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

National-Jeweler_1872x1502_B copy.png
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone Market

Sponsored by RapNet

Lugano Diamonds Greenwich Connecticut store
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a Buyer

Investment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.

A Diamond Is Forever book
SourcingJan 22, 2026
De Beers To Release ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ Book

It explores the history of the iconic tagline and the company’s strategy to redefine the role of diamonds in society.

JamAlert 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell Jammers

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

Sindhu Culas
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Swarovski Appoints New North America President

Retail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.

Weekly QuizJan 22, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Taylor Burgess
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Stuller Names New Chief Merchandising, Marketing, Sales Officer

Taylor Burgess, who has been at Stuller since 2013, was promoted to the newly created role.

My Next Question podcast with Sherry Smith and Edahn Golan
PodcastsJan 21, 2026
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s Next

Was 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.

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.

Jules Kim of Bijules, Sophie Howard of By Pariah, Jade Ruzzo, Joy Haugaard of Lionheart, Vanessa Fernández of Vanessa Fernández Studio, Hiba Husayni of Zahn-Z
EditorsJan 21, 2026
6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026

Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.

Columbia Gem House celestial shapes
SourcingJan 21, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes

Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.

Gavel and books stock image
CrimeJan 21, 2026
4 Men Charged in $1.7M California Smash-and-Grab Jewelry Store Robbery

Plus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.

Felice Korr Morris
IndependentsJan 21, 2026
Delaware Jeweler Felice Morris Dies at 91

Morris’ most cherished role was being a mother and grandmother, her family said.

Bulgari Vimini Collection Campaign
CollectionsJan 21, 2026
Bulgari Weaves New Collection of ‘Vimini’ Creations

“Vimini” is the first chapter of the “Bulgari Eternal” collection that merges archival pieces with modern creations.

Emmanuel Raheb, National Jeweler columnist and CEO of Smart Age Solutions
ColumnistsJan 20, 2026
First-Party Data Is the Most Valuable Asset Jewelers Have in 2026

Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Heath Yarges
MajorsJan 20, 2026
Borsheims Hires New Assistant Facilities Manager

Heath Yarges brings two decades of experience to the role.

Peter Yantzer at a diamond cutting machine
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness

Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.

Buccellati Opera Tulle ring
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3

Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.

Lagos SML High Jewelry Bee Brooch
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden Globes

Our Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.

Gavel
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store Robberies

Trevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.

Jewelers of America 20 Under 40 Program
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now Open

The program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.

The Venetian Expo Las Vegas
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now Open

A new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.

Avocados From Mexico Golden Double Dip Chip
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden Chip

Avocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.

41.82-carat rough blue diamond recovered from the Cullinan Mine
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South Africa

Petra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.

Marie Lichtenberg Lasso Locket Bracelets Campaign
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New Bracelets

The brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.

“My Next Question: The Podcast” graphic featuring Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.

Saks New York City holiday lights
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEO

The department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.

Colman Domingo
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand Ambassador

The award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.

×

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