
MajorsAug 10, 2026
And IJO’s 2026 Vendor of the Year Is …

Ostbye took home top vendor honors at the Independent Jewelers Organization’s show, held last month in Kentucky.

Weekly QuizAug 07, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
1872-x-1052-July-ad (2).png
Supplier BulletinAug 07, 2026
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying Events

Sponsored by Stratus Estate Buyers

Blue Nile President Pamela Cloud
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Retail Veteran Pam Cloud Appointed President of Blue Nile

Cloud, who will officially join Blue Nile on Monday, spent 26 years at Tiffany & Co. and founded jewelry brand Roseate.

Brought-To-By-Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center Stage

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

Paulo Garcia
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Pandora Appoints Paulo Garcia as New CFO

Garcia will take over from the company’s current CFO, Anders Boyer, who is retiring at the end of November.

Etsy office Dumbo Brooklyn
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Etsy to Lay Off 12% of Workforce

Etsy CEO Kruti Patel Goyal explained why the company is letting go more than 200 employees as its performance improves.

Syna Star Gazer Pendant
TrendsAug 07, 2026
Look Ahead with Syna’s Binoculars Pendant

The “Star Gazer” pendant, our Piece of the Week, is Syna’s tribute to curiosity and the discovery of something new.

An interior shot of the Musee Lalique in Wingen-sur-Moder, France
CrimeAug 06, 2026
Lalique Museum to Remain Closed Following $5M Heist

Museum officials are looking to the public to help cover the “exceptional” costs involved in recovering from the July 5 smash-and-grab.

Claire’s new piercing experience
MajorsAug 06, 2026
Claire’s Revamps Piercing Services for Second Time in Three Years

The overhaul includes enhanced employee safety training and trendy earring styles, including lab-grown diamond studs.

Brilliant Earth Jane Goodall collection rings
FinancialsAug 06, 2026
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 6%, Driven by High-Income Shoppers

The retailer said it had its biggest Mother’s Day ever, with strong demand for higher-priced jewelry.

Handwork: Handcrafted Objects that Made America Book Cover
TrendsAug 06, 2026
New Book on Handcrafted American Objects Highlights Jewelry

“Handwork: Handcrafted Objects that Made America” features historic and contemporary works, including a Diné squash blossom necklace.

Ani Khachian
MajorsAug 06, 2026
AJA East Coast Names Ani Khachian as First Female President-Elect

The Armenian Jewelers Association’s East Coast chapter has also elected its 2026–2027 board of directors.

JCPenney storefront
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Private Equity Firm Wants to Buy 100+ JCPenney Stores

Onyx Partners has submitted a second offer to buy the department stores after its first offer fell through last year.

The Roaring Jewel Martini
IndependentsAug 05, 2026
Atlanta Jeweler Introduces $10K Martini

Solomon Brothers Jewelers has partnered with local cocktail bar Roaring Social on a new martini garnished with a tennis necklace.

Benjamin Siegel of Hamilton Jewelers
IndependentsAug 05, 2026
Another Member of the Siegel Family Joins Hamilton Jewelers

Benjamin Siegel, son of President and CEO Hank Siegel, started working for the family business this week.

Bulgari San Diego Store Exterior
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Bulgari Opens Store in San Diego

The new space features a modern design that blends Bulgari’s Roman heritage with San Diego’s coastal spirit.

Mugshots of four men
CrimeAug 04, 2026
Crew of Thieves Break Into Indiana Jeweler’s Home

Four men were charged in connection with the break-in and accused of stealing $365,000 in cash, jewelry, and designer goods.

André Branch
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Pandora Hires Former Signet Board Member to Lead North American Market

André Branch has more than 25 years of experience with various brands, most recently serving as CEO of Ariana Grande’s cosmetics company.

Gemlok earrings
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Sasha Primak Acquires Gemlok

New York-based atelier Gemlok is best known for creating the innovative “bridge” setting that became popular in the bridal market.

Santana Now Unidad Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsAug 04, 2026
Musician Carlos Santana Launches Jewelry Brand

Santana Now's debut collection, “Unidad,” features symbolic motifs as well as pieces of wood from the Woodstock stage.

Stock image of a gavel and books
CrimeAug 03, 2026
Florida Man Gets 15 Years in Trio of Jewelry Store Robberies

The 50-year-old man pleaded guilty earlier this year to robbing two jewelry stores and a pawn shop of more than $700,000 in merchandise.

Spider-Man Citizen watch and pin on a web
WatchesAug 03, 2026
Citizen's New Spider-Man Watch Is a Collector’s Dream

The watch’s dial features an original design by Marvel comics illustrator Adam Kubert.

Chatham Men’s Collection Campaign Imagery
Lab-GrownAug 03, 2026
Chatham Releases First Men’s Collection

The new collection of lab-grown diamond and colored gemstone jewelry provides a “fresh perspective” on the category, Chatham said.

×

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