Events & Awards

JCK Attendance Up 8% in 2023

Events & AwardsJun 16, 2023

JCK Attendance Up 8% in 2023

The crowd enjoyed a mix of annual favorite trade show features and new additions this year.

JCK jewelry trade show
The attendee count for JCK 2023, recorded at 18,000, increased by 8 percent from 2022.
Norwalk, Conn.–This year’s Las Vegas JCK show, operated by RX, reported an attendee count of 18,000, an increase of 8 percent from 2022, which had already surpassed pre-pandemic 2019 levels. 
 
The diverse group of attendees and exhibitors represented over 100 countries.
 
From all facets of the industry, a total of more than 30,000 industry professionals joined JCK and Luxury, held at The Venetian and The Venetian Expo. 
 
The 1,900 exhibiting companies sold out the show floor, occupying 430,000 net square feet in more than 20 different show floor neighborhoods.
 
Luxury was open May 31-June 5, including the invite-only retailer days May 31 and June 1.
 
JCK was held June 2-5, with the return of GEMS with AGTA Las Vegas opening June 1.
 
"It was another incredibly energetic and successful year for JCK. The increased attendance coupled with new show branding, engaging activations, innovative experiences, and enhanced education and networking received overwhelmingly positive feedback from both attendees and exhibitors,” said Sarin Bachmann, group vice president of the RX jewelry portfolio.
 
“Our goal was to create an event that everyone looks forward to, in addition to needing to attend for your business, and we accomplished that and more."
 
The JCK Talks program, the educational arm of the show, also opened June 1, holding special sessions located in the Level 1 meeting rooms. 
 
Like the year before, the program was grouped in daily general themes that included hot topics; trends; marketing; diversity, equity, and inclusion; sustainability; retail experiences; and innovation. Across these categories, over 60 sessions were featured. 
 
Many sessions were recorded and are available to watch on-demand for a limited time for JCK PRO badge holders.
 
During open show dates, sessions featured expert speakers and panel discussions and were held live in the new “Innovation Hub” area, the dedicated spot for exploring the latest market technologies, hands-on demos, and engaging educational sessions.
 
Others were held on the “Social Stage,” a new addition to JCK in 2023, where digital strategists, content creators, and influencers provided 30-minute sessions with actionable tips and tricks for content creation, social media engagement, and standing out on social platforms. 
 
"These initiatives created a focused area on the show floor dedicated to showcasing what's next and what's trending for the future of innovation in the jewelry and retail industries. The response to the Social Stage was overwhelmingly positive, with a significant turnout and enthusiastic reception," said Bachmann.
 
JCK and Luxury also once again welcomed keynote speakers to open the show. The first  keynote session on May 31 featured Notre Dame icon Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger followed by retired Olympic gymnast Dominique Dawes on June 1. 
 
The JCK Keynote on June 3 featured Johnny Cupcakes in a session called “Creating Customer Obsession & Memorable Experiences with Limited Resources.” It was sponsored by GCAL by Sarine.
 
First introduced last year, "Activations & Instagrammable Moments” returned to the show, with highlights including an all-new hologram that showcased 3D content and offered live interactive experiences. A popular permanent jewelry bracelet activation sponsored by Stuller was also available for retailers to experience firsthand this concept while receiving their own complimentary permanent bracelet. 
 
“The energy at JCK 2023 was the best we’ve felt in years. Outlook was positive and our customers were optimistic about the rest of the year. It was wonderful to reconnect with so many of our friends and customers in the industry,” said Morgan Waters, executive director of marketing services & events at Stuller.
 
 Related stories will be right here … 
 
This year, JCK continued to focus on the cultivation of inclusion and diversity throughout the event. Organizers said the show had “a notable presence of emerging BIPOC designers, brand features, dedicated JCK Talks tracks focused on DEI, and specialized education sessions.” 
 
The Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) showcased the BIJC Collective at JCK, thanks to grant funding from the JCK Industry Fund, giving a platform to Black designers.
 
It included six Black-owned brands exhibiting jewelry and loose gemstones: Dorian Webb, Deinté Fine Jewelry, James Mack Fine Jewelry, KuQala Diamonds, Nungu Diamonds, and Simone I. Smith. 
 
"Thanks to the JCK Industry Fund, we were able to make this happen for two consecutive years, giving these designers the exposure they deserve," said BIJC President Annie Doresca.
 
Across from BIJC, The Women's Jewelry Association (WJA) featured six emerging graduate designers from WJA's Jewelry Loupe Project in the first-ever JCK Design Collective booth.
 
The designers featured were Isabel Dennis, Soojin Kim, Patty Lauritzen, Rachel Weld Newton, Alexis Pavlantos and Constance Polamalu. 
 
WJA also hosted its annual "WJA Generating Community Breakfast" on Friday, June 2, with a special focus on disability inclusion in the jewelry and watch industry.
 
Also shedding light on up-and-coming individuals, The Natural Diamond Council's (NDC) 2023 Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative (EDDI) participants—Amina Sorel, Bernard James, Gwen Beloti, Jessenia Landrum, Rosario Navia, and Ymoné Currie—showcased their collections at NDC's Luxury private ballroom. 
 
The EDDI program was created in 2021 by NDC and jewelry designer Lorraine Schwartz to provide Black, Indigenous, and People of Color designers unparalleled access to education, opportunities, and resources. 
 
Fan favorite show event, JCK Rocks, also returned to the show. It featured Andy Grammer this year. 
 
Grammer is a multi-platinum singer, songwriter and record producer with hits like “Honey, I’m Good,” “Keep Your Head Up,” and “Fine by Me”. Concertgoers also got to see electric string quartet, Phat Strand, and after the performance, the resident Hakkasan Nightclub DJ ended the night spinning tunes for the crowded dance floor. JCK Rocks Headline Sponsor was Brosway Italia. 
 
JCK 2024 will take place May 31-June 3 at The Venetian Expo & The Venetian. 
 
JCK has announced that HKJMA has signed a long-term agreement with JCK for their Hong Kong pavilion, which will move to the Level 1 Ballrooms starting in 2024 instead of the Level 1 exhibit hall where it was located in 2023. 
 
Hong Kong, along with GEMS featuring AGTA, and JCK Talks, will open a day early on May 30.
 
Luxury will run May 29-June 3, with by-invitation-only dates on May 29 and 30.

The Latest

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.

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.

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.

Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
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.

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.

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.

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.

MS Rau Aspen rendering
IndependentsDec 15, 2025
M.S. Rau to Open Store in Aspen

The New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.

Tiffany & Co. Paraíba tourmaline jewelry
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’s

Set 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.

David Webb holiday window
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window Display

The jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.

Oscar Heyman Yellow Green Sphene and Diamond Ring
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene Ring

Take luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.

IGI Design Contest Graphic
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting Submissions

This year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”

Jacquie Aiche Alien Heart Eye Inlay Necklace, Cicada Dragonfly Brooch, Harkness After the Rain Earrings
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool Blue

In its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.

GIA new colored stone report
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More Gemstones

Starting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.

Day’s Jewelers Salem New Hampshire store exterior
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth Store

The 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.

Americas Gold Chain Catalog Volume 3
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain Catalog

The new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.

F.P. Journe FFC prototype
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8M

The filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.

Rolex Miami store
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in Miami

The new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.

Stock image of consumers shopping in the winter
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November

Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.

National Association of Jewelry Appraisers logo
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference

“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.

Silas Smith and his Responsible Design Challenge Winning Pendant
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge Winner

Silas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.

Sothebys orangy pink The Desert Rose diamond
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu Dhabi

The sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.

National Jeweler columnist and Smart Age Solutions CEO Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’t

Most customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

×

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