4 Things Seen and Heard at the 2022 HardRock Summit
Gemstones Editor Brecken Branstrator dishes on the latest color to trend, the show floor buzz, and more from Denver.
For the first time, the fine gems, jewelry, minerals, and specimens were all under one roof at the Colorado Convention Center and it created the perfect amount of synergy and excitement.
People seemed thrilled to be back or happy to be trying it out for the first time, and the timing was great for jewelers looking to restock for the holiday season.
I spent two days walking around the show floor, chatting with exhibitors about the show and the market in general. Here are some takeaways from those conversations.
1. The colored stone crowd wants Tucson and Denver.
Feedback about the strength of buying activity at the show was mixed depending on who you talked to, as can be the case with any show.
Even so, there was a strong overall positive feel about the HardRock Summit.
While some of the days were quieter for a few exhibitors, it seemed like everyone I spoke with was invested in the summit in the long term and helping build it into an important buying event for the market.
Some said they could see it eventually replacing—or that it had already replaced—the Las Vegas shows in their annual trade show lineups, while others noted it likely will become the third important U.S. show for them every year (in addition to Vegas and Tucson, of course).
After all, who doesn’t want to be in Denver in September?
The timing is also great for restocking for the holidays.
I think all of this is evidenced by the fact that the show had many more exhibitors and attendees this year.
There were 25 countries represented between sellers and buyers at the shows, according to show organizers.
I saw several members of the international trade there to check it out, and one dealer even mentioned that some of his buyers from Asia, whom he usually sees in Tucson, came to Denver to see what he had.
It seems like the word is out, and I only expect the HardRock Summit to continue to grow.
2. Get ready for greens.
Here’s something I started hearing around the time we were at the Las Vegas trade shows that has been repeated several times since then: demand for green gems is picking up.
After so many years talking about pinks/purples and especially teals (side note: teal is still very hot) it’s nice to have a change of pace.
The increase in demand for greens was mentioned not only in reference to green sapphires, including those from Nigeria, but also gemstones like mint and other green garnets and even peridot.
In tandem with the mint garnet conversation, there have been a few mentions in the last few months that pastels are starting to see a comeback.
Lately we’ve been talking about the vivid pops of color we’re seeing in jewelry lately, especially in Las Vegas, but I wonder if this pivot to lighter tones will pick up steam and how long it might be before we start really noticing it in finished goods.
I also heard many people in Denver talk about interest in their bi-color stones, whether that’s sapphires, tourmalines, or other stones.
I think this aligns with an overarching trend that I’ve been hearing for the past few years: people, especially now, are looking for gems that are unique and interesting, whether that’s through their story, their color(s), or unusual and different cuts.
4. There’s still optimism about the holiday season.
Amid stubborn inflation and rising interest rates ahead of the holiday season, it’s easy to wonder how the industry will fare.
Some predictions have started trickling for retail in general, but it seems even this year the industry has had a strong performance up to now overall—as we know, affluent consumers have not felt the squeeze as much.
In colored stones, people are generally buying across the board and pricing is firm.
For most of those I spoke with in Denver, they weren’t expecting much to change, predicting a fair to good holiday season still for 2022.
Tucson will really be the first tell of how they holidays went as it will be a gauge of how much buyers need to replenish after the season.
Let’s see how that turns out.
The Latest
The retailer is expanding its footprint via retail partnerships, previously inking deals with Kohl’s and Macy’s.
Members will now have access to “eBay Concierge,” a white-glove dedicated customer service team.
The deadline to apply is March 29.
Ho Brothers offers scalable solutions for the future of custom jewelry.
CEO Beth Gerstein spoke about the growing appeal of its non-bridal fine jewelry and its expansion plans on its recent earnings call.
Ticketholders can dig for diamonds in the Arkansas park ahead of the eclipse viewing event on April 8.
The versatile jewel pairs ancient Egyptian inspiration with a modern design.
Distinguishing natural diamonds from laboratory-grown stones – now more available than ever – has been difficult for jewelers. Until now.
The company’s rough sales improved for the third sales cycle in a row.
The spring application window closes on March 31.
It’s estimated to sell for up to $1.3 million at the upcoming sale on March 28.
It aims to support aspiring journalists, media professionals, content creators, and communicators.
“Ice Cold: An Exhibition of Hip-Hop Jewelry” will open at the New York City museum on May 9.
He succeeds David Bouffard, who is leaving Signet and the RJC next month.
Three winners will have their jewelry sketches turned into a real piece of jewelry in time for the holiday.
“Power of Couture” recalls Frédéric Boucheron’s love of fabric using diamonds and rock crystal.
A Harry Winston diamond necklace and other top lots failed to find buyers.
Lilian Raji offers advice to a business owner who is having trouble crossing the finish line with customers.
He brings 30 years of retail store management experience to the role.
At its annual gala, Diamonds Do Good will present awards to GIA, London Jewelers, and Lisa Bridge.
The 2024 winners expressed gratitude to their teams, industry colleagues, and those who turn jewelry dreams into reality.
They are Marla Aaron, Marie Lichtenberg, and Jean Prounis.
The Jewelers’ Security Alliance will honor the industry veteran at its upcoming annual luncheon.
The annual video stars Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli alongside Jane Fonda and other celebrities and activists.
Sponsored by IGI
The Pennsylvania native, who sold for Gumuchian and others, is remembered for being kind and outgoing.
From three-stone rings to fancy shapes, experts weigh in on what consumers could be looking for this year.