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

Photos from Day’s Jewelers 2025 Mother’s Day campaign
IndependentsApr 23, 2026
Meet the Real Moms of Day’s Jewelers

The jeweler’s Mother’s Day campaign highlights the women who work there—mothers, grandmothers, women who want to be mothers, and dog moms.

National Jeweler - Supplier Bulletin - April 2026 - JMSS Graphic.jpg
Supplier BulletinApr 23, 2026
JM® Shipping Solution: Smarter Shipping for High-Value Goods

Sponsored by Jewelers Mutual

Woman wearing Charles & Colvard lab grown diamond jewelry
Lab-GrownApr 23, 2026
Charles & Colvard May Sell Assets for $1.5M

The proposed agreement follows the moissanite maker’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing last month.

Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las Vegas

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

John Jacob Astor IV’s Titanic pocket watch and a gold pencil case
AuctionsApr 23, 2026
John Jacob Astor IV’s Titanic Pocket Watch Fetches $1M

The Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. timepiece Astor brought aboard the ill-fated ship sold for double its estimate at a Freeman’s auction.

Weekly QuizApr 23, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Adam Neeley Dali Garden Collection Eyris Ring
CollectionsApr 23, 2026
Adam Neeley’s High Jewelry Collection Steps Into Salvador Dalí’s Garden

The “Dalí’s Garden” collection was inspired by a surreal dream Neeley had after cooking a recipe from Salvador Dalí’s 1973 cookbook.

Natalie Feanny
IndependentsApr 23, 2026
Windsor Jewelers Names New Buying Director

Natalie Feanny has been appointed to the role.

lvajws image 1.jpg
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the Globe

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Stock image of a gavel and books
CrimeApr 22, 2026
New Mexico Couple Pleads Guilty to Selling Fake Native American Jewelry

The pair falsely claimed their jewelry was made by Navajo artists, but it was imported from Vietnam.

Roberta Flack: Style, Art, & Music Auction Bulgari Collar
AuctionsApr 22, 2026
Roberta Flack’s Jewelry Is Going Up for Auction

Julien’s Auctions is selling the musician’s fine and fashion jewelry alongside her clothing, gold records, and other memorabilia.

Rachel King and The Tudor Heart book cover
CollectionsApr 22, 2026
British Museum Curator Pens Book on ‘The Tudor Heart’

Rachel King’s book dives into the history of the pendant believed to have belonged to Henry VIII and his first wife, Katherine of Aragon.

Chanel Coco Game Haute Horlogerie Chessboard
WatchesApr 21, 2026
Coco Chanel Enters the Game with New Watch Collection

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel is a character in the “Coco Game” collection of watches and the queen in its first haute horlogerie chessboard.

Jewelers of America 20 Under 40 winners collage
IndependentsApr 21, 2026
Meet Jewelers of America’s 2026 ‘20 Under 40’ Class

The annual list honors rising professionals on the retail and supply sides of the jewelry industry.

Fake Fendi bangle
CrimeApr 21, 2026
Customs Nabs 1,500 Pieces of Counterfeit Jewelry Bound for NYC

Seized in Kentucky, the packages include fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, and Fendi jewelry.

Stock image of a judge’s gavel
CrimeApr 20, 2026
Queens Man Convicted in Bludgeoning Death of Pawn Shop Owner

Rodolfo Lopez-Portillo faces 25 years to life in prison after being found guilty in the March 2022 beating death of Arasb Shoughi.

Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems Book Cover
TrendsApr 20, 2026
Beth Bernstein, Sonia Esther Soltani Pen New Jewelry Book

“Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems” highlights the relationships among 22 influential designers, brands, and gem dealers.

Mike McMullen and Adrienne Gernand
MajorsApr 20, 2026
Kendra Scott Names New CFO, Chief Business Officer

The jewelry retailer plans to open 20 new stores this year and expand into new product categories.

Oscar Heyman Multi-Colored Tourmaline and Diamond Flower Necklace
TrendsApr 17, 2026
New (Groundbreaking) Floral Jewelry for Spring 2026

Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.

QVC Group logo
MajorsApr 17, 2026
QVC Group Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

The retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.

Edina Kiss Devil Drop Earrings
CollectionsApr 17, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Earrings Are the Devil on Your Shoulder

The “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.

Stock image of gold bars
CrimeApr 17, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of Gold

The alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.

Cartier Roadster
WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the Roadster

The “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.

Edge Retail Academy Ellen Gardner, Jennifer Motes, Mona Lisa Shaffer, Cindi Haddad Drew
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership Team

As demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.

Stuller Mountings 2026-2027 Catalog
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out Now

The “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.

Screenshots of Episode 4 of the “My Next Question” podcast
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond Dilemma

Sally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.

Randy McKenzie of Spark Creations
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72

McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Watch
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026

Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

×

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