The middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.
Sin City reflections
We’ve been back in New York for about a week, giving me time to (somewhat) catch up on rest and reflect on my time at market week in Las Vegas. This trip was not only my first time at market week but also my first trip to Las Vegas, which meant that my to-do list of things to eat, see and visit was pretty extensive. While I didn’t get to do everything on my list (here’s looking at you, High Roller), I had an amazing time while I was there. The best thing that continues to come out of these work trips for me, besides the education, is getting to see more brands, designers and jewelry, meeting people in person that I’ve been emailing for a while and meeting tons of wonderful new people. I am constantly in awe of the passion, dedication and energy that seems to pervade the industry. By day in Las Vegas, I was going on a few appointments of my own at the shows as well as accompanying both Hannah and Michelle on theirs. Nothing beats getting to see the jewelry in person and trying it on, and Las Vegas provided that opportunity in spades. Here are a few of my favorite pieces from the trip. Starting top left and moving clockwise: Pamela Froman, Octium, Omi Privé, and Oscar Heyman
By night, we were rockin’ to Janelle Monáe at the Wynn, celebrating exceptional jewelry design, marking the launch of National Jeweler’s new antique newsletter… and many, many more things.
Here are some things I learned on my first trip to Las Vegas and my first time attending market week--a few related to jewelry, a few random musings.
1. Do not enter JCK without a map or notes. I may have gotten turned around once or twice (OK, OK, it was more than that) thinking that I would be able to look up a booth number and then be able to find it without a hitch.
2. Do not lose your chapstick halfway through the trip and think that you’ll be able to make it through the arid Vegas air without it. It will not make things easier on you, and it will later prevent you from finishing a perfectly delicious salad for dinner one night because your lips can’t take any more of the vinaigrette dressing.
3. Walking the Strip with coworkers and friends is a great way to see the most of Las Vegas right away. But keep in mind that it is a little over four miles long, so if you walk most of it in your I’m-so-happy-to-be-here-I-could-walk-all-night excitement, you will be tired by the end of it and probably be feeling it the next day.
4. Yes, the Bellagio fountains are touristy, and yes, they are as cool as you’d think and worth the stop to watch. I recommend Mon Ami Gabi across the street at the Paris--a great front-row view while you eat great food.
5. I will never stop loving huge cocktail rings. I think it’s so appropriate that my beat since joining the National Jeweler team has become colored gemstones, since color is right up my alley and most of what I’m most attracted to are gemstone statement pieces. The bigger the stone, the better.
6. Market week provides the perfect opportunity to explore new and old jewelry. In addition to bouncing around Couture and JCK, Michelle and I spent some time at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch show, which is now owned by the same company as National Jeweler. Seeing both types of jewelry gives you an appreciation for what goes into both, and we even met an exhibitor who had a special interest in mourning jewelry.
I hope everyone had a successful market week! Thanks to all who helped make mine so memorable.
The Latest

It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.

The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.


Jake Duneier and Danielle Duneier-Goldberg have stepped into the roles of CEO and president, respectively.

The “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

The Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.

Eric Ford will step into the role, bringing with him decades of experience.

In addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.

The “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.

The seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.

The New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.

The trade-only event will host its debut fair in the Emerald City later this month.

Its sessions will focus on inventory strategies, staff performance, retention and acquisition, emerging market trends, and more.

For its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.

The jewelry company is one of several contributing to relief efforts in the region after the recent floods.

Inspired by fiancé Sid Wilson’s nickname for her, the white and yellow diamond ring features a unique honeycomb design.

The brand is marking its 50th anniversary with a limited-edition bangle, high jewelry suites, new collections, and more.

Goldfarb said changes in the industry, coupled with his age and the updates needed to modernize his business, drove his decision.

Longtime LVMH executive Michael Burke has stepped into the role.

Central topics of next week’s event include climate action, labor rights, artisan preservation, and value retention in producing countries.

Vickie Rokkos has joined the jewelry company as its new national sales director of North America.

Turbulence will be the new baseline for luxury as it faces its biggest potential setbacks in 15 years, a recent report said.

Sponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply

The “For the Love of Fruits” collection features five fruit pendants, each holding a different meaning.