Events & Awards

Thursday, May 29: What’s on tap today

Events & AwardsMay 28, 2014

Thursday, May 29: What’s on tap today

The Couture show opens today with Janelle Monáe, while DEF gets down at its annual gala, the antique and estate jewelry show starts at the Paris and the AGA has a day-long conference on lab-grown diamonds.

Las Vegas--Each day during market week, National Jeweler will bring its readers a list of five events they need to know about for the day.

Today’s lineup includes the first day of the Couture show, which will be followed by the event’s annual pool-side opening night party, headlined this year by a six-time Grammy nominee.

1. Couture opens at the Wynn Las Vegas. The Couture show opens today with more than 60 new exhibitors set to display their jewelry in what is considered the industry’s top trade show for trend-setting design.

For those attending the show, there’s a chance to win a Vespa scooter, as well as the opportunity to snag other prizes via the show’s various social media contests. Engage with Couture on Twitter and/or Instagram using the hashtag #Couture2014 for a chance to win gift cards and an iPad mini. Read more about the contests on the show’s website.

2. Singer Janelle Monáe performs. After the Couture show floor shuts down for the day, the Kansas City, Mo.-born Monáe will take the stage for show’s pool-side opening night party, scheduled for 7 to 10 p.m. at the Wynn’s Sunset Pool Deck. The party is private and by invitation only. 

Couture continues through Monday at the Wynn.

3. The antique show starts. The Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show, which now is owned by the same company that owns Couture, the JA New York shows and National Jeweler, opens at the Paris hotel on the Strip.

Nearly 400 exhibitors are set to display jewelry from a variety of time periods at the show, which is operated by U.S. Antique Shows. Registration is $50 for all four days and show hours are from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and until 4 p.m. Sunday.

The Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show continues through Sunday.

4. AGA gives a day-long lesson on lab-grown diamonds. The focus of this year’s Accredited Gemologists Association’s Las Vegas conference will be lab-grown, or synthetic, diamonds.

Scheduled speakers include James Shigley of the Gemological Institute of America, Tom Chatham of Chatham Created Gems, Dusan Simic, president of the New York-based Analytical Gemology and Jewelry Laboratory (AG&J), and Ronnie VanderLinden, president of the Diamond Manufacturers and Importers Association of America and of diamond company Diamex Inc.

The conference also will include a hands-on session where attendees can examine diamonds

grown using both the high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods.

The conference will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Platinum Hotel, with a cocktail reception following. On-site registration still is available and the cost is $105 for AGA and Gem-A members and $150 for non-members.

5. The Diamond Empowerment Fund holds its annual gala. DEF’s Diamonds in the Sky black-tie gala starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Four Seasons Ballroom at Mandalay Bay. The organization is honoring Botswana President Ian Khama and his country’s government with the 2014 global diamond industry achievement award. “I’m Every Woman” singer Chaka Khan is scheduled to perform.

DEF is a nonprofit that support higher education in Africa’s diamond-producing countries.

Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Silver, Gold, and Bronze Medals for Italy Olympic Winter Games
CollectionsJul 17, 2025
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes Unity

The medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.

vimeo screenshot.png
Supplier BulletinJul 17, 2025
The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025: Your Holiday Preparations, All Wrapped Up!

Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025

Guinness
SurveysJul 17, 2025
The Most Recommended Brands in the World, According to YouGov

Globally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.

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.

Gina Ferranti
IndependentsJul 17, 2025
Gina Ferranti of GiGi Ferranti Jewelry Dies at 59

The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.

Weekly QuizJul 17, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Rio Tinto Chief Executive Simon Trott
SourcingJul 17, 2025
Rio Tinto Names New CEO, Production Rises at Diavik

Production at the mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories topped 1 million carats in Q2, the third consecutive quarter of growth.

Gold bracelets and bangles
SurveysJul 16, 2025
Signet Jewelers Falls Lower on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers List

The middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.

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.

Buccellati Opera high jewelry bracelet
FinancialsJul 16, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Up 7% in Q1

It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.

Rolex Datejust ref. 16233
WatchesJul 16, 2025
The Top-Selling Rolex Models of the Last 15 Years, According to Bob’s Watches

The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.

Jean Dinh Van Orgue Ring
AuctionsJul 16, 2025
Christie’s To Honor Dinh Van With Exhibition

The auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.

Jake Duneier and Danielle Duneier
IndependentsJul 16, 2025
Clyde Duneier Ushers In Fourth Generation

Jake Duneier and Danielle Duneier-Goldberg have stepped into the roles of CEO and president, respectively.

Boucheron Impermanence Boucheron Dragonfly Earrings and Wisteria Hair Piece
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Calls Attention to Nature’s Impermanence

The “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.

James Avery Cedar Park
MajorsJul 15, 2025
James Avery Expands to 2 More States

The Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.

Bench jeweler holding a ring and a tool
MajorsJul 15, 2025
Ben Bridge Jeweler Acquires Olympic Manufacturing

In addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.

Guzema Celestial Blue
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Guzema Debuts First Colored Gemstone Jewelry

The “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.

Nanis Mykonos Store Exterior and Interior
MajorsJul 14, 2025
Nanis Opens First Store

The seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.

Long’s Jewelers Summer of Love promo
IndependentsJul 14, 2025
It’s the Summer of Love at Long’s Jewelers

The New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.

Ethical Gem Fair
SourcingJul 14, 2025
Ethical Gem Fair Heads to Seattle

The trade-only event will host its debut fair in the Emerald City later this month.

The Edge and The Edge Retail Academy Logos
Events & AwardsJul 11, 2025
The Edge’s Annual Conference Returns in September

Its sessions will focus on inventory strategies, staff performance, retention and acquisition, emerging market trends, and more.

Miseno Arco Earrings
CollectionsJul 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: Miseno’s ‘Arco’ Earrings

For its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.

James Avery Texas charm
Policies & IssuesJul 11, 2025
James Avery to Donate $1M to Texas Hill Country Relief Efforts

The jewelry company is one of several contributing to relief efforts in the region after the recent floods.

Kelly Osbourne Engagement Ring
TrendsJul 11, 2025
Kelly Osbourne’s Engagement Ring Is Sweet as Honey

Inspired by fiancé Sid Wilson’s nickname for her, the white and yellow diamond ring features a unique honeycomb design.

Penny Preville Anniversary Bangles and Penny Preville
CollectionsJul 10, 2025
Penny Preville Celebrates 5 Decades of Jewelry Design

The brand is marking its 50th anniversary with a limited-edition bangle, high jewelry suites, new collections, and more.

Exterior shot of Alvin Goldfarb Jeweler in Bellevue, Washington
IndependentsJul 10, 2025
Steven Goldfarb to Retire, Close Alvin Goldfarb Jeweler

Goldfarb said changes in the industry, coupled with his age and the updates needed to modernize his business, drove his decision.

LVMH chairman and CEO of the Americas Michael Burke
MajorsJul 10, 2025
LVMH Names New Chairman, CEO of the Americas

Longtime LVMH executive Michael Burke has stepped into the role.

A calligraphy sculptural ring made in 18-karat Fairtrade gold (Photo by: Jamie Trounce)
Events & AwardsJul 10, 2025
IAC Gold and Diamond Conference Returns to NYC

Central topics of next week’s event include climate action, labor rights, artisan preservation, and value retention in producing countries.

×

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