Events & AwardsJun 10, 2021
5 Things to Know About the JCK ShowEvents & AwardsJul 08, 2021
The Industry’s About 50/50 on Vegas This Year, Survey Shows
National Jeweler breaks down the results of its recent survey on people’s plans for the jewelry trade shows coming up in August.
From June 16-30, National Jeweler surveyed members of the industry on their plans for the Las Vegas shows in August. Read on to see what they had to say.
New York—Respondents to National Jeweler’s recent survey are divided about traveling to Las Vegas to attend the big trade shows later this summer.
Some are eager to meet with vendors and reconnect with colleagues, while others remain cautious about COVID-19 or say the late August dates don’t work for them.
A total of 515 people took the survey, with the majority of respondents, 77 percent, identifying as retailers or wholesalers/manufacturers.
Prior to 2020—a year in which COVID-19 forced the cancellation of jewelry trade shows worldwide—most respondents (77 percent) said they were frequent or regular attendees of the jewelry trade shows typically held in Las Vegas during late May/early June.
Some are eager to meet with vendors and reconnect with colleagues, while others remain cautious about COVID-19 or say the late August dates don’t work for them.
A total of 515 people took the survey, with the majority of respondents, 77 percent, identifying as retailers or wholesalers/manufacturers.
Prior to 2020—a year in which COVID-19 forced the cancellation of jewelry trade shows worldwide—most respondents (77 percent) said they were frequent or regular attendees of the jewelry trade shows typically held in Las Vegas during late May/early June.
This year, 54 percent said they still plan to attend even though the shows have been pushed back to late August. And 78 percent of those individuals are ready to go—they have their travel either partially (22 percent) or fully (56 percent) booked.
While in Vegas, survey-takers said they plan to attend: JCK Las Vegas, selected by 85 percent of respondents; Luxury by JCK, selected by 53 percent; Couture, selected by 37 percent; AGTA GemFair, selected by 36 percent; and/or the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show, selected by 26 percent.
Survey-takers cited their top two reasons for making the trip this year as meeting with existing vendors or clients (65 percent), and/or to meet new vendors or clients (56 percent).
Networking/social events are also a draw, cited by 48 percent of respondents, while only 20 percent of survey-takers said education is their reason for attending Las Vegas Market Week.
Conversely, 46 percent of respondents said they are not going (32 percent) or are unsure (14 percent).
The top reason for not attending was personal concerns about COVID-19 (40 percent), followed by the feeling that the shows are not necessary for their business (28 percent), and dates not working for their schedule (27 percent).
A quarter of people who answered this question marked “other,” with respondents most often writing in that they don’t want to deal with COVID restrictions—wearing a mask seemed to be a particular pain point—or the shows are too late in the year to allow for holiday buying.
“August is the wrong time for this show,” one respondent wrote, “too late for 2021 and too early for 2022.”
Among the 14 percent who are unsure, 37 percent said they are weighing the necessity of the trade shows while 34 percent are trying to determine if the dates work for them, and 28 percent have personal COVID-19 concerns.
National Jeweler conducted its return to Vegas survey between June 16 and 30.
Of the 515 respondents, about half (241) identified as retailers. The majority, 77 percent, have one store, while 13 percent operate between two and five locations. Five percent said they are an online-only retailer.
Thirty percent of survey-takers identified as manufacturers or wholesalers.
Eight percent said they are service providers and 7 percent are designers, while 4 percent identified as being association/nonprofit/education.
Five percent of respondents marked “other,” with a few writing in that they are members of the media.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy BoardThe three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.
