Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
AGTA GemFair, Antique Show to Co-Locate in Las Vegas in 2019
The two events will be held together at the convention center, and JCK Las Vegas will launch a gemstone neighborhood when it moves back to the Sands.

New York--The American Gem Trade Association and U.S. Antique Shows have announced that their Las Vegas trade shows will be co-located at the Las Vegas Convention Center beginning in 2019.
The annual Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show, which features about 400 exhibitors, moved from the Paris hotel and casino to the Las Vegas Convention Center for the June 2017 event, a relocation it has now made permanent.
The AGTA GemFair Las Vegas event currently is held in the South Pacific and Islander Ballrooms in Mandalay Bay as part of JCK Las Vegas. In 2019, the latter will move back to the Sands Expo and Convention Center.
AGTA and U.S. Antique Shows said the move is designed to enhance their respective markets through an increased access to international buyers and cohesive exhibitions. The move also will provide AGTA with more opportunities to grow and market its GemFair Las Vegas event.
“We carefully researched all facets of this partnership prior to making the decision to align with U.S. Antique Shows at the Las Vegas Convention Center,” AGTA CEO Doug Hucker said.
“Through on-going conversations with our members, as well as multiple discussions within the board and in committees, we came to the conclusion that it’s time for an evolution for AGTA GemFair Las Vegas. The collaboration with Emerald Expositions was a logical choice; not only is the move mutually beneficial to both of our exhibitors and attendees, but there is also a commonality in the perspectives and goals of each of our organizations.”
Gannon Brousseau, Senior Vice President of Emerald Expositions’ Jewelry Group, said, “There is tremendous cross-promotional appeal between these two autonomous yet complementary events, and this partnership will ultimately contribute to the prosperity of the entire trade.”
Further information about the 2019 events will be released in the coming months.
Meanwhile, JCK Events also announced Wednesday that it will expand its JCK Las Vegas show in 2019 to include a new International Gemstone neighborhood featuring gemstone suppliers from around the globe.
The new neighborhood will run alongside JCK Las Vegas in the Sands Expo and Convention Center. It will be held from June 1 to June 5, 2019, opening one day before JCK.
“Adding an international presence for gemstone suppliers offers a unique, unrivaled opportunity for our vast audience of 20,000-plus domestic and global buyers,” said Yancy Weinrich, senior vice president of JCK. “With
--Michelle Graff contributed to this report.
The Latest

The credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.

Kimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

The “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.


“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.

The jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

The singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.

The nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.

As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.

January’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.

The annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.

Footage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.

The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.

The Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”

Linda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.

The governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.

Sparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.

The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.

In its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.

Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.

Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.

Shekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.

This year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.

Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.

As part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.






















