Events & AwardsJun 10, 2021
5 Things to Know About the JCK ShowEvents & AwardsJun 15, 2021
Here’s How the First Vegas Jewelry Trade Show Went
The Continental Buying Group was the only jewelry trade show to happen during the typical Las Vegas dates, from June 1-3.
Las Vegas—The Las Vegas jewelry shows have been pushed to late August this year due to the pandemic, but one lone event stuck to its typical schedule, and could be an indicator of what’s to come.
The Continental Buying Group held its first in-person trade show in more than a year, from June 1-3 at Caesar’s Palace.
According to retailers, the event was a success.
“We were the first convention to take place at Caesar’s,” said CBG retailer Bichsel Jewelry’s Mark Callis in a statement from CBG.
“I’ve got to tell you, the CBG members have just gone nuts. It has been so much fun—the buying has been a frenzy. The vendors were happy, the jewelers were happy, and we got to see our friends we hadn’t seen in almost two years!”
Deciding when to hold the first in-person event since the start of the pandemic was a struggle for CBG owners Joe Murphy and Andie Weinman with healthy and safety guidelines continuously changing as the vaccine rolled out to Americans.
The option of aligning with JCK Las Vegas in August was off the table, due to availability.
The CBG team contacted each of its retailers to assess show interest. Due to social distancing measures, CBG would be able to accommodate half of the usual number of exhibitors and wanted to ensure at least a one-to-one buyer-supplier ratio, or attendance of 50 percent of its retail membership.
Related stories will be right here …
The Continental Buying Group held its first in-person trade show in more than a year, from June 1-3 at Caesar’s Palace.
According to retailers, the event was a success.
“We were the first convention to take place at Caesar’s,” said CBG retailer Bichsel Jewelry’s Mark Callis in a statement from CBG.
“I’ve got to tell you, the CBG members have just gone nuts. It has been so much fun—the buying has been a frenzy. The vendors were happy, the jewelers were happy, and we got to see our friends we hadn’t seen in almost two years!”
Deciding when to hold the first in-person event since the start of the pandemic was a struggle for CBG owners Joe Murphy and Andie Weinman with healthy and safety guidelines continuously changing as the vaccine rolled out to Americans.
The option of aligning with JCK Las Vegas in August was off the table, due to availability.
The CBG team contacted each of its retailers to assess show interest. Due to social distancing measures, CBG would be able to accommodate half of the usual number of exhibitors and wanted to ensure at least a one-to-one buyer-supplier ratio, or attendance of 50 percent of its retail membership.
On April 1, Murphy and Weinman made the call to proceed with the June dates, for the first time inviting a handful of guest retailers to bolster the numbers.
One of those guests, Jeff Turnbo of Nacol’s Jewelry, said, “Our experience so far throughout our first CBG show has been extremely surprising. A lot of the time people in the better end of success in this industry are not always so open to sharing, but this has not been the case [at CBG]!
“We have been welcomed with open arms. Many retailers in the group have been so friendly, inviting us to sit down and talk business. It’s been great getting advice and hearing stories from such a wide variety of stores, retailers, and manufacturers.”
The CBG event benefitted from some lucky timing as the number of vaccinated Americans increased and COVID-19 numbers dwindled as the show approached.
A week before the show, Caesar’s Palace informed CBG that all COVID-19 restrictions would be lifted June 1, the event’s opening day.
Accordingly, masks were optional for fully vaccinated attendees. The same will be the case at JCK Las Vegas. The Couture Show will not require fully vaccinated attendees to mask up, but is encouraging them to do so.
Weinman said, “The energy was off the charts! The showroom floor was always busy. The retailers were all there to do business and reconnect with their CBG supplier partners.”
Following the success of the Vegas edition, CBG will host its first “CBG Retreat” in Tampa, Florida on October 4-6, which will combine a typical trade show element with networking and social time.
For more information on CBG membership, contact Estelle Hedaya at (305) 868-9004.
Among the jewelry trade shows happening in August are JCK Las Vegas, from Aug. 27-30, and the Couture Show, from Aug. 24-26.
One of those guests, Jeff Turnbo of Nacol’s Jewelry, said, “Our experience so far throughout our first CBG show has been extremely surprising. A lot of the time people in the better end of success in this industry are not always so open to sharing, but this has not been the case [at CBG]!
“We have been welcomed with open arms. Many retailers in the group have been so friendly, inviting us to sit down and talk business. It’s been great getting advice and hearing stories from such a wide variety of stores, retailers, and manufacturers.”
The CBG event benefitted from some lucky timing as the number of vaccinated Americans increased and COVID-19 numbers dwindled as the show approached.
A week before the show, Caesar’s Palace informed CBG that all COVID-19 restrictions would be lifted June 1, the event’s opening day.
Accordingly, masks were optional for fully vaccinated attendees. The same will be the case at JCK Las Vegas. The Couture Show will not require fully vaccinated attendees to mask up, but is encouraging them to do so.
Weinman said, “The energy was off the charts! The showroom floor was always busy. The retailers were all there to do business and reconnect with their CBG supplier partners.”
Following the success of the Vegas edition, CBG will host its first “CBG Retreat” in Tampa, Florida on October 4-6, which will combine a typical trade show element with networking and social time.
For more information on CBG membership, contact Estelle Hedaya at (305) 868-9004.
Among the jewelry trade shows happening in August are JCK Las Vegas, from Aug. 27-30, and the Couture Show, from Aug. 24-26.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
MajorsNov 04, 2024
Jewelers Mutual Appoints Mastercard Exec to Its BoardDana J. Lorberg brings 35 years of experience in finance, technology, and strategy to the role.
CrimeNov 04, 2024
FBI Offering $15K Reward for Info on Halloween Mask-Wearing RobbersThe suspects are said to have been involved in the armed robberies of four jewelry stores across three Midwest states.
CollectionsNov 04, 2024
John Hardy’s New Jewels Turn the Black Sands of Bali into DiamondsThe new designs blend Creative Director Reed Krakoff’s aesthetic with the brand’s Balinese roots.
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
IndependentsNov 04, 2024
Eiseman Jewels is Celebrating Watches All Month-LongThe Dallas-based jeweler will showcase timepieces from Cartier, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Parmigiani Fleurier, and more.
Weekly QuizOct 31, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingNov 01, 2024
Reena Ahluwalia Donates Diamond Painting to Benefit CJAThe artwork, titled “Pristine,” was raffled off at the Canadian Jewellers Association’s recent summit.
IndependentsNov 01, 2024
Gunderson’s Jewelers Opens New Location in NebraskaThe new store features a custom design studio and a bridal salon.
Brought to you by
Enhance Your Expertise with IGI’s In-Person Courses in NYCThis fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.
CollectionsNov 01, 2024
Piece of the Week: Sydney Evan Gets ‘Wicked’Designer Rosanne Karmes has created a collection to coincide with the release of the movie musical, which is expected to be a blockbuster.
FinancialsOct 31, 2024
Charles & Colvard Faces Possible Nasdaq DelistingThe retailer said it will file the necessary paperwork to regain compliance as soon as it is able.
ColumnistsOct 31, 2024
Peter Smith: Nervous Flyers and Emotional SellingWhether you’re calming the jittery gentleman in seat 13B or selling a diamond ring to a hesitant customer, an empathetic approach is best.
Lab-GrownOct 31, 2024
Q&A: Constance Polamalu on Selling Natural and Lab-Grown DiamondsThe jeweler shared her change of heart on lab-grown diamonds and why she keeps them separate from natural diamonds in her business ventures.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2024
These Designers, Journalists, and Retailers Are Up for a Gem Award The 2025 Gem Awards are scheduled to take place March 14 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
MajorsOct 30, 2024
Peggy Grosz Leaves Assael After Company Is SoldGrosz had served as Assael’s senior vice president and creative director since 2017.
CollectionsOct 30, 2024
CD Peacock Honors Its Hometown of Chicago in First Bridal Collection“Love and Celebration” is the jeweler’s first in-house collection featuring engagement rings, wedding bands, and celebration rings.
SurveysOct 30, 2024
Consumer Confidence Rebounds in OctoberA more positive view of the labor market contributed to the strongest monthly gain since March 2021.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2024
Mejuri to Award $50K in Scholarships to Jewelry Design StudentsThe funds will be distributed to schools in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.
MajorsOct 29, 2024
Cybersecurity Expert Selected as President of Jewelers’ Security AllianceJennifer Mulvihill, the first woman to lead JSA in the organization’s 141-year history, takes over for the retiring John Kennedy.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2024
The Can’t-Miss Events of 2024 New York City Jewelry WeekThis year’s festivities include more than 100 experiences, such as designer showcases, panel discussions, and even a treasure hunt.
AuctionsOct 29, 2024
Rolex Worn on Apollo 14 Mission Sells for More Than $2MThe GMT-Master “Pepsi” that belonged to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is one of two Apollo-flown Rolex watches ever sold at auction.
MajorsOct 29, 2024
Pandora’s Holiday Campaign, New Jewelry Celebrate Light and LoveThe ads star brand ambassadors Chloe and Halle Bailey and Pamela Anderson.
SourcingOct 29, 2024
De Beers’ Production Drops 25% as Demand Remains SluggishThe company combined two sights in Q3 due to the slowdown in demand, and said it is moving up the dates for sights 9 and 10 in Q4.
EditorsOct 28, 2024
Q&A: Monica Rich Kosann Looks Back on 20 Years The jewelry designer discussed how she got into the jewelry industry, what she keeps in her favorite locket, and the future of her brand.
MajorsOct 28, 2024
Jewelers for Children’s Halloween Costume Contest RocksParticipants can buy five votes for $5 to decide which jeweler will dress up as an ‘80s rockstar for Halloween.
TrendsOct 28, 2024
Amanda’s Spooky Style FileThese 15 pieces of jewelry hand-picked ahead of Halloween appeal to the costume- and candy-loving child in all of us.
MajorsOct 25, 2024
This New Bulgari Boutique Is on a YachtStarboard Luxury is bringing the Italian brand aboard The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s newest yacht.
CollectionsOct 25, 2024
Piece of the Week: A Haunting Piece of Mourning Jewelry The pendant, circa the late 1700s, likely was commissioned to remember a loved one who died young.
