Events & Awards

Meet JCK’s 2023 Keynote Speaker

Events & AwardsJun 01, 2023

Meet JCK’s 2023 Keynote Speaker

The jewelry trade show also will debut educational content centered around social media.

20230306_JohnnyCupcakes.jpg
Johnny Earle, creator of the popular Johnny Cupcakes brand, is the 2023 opening keynote speaker for JCK Las Vegas. Typically held on a Friday, this year’s keynote session is scheduled for Saturday morning.
Las Vegas—The opening keynote speaker for the JCK show this year is ... Johnny Earle, better known as “Johnny Cupcakes.” 

Founded in 2001, Johnny Cupcakes is a clothing brand that revolves around cupcakes, oftentimes replacing classic iconography with a cupcake symbol. 

The brand’s logo is a riff on a skull and crossbones, with a cupcake in lieu of the skull.

Earle has dubbed himself owner of “the world’s first t-shirt bakery,” and has a cult following that regularly lines up for blocks to nab the latest Johnny Cupcakes clothing drops. 

On Saturday at 8 a.m., Earle will speak on “Creating Customer Obsession and Memorable Experiences with Limited Resources.”

The keynote session will be held at the Palazzo Ballroom on Level 5 of The Venetian. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

Earle will speak on word-of-mouth marketing, loyalty, and creating customer obsession through experiential branding, even when resources are limited. 

The session is sponsored by Sarine Technologies.

Other educational sessions will cover trends; retail experiences; marketing; sustainability; diversity, equity, and inclusion; innovation; and industry breaking news.

On Thursday, the day before the main show opens, educational sessions will be held in Venetian rooms 101 and 103 on Level 1, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, sessions will take place at the Showcase Stage on Level 2 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

A new addition for 2023 is the dedicated social media stage at the Innovation Hub on Level 2 close to the Showcase Stage. 

Short 30-minute sessions from influencers and digital marketers will focus on tips and tricks for content creation and social media engagement. 

“Our theme this year is centered around innovation. We have designed a robust and enriching educational program, including hands-on discovery for JCK attendees to be immersed in the trends and advances in technology that will impact the jewelry industry, as well as learn from and be inspired by thought leaders delivering relevant information to move businesses forward,” said RX Jewelry Portfolio Group Vice President Sarin Bachmann.

“JCK is a place to not only do business, but also the place to learn new ways to grow your business.”

The Latest

Brian Patrick Gilbertson
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82

The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.

Kering logo
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco Group

The luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.

For Future Reference Vintage
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’s

The company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.

Recipients Collage 2025 - NJ (1872 x 1050 px) (1872 x 1052 px).png
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow Today

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

Counterfeit Cartier and Audemars Piguet watches
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier Watches

In the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.

Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Helzberg new store concept rendering
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its Stores

Helzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.

Graphic for the 2025 Year-End Webinar
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year

Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.

roseco-catalog.png
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line Catalog

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

Pair of Ippolita Lollatini earrings
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita

The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.

Bulgari CEO Laura Burdese
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEO

Laura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.

Harwell Godfrey Lil Buddies
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review

The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.

Front of Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ brooch
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection

Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.

Audemars Piguet Grosse Pièce
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at Auction

It purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.

Diamond ring in parts
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry Service

The lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.

Terry and Cindy Chandler at AGS Conclave
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and Friends

Chandler 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.

Rendering of Bob’s Watches JFK airport store
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK Airport

The boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.

JamAlert 1872x1052.png
Supplier BulletinDec 18, 2025
Cell Jammers Are Targeting Your Business. Here's How to Beat Them

Sponsored by Digital Monitoring Products

Fabergé egg pendant near gloved hand
CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé Pendant

The special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.

Ashley Zhang Jewelry Snake Necklace, Renato Cipullo Hematite Blaze Necklace, Vanessa Fernandez Studio Curva Wrap Hoops, Hernsdorf Tears of Aphrodite Necklace, Robinson Pelham Tsar Star Earrings, Marla Aaron Nymphenburg Lock, Lof The Valentine Ring
EditorsDec 17, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: The Best Piece of the Week Picks

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.

Lucy Hale in Jacquie Aiche’s Love and Desire Campaign
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday Campaign

The “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.

SSEF logo
GradingDec 17, 2025
SSEF Announces 2025 Scholarship Winners

Two awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.

Pandora Alexander Lacik and Berta de Pablos-Barbier
MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up Early

Berta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.

JAR pendant brooch, fancy intense blue diamond
AuctionsDec 16, 2025
Suzanne Belperron, JAR Shine in Sotheby’s First Auctions at New HQ

Sotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.

National Jeweler columnists and PR professionals Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams
ColumnistsDec 16, 2025
Beyond Unboxing: Creative Reveals to Drive Reach and Engagement

Here are six ideas for making more engaging content for Instagram Reels and TikTok, courtesy of Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams.

Tiffany & Co. logo, Anna Martin, CD Peacock logo
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Names 2026 Award Recipients

The honorees include a notable jewelry brand, an industry veteran, and an independent retailer.

Stock image of gavel
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.

Eduard Stefanescu, left, and Sara Yood, right
Policies & IssuesDec 15, 2025
Sara Yood Named Co-Chair of RJC Standards Committee

Yood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.

×

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