AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Brought to you by
5 Reasons You Can’t Miss HardRock Summit in Denver
The show is returning for their second edition this September for jewelry, gems, minerals, fossils meteorites and more.
Brought To You By HardRock Summit
The 2nd edition of the HardRock Summit is set to return to Denver September 8-11, 2022 at the Colorado Convention Center featuring leading companies exhibiting fine jewelry, gems, minerals, fossils, meteorites and more. The show will also debut unprecedented Special Exhibits and education around the theme “Fabulous Treasures” - including the most precious natural GOLD specimens ever found in nature and gold artifacts from two historic sunken ships of the 18th and 19th centuries carrying the most significant bounties ever recovered at sea.
Here are five reasons HardRock Summit 2022 is not to be missed this fall!
1) Product and Brand Discovery
Under one roof, the HardRock Summit will feature several key areas for attendees to explore and discover exhibitors, special exhibits and education. The exhibition areas include Evolution for sourcing high-end minerals, fossils and meteorites; Sparkle & Joy for fine jewelry and gemstones in cooperation with leading industry associations such as AGTA GemFair Denver, International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) and Brazil’s IBGM. In addition, the show will also house the Denver Gem & Minerals Show and LLD Minerals showcasing a wide range of jewelry, gems, minerals, metaphysical products and education.
See the exhibitor directory here.
2) Once in Lifetime Special Exhibits
Prepare to be amazed by some of the world’s most remarkable specimens and treasures ever uncovered. An exciting draw for attendees is the access to exclusive special exhibits and expert-led educational seminars throughout the show.
A few special exhibit highlights include:
Golden Treasures
“The Dragon” - the most valuable crystallized gold specimen from the treasury of the Natural History Museum in Houston and the famous “Ram´s Horn" from Harvard’s Mineralogical & Geological Museum.
Lost & Lifted
One of the highly anticipated exhibits is the gold treasures and artifacts uncovered from two famed sunken ships, the SS Central America and SS Islander, both with unique links to the gold rushes in California and Alaska.
The “Ship of Gold” or the SS Central America sank off the coast of South Carolina during a hurricane in 1857 while carrying an enormous amount of gold bars and coins from the height of the California Gold Rush. It is estimated tons of gold went down with the ship, causing panic on Wall Street, in an already unstable time in the US economy. The wreck was rediscovered and lifted in 1988 and endured a long legal battle for the rights of the retrieved gold and other artifacts.
The SS Islander, carrying a significant cargo of gold bullion from the Klondike gold fields, went down in 1901 off the coast of Alaska after striking an iceberg. It was not until 1996 when it was recovered followed by several years of legal battles.
Modern Treasures
Also on display is an assortment of artisan designed precious jewelry, faceted and carved gemstones from boutique curator service “Somewhere in the Rainbow Collection”.
Many other special exhibits of record-breaking gemstones and mineral specimens to be on display to wow visitors.
3) Stellar Lineup of Education and Access to Leading Industry Associations
The HardRock Summit will offer a series of educational lectures to entertain and inform. Topics will include gemology, mineralogy and talks focused on the featured special exhibits themed on treasures including a presentation on the discovery of the SS Central America sunken treasure by its chief research scientist Bob Evans and collection manager Fred Holabird, President and CEO of Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC.
Additional presenters include Dr. Raquel Alonzo-Perez of the Mineralogical and Geological Museum at Harvard University; Robert Gessner, geologist and gemologist; Bruce Bridges, of Bridges Tsavorite on the discovery and development of Tsavorite garnet mining properties in Kenya; fancy colored natural diamond specialist Brian Denney of Gems of Note; and the UK’s Kerry Gregory, founder of Gemmology Rocks for what is sure to be a fast-paced and entertaining session.
Visitors may also meet with leading industry associations such as the Accredited Gemologist Association (AGA), American Gem Society (AGS), Gem Legacy, Gemworld International, International Gemological Institute (IGI), National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA) and the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA).
4) Unprecedented Connection Opportunities
HardRock Summit welcomes retailers, buyers, designers, collectors and Colorado residents and families to attend. Unlike other North American jewelry or mineral trade shows, which are traditionally held as separate events, the four-day HardRock Summit will welcome industry professionals and the public of all ages with a paid ticket as visitors to experience the event together.
Attendees will have the opportunity to discover, learn and shop from exhibiting companies.
5) Location, Location, Location!
The mile-high city, 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.
Visitor admission is free for qualified trade show professionals and buyers. A ticket admission fee of $9 is required for the public, which will have access to the full show floor except for the AGTA GemFair™ Denver.
Visit https://hardrocksummit.com/for more information on the HardRock Summit.
Don’t wait – register and book your travel now!
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and FriendsChandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.
Supplier BulletinDec 18, 2025
Cell Jammers Are Targeting Your Business. Here's How to Beat ThemSponsored by Digital Monitoring Products
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK AirportThe boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.
Weekly QuizDec 18, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé PendantThe special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
EditorsDec 17, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: The Best Piece of the Week PicksAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday CampaignThe “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.
GradingDec 17, 2025
SSEF Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersTwo awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.
MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up EarlyBerta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.
AuctionsDec 16, 2025
Suzanne Belperron, JAR Shine in Sotheby’s First Auctions at New HQSotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.
ColumnistsDec 16, 2025
Beyond Unboxing: Creative Reveals to Drive Reach and EngagementHere are six ideas for making more engaging content for Instagram Reels and TikTok, courtesy of Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams.
CrimeDec 15, 2025
Men Receive Life Sentences in Home Invasion Murder of Jeweler Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.
Policies & IssuesDec 15, 2025
Sara Yood Named Co-Chair of RJC Standards CommitteeYood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.
IndependentsDec 15, 2025
M.S. Rau to Open Store in AspenThe New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
