A podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Las Vegas shows see attendance rise
Organizers of both JCK Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show reported single-digit gains in the number of attendees this year.

Las Vegas--Organizers of both JCK Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show reported single-digit gains in the number of attendees this year.
JCK Las Vegas, which was held at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino from May 29 to June 1, reported that 22,000 buyers from 9,400 stores attended the show, a 4 percent increase in attendance from last year.
In addition to a visual redesign, JCK revamped its education program, creating the “JCK Talks” sessions, at take on the popular TED Talks. The new JCK Talks program and styling events helped further bolster buyer education as speakers from both inside and outside the industry provided new strategies for selling and drew standing room audiences throughout the show, organizers said.
The next JCK Las Vegas is scheduled for June 3 to 6, 2016, at Mandalay Bay, and a show spokesperson verified that the show will be expanding next year and that more details about the expansion will be released in the future, as Mandalay Bay finishes up an addition.
Also in Las Vegas, U.S. Antique Shows’ Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show saw another year of record attendance across the four-day event, with a 6 percent increase in attendees.
The trade-only show, which was held from May 28 to 31 at the Paris Hotel and Casino, saw more than 400 exhibitors displaying their antique and estate jewelry from across the globe.
A number of vendors reported strong sales on important consigned diamonds and signed pieces, according to show organizers.
U.S. Antique Shows sponsor Polygon also hosted a trading pavilion at the show on Wednesday, May 27, which allowed dealers the opportunity to get a head start on selling and trading before the show even started.
“With the euro at the lowest we’ve seen it in more than a decade, we were cautiously optimistic about the level of attendance and buying we’d see from international markets this year,” said Dan Darby, Emerald Expositions vice president and U.S. Antique Shows general manager. “While there were fewer international attendees, those who did attend came to buy and provided our dealers with some of their strongest sales.”
The Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2016, and U.S. Antique Shows said that it has big plans for the event next year, with more details to be announced in the future.
The Latest

Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.

Around 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.


After eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.

The new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

The pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.

One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.

Charlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”

Sponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply

The American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.

The artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.

Falling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.

The new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.

The clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.

The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.

The new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.

The luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.

The “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.

The new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.

All active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.

The new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.

Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.

Sean Milliner has joined the company.

Classes will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.























