Events & Awards

US Trade Shows Push On Amid Coronavirus Fears

Events & AwardsMar 05, 2020

US Trade Shows Push On Amid Coronavirus Fears

The upcoming jewelry trade shows in New York as well as those set to take place during Las Vegas Market Week will all go on as scheduled.

20200305_JCK_Las_Vegas_Show.jpg
JCK Las Vegas will go on as planned, scheduled to take place June 2 to 5. Trade show organizers have had to proceed with caution in the wake of the coronavirus.

New York—As of Wednesday, the COVID-19 coronavirus has infected more than 90,000 people across 77 countries including the United States, according to the latest update from the World Health Organization.

As the virus continues to spread, officials worldwide have been taking precautions to contain it, including school closures in China, Hong Kong, Italy and Japan, and additional screening measures in airports.

The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a half a percentage point Tuesday, its first unscheduled, emergency rate cut since the 2008 financial crisis, in light of concerns the coronavirus could be detrimental to the U.S. economy.

In the watches and jewelry world, a handful of large trade shows have been postponed or cancelled in an effort to contain the spread, including Baselworld and SIHH in Switzerland, and the March Hong Kong show.

But organizers behind upcoming shows in the U.S., including those in Las Vegas, say they have no plans to call off their shows as of right now.

The March edition of the Atlanta Jewelry Show will go on as scheduled, taking place March 7-9 at the Cobb Galleria Centre, with a pre-show conference to be held March 6.

“We have not experienced any effects from the coronavirus as it pertains to anticipated attendance,” an AJS spokesperson told National Jeweler last week.

The GIA Jewelry Career Fair in New York, scheduled for March 13, has been postponed to a later date, which has not yet been announced.

“We believe this is in the best interest of all participants’ health and safety,” GIA said in a tweet announcing the postponement.

RELATED CONTENT: How the Coronavirus Is Impacting the Jewelry Industry
However, the March edition of JA New York and the MJSA Expo, held together from March 15 to 17 at the Javits Center in New York, will go on as scheduled.

Out of JA New York’s approximately 500 exhibitors, only two have cancelled due to the coronavirus, a show spokesperson confirmed to National Jeweler Wednesday.

AGS Conclave 2020 in Denver, scheduled for April 27 to 29, also will go on as scheduled. 

AGS said it is monitoring the situation and working with the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, where Conclave will be held, as well as with the Denver Convention & Business Bureau.

Also unaffected at this point are the U.S.’s largest trade shows that take place in late May/early June in Las Vegas and draw jewelers from all over the country.

JCK Las Vegas, scheduled
to take place June 2 to 5, and Luxury, running from May 31 to June 5, will proceed as planned.

“JCK Las Vegas and Luxury are following the latest guidance from local, state and national authorities as it relates to travel and participation in our events, with the intention of keeping our exhibitors and attendees informed as they finalize plans for 2020,” Sarin Bachmann, group vice president for JCK and Luxury, said in a statement released Wednesday.

There have been no exhibitor cancellations as of Wednesday, a spokesperson confirmed to National Jeweler.

Couture will be held June 1 to 5 at the Wynn in Las Vegas, with no delays or cancellations from exhibitors expected, as per a spokesperson.

Show organizers will monitor the situation “based on factual evidence from the CDC, WHO and local health officials,” and coordinate with the hotel.

The Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show will be held June 1 to 5 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and is also not expecting delays or cancellations.

AGTA Gem Fair will take place as scheduled from June 1 to 5 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, AGTA President Doug Hucker confirmed to National Jeweler.

“It’s a fluid situation,” he noted, but said there have been no exhibitor cancellations as of Wednesday.
Lenore Fedowis the senior editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.

The Latest

Tom Moses
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 Years

Moses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.

Charles & Colvard showroom in Morrisville, North Carolina
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price Pressures

Increased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.

Zome Solara Earrings
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial Beauty

The earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.

TopImageCrop.jpg
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.

Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.

Pomellato’s International Women’s Day “The Price of Freedom” Campaign
MajorsMar 06, 2026
Pomellato’s 2026 IWD Campaign Spotlights Economic Abuse

“The Price of Freedom” campaign video for International Women’s Day confronts the quiet violence of financial control.

Weekly QuizMar 05, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesMar 05, 2026
Tariffs to Increase to 15% This Week, Treasury Secretary Says

Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.

Common Era Difficult Women Pandora Pendant, Anne Boleyn Signet Ring, Cleopatra Pendant
CollectionsMar 05, 2026
Common Era Honors ‘Difficult Women’ in Collection

The ever-growing collection, which just expanded with the addition of Olga of Kyiv, features cameos of 12 women from history.

dca-laptop.jpg
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry Education

With refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.

Diamond engagement rings by designer Lorraine West
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and Why

We asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.

Caitríona Balfe on Only Natural Diamonds Spring 2026 Issue Cover
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Caitríona Balfe Fronts Only Natural Diamonds Cover

The “Outlander” star modeled for the digital cover of the magazine’s spring issue, which features a story on her relationship with jewelry.

CIBJO Milan
MajorsMar 05, 2026
Registration Opens for CIBJO Centenary Congress

This year’s annual congress, which will mark the confederation’s 100th anniversary, will take place this fall in Italy.

Michael M Beverly Hills Flagship Interior Rendering
MajorsMar 04, 2026
Michael M Opens First Store

Beverly Hills was chosen as the location for the brand’s first store, designed as a “private residence for modern monarchs.”

Dubai mall
Policies & IssuesMar 04, 2026
Luxury Brands Temporarily Shutter Middle East Stores

Kering, Apple, and other retailers have reportedly temporarily closed stores in the Middle East region in light of the recent conflicts.

Brilliant Earth Beverly Hills showroom
EditorsMar 04, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills Store

Beth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”

Spinelli Kilcollin Live Now. Polish Later. Campaign
TrendsMar 04, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Rides Free In Year of the Horse Campaign

The “Live Now. Polish Later.” campaign features equestrians wearing the brand’s jewels while galloping across the icy plains of Kazakhstan.

Jennifer Ashworth
MajorsMar 04, 2026
LeachGarner Names New Brand Director

The precious metals provider has promoted Jennifer Ashworth to the role.

Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Award Grant Graphic
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards Grant

Nelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on March 13.

New Forevermark store in India
SourcingMar 03, 2026
7 Trends That Could Define the Diamond Industry’s Future

Experts from India weigh in the politics, policies, and market dynamics for diamantaires to monitor in 2026 and beyond.

Gannon & Scott and Metalor Technologies employees
MajorsMar 03, 2026
Swiss Refiner Completes Acquisition of Gannon & Scott

The American precious metals refiner’s day-to-day operations remain the same post-acquisition.

Isabel Delgado aquamarine earrings
TrendsMar 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Aquatopia

These aquamarine jewels channel the calming energy of the March birthstone.

AGTA Innovative Design Award
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
AGTA Adds Another New Category for Spectrum

The “Innovative Design” category and award will debut in the Spectrum division of this year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards.

Nena Mensah and Sofia Carson at 2026 Actor Awards
EditorsMar 02, 2026
Jewelry at the Actor Awards: Reimagining Hollywood Glamour

Diamond jewelry was the star of the event formerly known as the SAG Awards.

Person pushing a shopping cart
SurveysMar 02, 2026
Consumer Confidence Edges Up in February

Consumers were somewhat less worried about the future, though concerns about rising prices and politics remained.

Rebecca Foerster
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2026
JVC to Honor Rebecca Foerster at Annual Luncheon

Foerster is this year’s Stanley Schechter Award recipient.

JFC facets 2026
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2026
JFC Names 2026 ‘Facets’ Honorees

Sponsorships and tickets to the annual fundraising event, set for May 31, are available now.

Faustino Alamo Dominguez and his son, Luis Angel Alamo, of Joyeria Angelo’s in Chicago
CrimeFeb 27, 2026
Man Charged in Murders of Father, Son Jewelers in Chicago

Chicago police and members of the U.S. Marshals Service tracked down the 35-year-old suspect earlier this week in St. Louis.

Ekapa mine
SourcingFeb 27, 2026
South African Diamond Mine Closes Amid Search for Missing Workers

Owners of the Ekapa Mine reportedly filed for liquidation about a week after a mudslide trapped five workers who have yet to be found.

×

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