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

Kristen Bell, Angela Bassett, Lisa Manobal
EditorsSep 15, 2025
Skipping the Necklace, Embracing Snakes: The Best Jewelry From the 2025 Emmy Awards

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares eight of her favorite jewelry looks from the 77th annual Primetime Emmy Awards, held Sunday night.

Holiday presents in gift boxes
SurveysSep 15, 2025
Resilient Shoppers to Boost Holiday Retail Sales, Says Deloitte

It’s predicting a rise in retail sales this holiday season despite economic uncertainty and elevated inflation.

Buffalo Emerald
SourcingSep 15, 2025
Gemfields Achieves $32M at High-Quality Emerald Auction

It included the sale of the 11,685-carat “Imboo” emerald that was recently discovered at Kagem.

reDollar-fine-jewelry-department.jpg
Brought to you by
reDollar.com Is Rolling Out the Next Level Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Consignment Program

With their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.

8.33-carat emerald-cut no-oil Brazilian emerald, A. Kleiman & Co.
SourcingSep 15, 2025
AGTA Elects 8 Members to Board of Directors

The newly elected directors will officially take office in February 2026 and will be introduced at the organization’s membership meeting.

Weekly QuizSep 12, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Rough montana sapphire
EditorsSep 12, 2025
Out & About: Mining Sapphires in Rock Creek, Montana

Associate Editor Lauren McLemore headed out West for a visit to Potentate Mining’s operation hosted by gemstone wholesaler Parlé Gems.

Arunashi Fordite and Rhodolite Earrings
TrendsSep 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Arunashi’s Fordite and Rhodolite Earrings

Fordite is a man-made material created from the layers of dried enamel paint that dripped onto the floors of automotive factories.

japac-btyb.png
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key Issues

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

Supreme Court stock image
Policies & IssuesSep 11, 2025
Supreme Court to Hear Tariffs Case in November

A decision likely won’t come until January 2026 at the earliest, and the tariffs remain in effect until then.

Tabayer’s Nordstrom Shop-in-Shop
MajorsSep 11, 2025
Tabayer Opens Nordstrom Shop-In-Shop

Located in the revamped jewelry hall at the retailer’s New York City flagship, this opening is Tabayer’s first shop-in-shop.

De Beers education app on mobile phone
SourcingSep 11, 2025
Need to Sell More Natural Diamonds? De Beers Has an App for That

The new, free app offers accessible educational content, like games and podcasts, for U.S. retailers.

Gold jewelry on a scale
MajorsSep 10, 2025
Stuller to Swap Gold Scrap for Full Credit to Account

As the gold price rises, the manufacturer is offering a 100 percent payout through Sept. 30 for gold clean scrap.

Jacob and Co Loewe headphones
SourcingSep 10, 2025
Tech Meets Style in the New Loewe x Jacob & Co. Headphones

Jacob & Co. partnered with the German technology company on two pairs of headphones, one set with diamonds and the other with sapphires.

Tiffany & Co Favrile Beetle Necklace in Frankenstein
TrendsSep 10, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Archival Jewels Bring Life to ‘Frankenstein’

Guillermo del Toro’s 2025 “Frankenstein” will feature 27 jewels and objects from the storied brand, including pieces from its archives.

24 Karat Club banquet
MajorsSep 10, 2025
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf Astoria

The Waldorf Astoria New York’s grand reopening this past summer means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event.

Anglo American’s Quellaveco copper mine in Peru
SourcingSep 09, 2025
Anglo American to Merge With Canadian Copper Miner

Anglo plans to merge with Teck Resources Ltd. to form Anglo Teck. The deal changes nothing about its plans to offload De Beers.

The Mellon Blue diamond
AuctionsSep 09, 2025
‘The Mellon Blue’ to Return to Auction, This Time at Christie’s

The 9.51-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, which set two world auction records at Sotheby’s in 2014, is estimated to fetch up to $30 million.

Dianne Batista Phillips Auctions
AuctionsSep 09, 2025
Phillips Names Dianne Batista Head of Jewels, New York

The industry veteran joins the auction house as it looks to solidify its footprint in the jewelry market.

Anastacia Lauren, Elle Jerge, Logan Nye
MajorsSep 09, 2025
MJSA Education Foundation Announces 2025 Scholarship Winners

The nonprofit awarded four students pursuing a professional career in jewelry making and design with $2,250 each.

Korman jewelry store Austin
IndependentsSep 08, 2025
Take a Look Inside the New Korman Store in Austin

The Texas-based jeweler has also undergone a brand refresh, debuting a new website and logo.

Logos for Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America and Jewelers of America
MajorsSep 08, 2025
MJSA Is Officially Now Under JA’s Umbrella

The two organizations have finalized and signed the affiliation agreement announced in May.

Sothebys JAR and Suzanne Belperron jewels
AuctionsSep 08, 2025
Sotheby’s To Auction ‘Exceptional’ Collection of JAR, Suzanne Belperron Jewels

The single-owner sale will headline Sotheby's inaugural jewelry auction at the Breuer building, its new global headquarters, this December.

National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsSep 05, 2025
Peter Smith: A Lasting Lesson From Maurice Tempelsman

Smith recalls a bit of wisdom the industry leader, who died last week, shared at a diamond conference years ago.

Jamie Turner Victoria Labradorite Necklace
CollectionsSep 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jamie Turner’s ‘Victoria’ Necklace

The “Victoria” necklace features a labradorite hugged by diamond accents in 18-karat yellow gold.

Stock image of the U.S. Supreme Court
Policies & IssuesSep 05, 2025
Trump Takes Tariffs Case to the Supreme Court

Two lower courts have moved to block the import taxes, which will remain in place as the legal battle continues.

Patrick Mahomes Hublot campaign
WatchesSep 05, 2025
Patrick Mahomes Is the New Hublot Brand Ambassador

The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback shares Hublot’s dedication to pursuing greatness, the Swiss watchmaker said.

gia-edu main image.png
Supplier BulletinSep 04, 2025
A Brilliant Future Is Here

Sponsored by GIA

×

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