Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
Carat+ Adds Colored Gemstone Section to 2018 Show
The Antwerp trade show is debuting the sector in May in response to attendee feedback after its inaugural event.

Antwerp, Belgium--Carat+, the diamond market trade show launched last year, announced it will debut a colored gemstone sector to its 2018 event in response to feedback from attendees.
The new component will offer an array of loose gems, gemstone sets, fancy cuts, carved gems and one-of-a-kind colored stones, adding “an extra dimension” to the show, organizers said.
Exhibitors already confirmed for the Carat+ Coloured Gemstones Sector this year include Germany-based Paul Wild and Antwerp-based gemstone dealer Shapiro Gems.
Carat+ was launched last year to be the only trade-facing diamond and jewelry show to the city of Antwerp.
During the inaugural event in 2017, it attracted more than 3,000 visitors and 130 exhibitors, according to organizers.
Partners and sponsors joining Carat+ this year include Brussels Airlines, security expert Brinks, insurance broker Driesassur, ABN AMRO bank, Rapaport and motor company Bentley.
“We are delighted to introduce the Coloured Gemstones Sector to the second edition of CARAT+,” show founder and director Filip Van Laere said. “Feedback from visitors in 2017 revealed that a selection of leading colored gemstone specialists would support buyers and retailers looking to fulfill specific customer requests, bespoke designs or new collection requirements.”
The show is scheduled for May 6 to 8 at the Antwerp Expo. For more information or to register, visit CaratPlusAntwerp.com or email info@caratplusantwerp.com.
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