Editors

4 Things Seen and Heard at the 2022 HardRock Summit

EditorsSep 22, 2022

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.

20220922_HRS-header.jpg
The colored gemstone community recently gathered in Denver for the second HardRock Summit, where buyers were restocking ahead of the holiday season. (Photo credit: HardRock Summit by PhotographyG.com)
I think anyone who went to this year’s HardRock Summit would agree—the event was a great one.

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.

20220922_Green-sapphires.jpg
A selection of stones seen at the Choice Gems booth (Photo credit: HardRock Summit by PhotographyG.com)

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.

3. Buyers want bi-color.

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. 

 Related stories will be right here …

The Latest

Single Stone Bryn Ring and Grace Lee Marquise Demi Demi Ring
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Dua Lipa Stays On-Trend With Chunky Engagement Ring

The singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.

Yvonne Léon Python Gold Bracelet
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yvonne Léon’s ‘Python Gold’ Bracelet

The bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.

Stock image of handcuffs
CrimeJun 18, 2025
7 Men Indicted in $100M Brinks Jewelry Heist

The heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Marie-Thérèse Pink diamond and Blue Belle sapphire necklace
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
Historic ‘Marie-Thérèse Pink’ Diamond Fetches $14M at Christie’s

The 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week. 

Weekly QuizJun 20, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Gresham grasshopper ring
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
16th-Century ‘Gresham Grasshopper’ Ring Sells for $56K

The historic signet ring exceeded its estimate at Noonans Mayfair’s jewelry auction this week.

Kirk Kara fine jewelry
CollectionsJun 18, 2025
Kirk Kara Celebrates 135 Years With New Jewels

To mark the milestone, the brand is introducing new non-bridal fine jewelry designs for the first time in two decades.

Jewelers of America logo with meetup, State of the Majors, giveaway and massages
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

Gemfields 36 Carat Ruby
SourcingJun 18, 2025
Gemfields Sells 36-Carat Rough Ruby

The gemstone is the third most valuable ruby to come out of the Montepuez mine, Gemfields said.

Alex Brown
TechnologyJun 18, 2025
Alex Brown Named President of Smithee Group

Founder and longtime CEO Ben Smithee will stay with the agency, transitioning into the role of founding partner and strategic advisor.

Jewelry industry author, speaker, and sales expert Peter Smith
ColumnistsJun 17, 2025
Peter Smith: Is Your Comp Plan a Hiring Hindrance?

If you want to attract good salespeople and generate a stream of “sleeping money” for your jewelry store, then you are going to have to pay.

Selection of jewelry from Sotheby’s New York High Jewelry sale
AuctionsJun 17, 2025
Colored Gemstones, Signed Jewels Shine in Sotheby’s High Jewelry Sale

The top lot was a colorless Graff diamond, followed by a Burmese ruby necklace by Marcus & Co.

Amanda Gizzi, Jewelers of America’s SVP of corporate affairs
MajorsJun 17, 2025
Amanda Gizzi Gets a Promotion at JA

Gizzi, who has been in the industry since 2001, is now Jewelers of America’s senior vice president of corporate affairs.

Kering CEO Luca de Meo
MajorsJun 17, 2025
Kering Names Automotive Exec as Its New CEO

Luca de Meo, a 30-year veteran of the auto industry, will succeed longtime CEO François-Henri Pinault.

Botswana Minster of Minerals and Energy Bogolo Joy Kenewendo
EditorsJun 16, 2025
Q&A: Bogolo Joy Kenewendo on Mining, Tariffs, and the Energy of Las Vegas

Following visits to Vegas and New York, Botswana’s minerals minister sat down with Michelle Graff to discuss the state of the diamond market.

Greenwich Street Jewelers Your Love Has the Perfect Ring Campaign
IndependentsJun 16, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Commitment Campaign Celebrating LGBTQ+ Couples

The “Your Love Has the Perfect Ring” campaign showcases the strength of love and need for inclusivity and representation, the jeweler said.

Ivette Nersesyan-Stephanopoulos
MajorsJun 16, 2025
Ivette Nersesyan-Stephanopoulos Joins Tiffany & Co.

The former De Beers executive is the jewelry house’s new director of high jewelry for the Americas.

New York Liberty Nyara Sabally Catbird campaign
MajorsJun 16, 2025
Catbird Names WNBA Star Nyara Sabally as Its New Brand Ambassador

The New York Liberty forward is the first athlete to represent the Brooklyn-based jewelry brand.

Robinson Pelham Fruits of Love Pear Earrings
CollectionsJun 13, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s Pear Earrings

Take a bite out of the 14-karat yellow gold “Fruits of Love Pear” earrings featuring peridots, diamond stems, and tsavorite leaves.

Three diamonds with diagrams
Events & AwardsJun 13, 2025
AGA to Host ‘Diamonds From Mine to Market’ Education Conference

The one-day virtual event will feature speakers from De Beers, GIA, and Gemworld International.

Ella Sophie
EditorsJun 12, 2025
15 Questions With Jewelry Photographer Ella Sophie

The California-based creative talks jewelry photography in the modern era and tackles FAQs about working with a pro for the first time.

A pink gold Patek Philippe perpetual calendar chronograph Ref. 2499
AuctionsJun 12, 2025
Vintage Patek Philippe From the ‘50s Sells for $4M at Sotheby’s

Al Capone’s pocket watch also found a buyer, though it went for less than half of what it did at auction four years ago.

Gabriel Love Foundation Logo
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2025
Gabriel Love Foundation Introduces Scholarship Honoring Elias Gabriel

The foundation has also expanded its “Stronger Together” initiative with Jewelers for Children.

Celine Assimon
AuctionsJun 12, 2025
Former De Beers Exec Celine Assimon Joins Bonhams

Assimon is the auction house’s new chief commercial officer.

De Beers CEO Al Cook speaking at JCK Las Vegas 2025
EditorsJun 11, 2025
Q&A: Al Cook on Differentiating Natural Diamonds, Traceability, and Tariffs

The De Beers Group CEO discusses the company’s new “beacon” program, the likelihood diamonds will be exempt from tariffs, and “Origin.”

Pandora Las Vegas ribbon cutting ceremony
MajorsJun 11, 2025
Pandora Bets on Las Vegas for First North American Flagship

The Danish jewelry giant hosted its grand opening last weekend, complete with a Pandora pink roulette wheel.

Tiffany Stevens
GradingJun 11, 2025
Tiffany Stevens Exits IGI, Lab Appoints New Board Leader

Industry veteran Anoop Mehta is the new chairman and independent director of the IGI board.

×

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