Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
Centurion Changing Dates, Location in 2020
It’s going to a Phoenix hotel that was the site of another jewelry trade show in 2003 and 2004.
Scottsdale, Ariz.—Centurion will be in different place at a slightly different time next year.
The jewelry trade show is moving from The Phoenician to the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa. It will start on Wednesday, Jan. 29 and end on Friday Jan. 31.
“This year, we found ourselves with four different date conflicts with different events in the industry, which we felt was not really want we wanted to have,” CEO Howard Hauben said Tuesday.
Centurion 2019 overlapped with the RJO and CBG jewelry trade shows as well as The Original Miami Beach Antique Show, and there is a week-long gap between the end of Centurion and the start of Tucson.
Centurion wrapped up Tuesday at the Phoenician in Scottsdale, but AGTA GemFair doesn’t start until next Tuesday, Feb. 5. This meant many retailers and exhibitors—particularly those headquartered on the East Coast—had to choose between the two shows.
For 2020, rates are going up at The Phoenician and Hauben said he couldn’t get the dates he wanted, so he started hunting for another hotel in the Phoenix area and decided on the five-star JW Marriott, which is the same hotel that hosted Couture in 2003 and 2004, after it left The Phoenician and before it moved to Las Vegas.
The Jan. 29-31 dates next year get Centurion “much closer” to the start of the 2020 edition of AGTA GemFair, Hauben said, which is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 4.
But, he acknowledges, it’s still not back-to-back; Centurion will finish on Saturday and GemFair won’t start until Tuesday.
He said he’s planning to build what he described as a “bridge event,” giving retailers a reason to stay the weekend, but doesn’t have any firm plans yet.
He added that the JW Marriott is larger and will be able to accommodate everyone (right now, Centurion has overflow at the W Scottsdale), and has two “perfectly sized” ballrooms opposite each other with adjoining meeting rooms for those who want them, eliminating the need to put exhibitors in side rooms and line them up in the hallways.
“It eliminates the dispersion of energy and traffic for the show, bringing it all into one concentrated area,” Hauben said. “We’re excited about it.”
The Latest

The credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.

Kimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

The “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.


“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.

The jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

The singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.

The nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.

As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.

January’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.

The annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.

Footage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.

The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.

The Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”

Linda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.

The governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.

Sparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.

The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.

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

Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.

Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.

Shekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.

This year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.

Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.

As part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.





















