EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
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
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned PlatformThe Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
SourcingJun 02, 2026
Leader Appointed for Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’sSotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.
AuctionsJun 02, 2026
Sotheby’s to Auction 10-Carat Blue Diamond, 1960s Harry Winston Necklace A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.
