Events & Awards

9 Things to Know About JCK Las Vegas 2019

Events & AwardsMay 31, 2019

9 Things to Know About JCK Las Vegas 2019

The jewelry trade show will include a social media “boot camp,” a planetarium, store security education, a big vote on lab-grown diamonds, and more.

20190507_LV-SandsExpo-1.jpg
The JCK Las Vegas jewelry trade show kicks off today, returning to the Sands Expo and Convention Center after seven years at Mandalay Bay.

Las Vegas—JCK Las Vegas 2019 started today, with the president of Botswana delivering the opening keynote address on the importance of diamonds, particularly for his people.

The show continues through Monday, June 3.

Here are nine events, announcements and education sessions of note scheduled to take place at the show.

1. The jewelry trade show is back at the Sands.

JCK took place at the Sands Expo and Convention Center from 1992 until it moved to Mandalay Bay in 2012.

This year, it is back at the Sands/Venetian, which means it is once again within walking distance of Couture at the Wynn.

Read more about JCK Las Vegas’ return to the Sands, as well as other changes to the trade show landscape this year, in our Market Issue.

2. The heads of Signet and Rosy Blue will be on a panel.

The Responsible Jewellery Council is hosting a panel discussion Saturday afternoon at JCK Las Vegas about building trust through responsible business practices.

The panel will be moderated by Brandee Dallow, RJC’s North American business development consultant and feature commentary from Signet Jewelers’ David Bouffard, the current RJC chairman.

“The industry environment has never been more complex and we look forward to discussing how firms from across the supply chain can enhance their business practices and drive piece of mind for increasingly demanding consumers,” Bouffard said.

Panelists include Signet CEO Gina Drosos, Rosy Blue Director Raj Mehta, Feriel Zerouki, head of government and industry relations at De Beers Group and RJC Executive Director Iris Van der Veken.

The RJC panel will take place at The Showcase Stage, JCK show floor Level 2, from 1:30 to 2:45 p.m. on Saturday.

3. JCK Events’ Yancy Weinrich will present more trends to the trade.

Earlier this year, JCK partnered with national research firm MRI-Simmons to conduct a survey across industry sectors about key challenges and trends and the outlook for the industry’s future.

For the second year in a row, Weinrich will give a breakfast presentation about their findings.

Join Weinrich on Saturday at 10 a.m. for the results of the second JCK State of the Jewelry Industry Report, including the company’s barometer of industry sentiment, the JCK Jewelry Industry Confidence Index, which provides a numerical index of how confident professionals are in the success of their businesses.

4. Venus Jewel has a big announcement.

The Mumbai-based solitaire specialists said Thursday that they have earned their RJC certification, which includes

the first audited provenance claim on rough diamond origin and traceability for each polished diamond sold.

Venus Jewel said it has become the first company in the diamond industry to provide the complete, audited history of every diamond they polish by using a certification of origin. This certificate takes the customer through the stone’s journey, from mine to polished.

In addition, the company has created a virtual experience for each diamond it polishes that is a half-carat or larger.

To learn more and see the Venus “Diamond Journey,” visit Venus Jewel at booth #7055.

5. JSA will tell jewelers how to protect against the biggest security threats.

The Jewelers’ Security Alliance is sharing tips and tricks on how retailers can reduce risk and bulk up loss protection through technological advancements.

Titled “Jewelry Crimes Trends and Security Technology”, the 45-minute presentation will provide an overview of current crime threats to jewelry stores and the best methods for protecting one’s business.

JSA President John J. Kennedy and Scott Guginsky, vice president, will give the talk, which will take place at the Showcase Stage on Level 2 on Saturday at 4 p.m.

Attendees can also visit booth #59119 in the JSA Security Pavilion on Level 1 to discuss security questions with JSA personnel.

6. The Plumb Club wants to show retailers the forefront of innovation.

Every day during the show, The Plumb Club will have its new Retail Innovation & Education Center set up, an informational and interactive exhibit featuring the latest in retail sales technology and store design. It is open to all show attendees.

Located inside The Plumb Club Pavilion, it will highlight the latest in retail sales technology, showcasing six exhibitors: Pepper, the IBM Watson robot; Augmentes; JGA; PM Screen; Converge; and GemFind.

Visit Booth PC-220 any day during the show to see what they’ve got lined up.

Also of note: The Plumb Club will have an actual planetarium in its pavilion in line with its new “Radiant Universe” collection, with a 5-minute immersive show playing every 15 minutes to give insights into the celestial jewelry trend. More info can be found here.

7. RapNet will announce the results of the lab-grown diamonds vote.

Last week, Rapaport Group announced that it is allowing RapNet members to vote on whether the diamond trading network should list and provide prices for lab-grown diamonds.

Voting opened Sunday and closes today, and the results will be announced at the Rapaport Breakfast, slated for Sunday from 8 to 10 a.m. in the Palazzo Ballroom, on Level 5 of the Venetian.

The topic of Martin Rapaport’s talk at the annual event will, fittingly, be “Synthetics Ethics,” and he will discuss his views on whether man-made diamonds are a challenge for the industry or an opportunity, and if jewelers should sell them.

Those unable to attend can get the gist of his thoughts on man-made diamonds by reading the editorial published last Thursday on Diamonds.Net.

8. There is a “boot camp” on social media best practices.

Show attendees can take part in a half-day Social Media Boot Camp tailored to the needs of jewelry retailers and other business owners.

The Smithee Group is hosting the event, with CEO Ben Smithee and several of his team members leading the sessions.

Social Media Boot Camp is scheduled for Sunday on JCK Show Floor Level 1 from 2 to 6 p.m.

Seating is limited, so those interested in attending should request a spot in the session.

9. You can take over Tao with the rest of JCK Las Vegas attendees.

Two years ago, the annual Rocks the Beach event with live music at Mandalay Bay moved to the Brooklyn Bowl at The Linq Promenade and became Rocks the Bowl.

This year, JCK Las Vegas’ annual Sunday night event is moving again.

JCK is taking over Tao Las Vegas and Beach Club, located in The Venetian, for a night of networking, celebrating, entertainment and more.

A JCK/Luxury badge is required to attend the Tao takeover, slated for 8 to 11 p.m. on Sunday.
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Daughters of the Deep indicolite earrings
EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking About

From a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.

Pat Pruitt Dragonfly Earrings
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election Night

Groundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.

Colin Jost in Kay Jewelers holiday ad
MajorsNov 06, 2026
SNL’s Colin Jost Finds the Perfect Gift in Kay Jewelers’ Holiday Ad

Jost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.

overnight btyb 1026.png
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to Sell

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

GCAL 8X_NJSB_1.jpg
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the Counter

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine

Weekly QuizNov 05, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Wrapped holiday gift boxes
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This Year

From shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.

Little Pet Portrait Pendants by Russell Jones & Judi Powers
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New Collaboration

The designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.

DeBeersICONS_TITLE1_CUSTOMCONTENT_1872x1052 (1).jpg
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural Diamonds

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

Brilliant Earth Elizabeth Taylor jewelry
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3

Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.

Swarovski Joy: The Swarovski Musical Campaign with Ariana Grande
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign

“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.

GIA logo
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday Services

The lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.

Cartier bracelet and ring
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia Airport

A Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.

Pandora celestial chandelier earrings
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on Design

New collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.

Lanessa Elrod
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New President

Lanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.

Replica of Infinity Gauntlet
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for Auction

A replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.

Arthur Klein
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89

Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.

Zadok Jewelers
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet Giveaway

To enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.

Kirstin Viland, Joanna Kovacs, Shari Lukacs
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship Winners

The winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.

Sothebys Romanov sapphire
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s Geneva

The rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.

Fake Audemars Piguet watch
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet Watches

It is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.

Jewelers of America new board members
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board

Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.

Kristi Yamaguchi Wearing Always Dream Collection
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ Collection

The jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.

2026 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards Best Of Winners
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum Awards

Spectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.

Edina Kiss Eye Pendants on Charm Necklace
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’

Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.

Alexis Hoopes
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising Officer

Alexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.

Rolex store exterior Bellevue Washington
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington State

The Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.

Norma Wellington spider web pendant
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks

Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.

×

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