Events & Awards

US Trade Shows Push On Amid Coronavirus Fears

Events & AwardsMar 05, 2020

US Trade Shows Push On Amid Coronavirus Fears

The upcoming jewelry trade shows in New York as well as those set to take place during Las Vegas Market Week will all go on as scheduled.

20200305_JCK_Las_Vegas_Show.jpg
JCK Las Vegas will go on as planned, scheduled to take place June 2 to 5. Trade show organizers have had to proceed with caution in the wake of the coronavirus.

New York—As of Wednesday, the COVID-19 coronavirus has infected more than 90,000 people across 77 countries including the United States, according to the latest update from the World Health Organization.

As the virus continues to spread, officials worldwide have been taking precautions to contain it, including school closures in China, Hong Kong, Italy and Japan, and additional screening measures in airports.

The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a half a percentage point Tuesday, its first unscheduled, emergency rate cut since the 2008 financial crisis, in light of concerns the coronavirus could be detrimental to the U.S. economy.

In the watches and jewelry world, a handful of large trade shows have been postponed or cancelled in an effort to contain the spread, including Baselworld and SIHH in Switzerland, and the March Hong Kong show.

But organizers behind upcoming shows in the U.S., including those in Las Vegas, say they have no plans to call off their shows as of right now.

The March edition of the Atlanta Jewelry Show will go on as scheduled, taking place March 7-9 at the Cobb Galleria Centre, with a pre-show conference to be held March 6.

“We have not experienced any effects from the coronavirus as it pertains to anticipated attendance,” an AJS spokesperson told National Jeweler last week.

The GIA Jewelry Career Fair in New York, scheduled for March 13, has been postponed to a later date, which has not yet been announced.

“We believe this is in the best interest of all participants’ health and safety,” GIA said in a tweet announcing the postponement.

RELATED CONTENT: How the Coronavirus Is Impacting the Jewelry Industry
However, the March edition of JA New York and the MJSA Expo, held together from March 15 to 17 at the Javits Center in New York, will go on as scheduled.

Out of JA New York’s approximately 500 exhibitors, only two have cancelled due to the coronavirus, a show spokesperson confirmed to National Jeweler Wednesday.

AGS Conclave 2020 in Denver, scheduled for April 27 to 29, also will go on as scheduled. 

AGS said it is monitoring the situation and working with the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, where Conclave will be held, as well as with the Denver Convention & Business Bureau.

Also unaffected at this point are the U.S.’s largest trade shows that take place in late May/early June in Las Vegas and draw jewelers from all over the country.

JCK Las Vegas, scheduled
to take place June 2 to 5, and Luxury, running from May 31 to June 5, will proceed as planned.

“JCK Las Vegas and Luxury are following the latest guidance from local, state and national authorities as it relates to travel and participation in our events, with the intention of keeping our exhibitors and attendees informed as they finalize plans for 2020,” Sarin Bachmann, group vice president for JCK and Luxury, said in a statement released Wednesday.

There have been no exhibitor cancellations as of Wednesday, a spokesperson confirmed to National Jeweler.

Couture will be held June 1 to 5 at the Wynn in Las Vegas, with no delays or cancellations from exhibitors expected, as per a spokesperson.

Show organizers will monitor the situation “based on factual evidence from the CDC, WHO and local health officials,” and coordinate with the hotel.

The Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show will be held June 1 to 5 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and is also not expecting delays or cancellations.

AGTA Gem Fair will take place as scheduled from June 1 to 5 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, AGTA President Doug Hucker confirmed to National Jeweler.

“It’s a fluid situation,” he noted, but said there have been no exhibitor cancellations as of Wednesday.
Lenore Fedowis the senior editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.

The Latest

Americut Gems
SourcingMay 01, 2025
Tariffs & Colored Gemstones: Relying on Stock, Considering the Ripple Effect

Though currently paused, high tariffs threaten many countries where gemstones are mined. Dealers are taking measures now to prepare.

Exterior of new David Yurman store in the Miami Design District
MajorsMay 01, 2025
Peek Inside David Yurman’s New Miami Flagship Store

Located in Miami’s Design District, the 4,000-square-foot store is an homage to David and Sybil Yurman’s artistic roots.

Oscar Heyman emerald and diamond necklace
TrendsMay 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: 20 Pieces of Emerald Jewelry for May

May babies are lucky indeed, born in a month awash with fresh colors and celebrated with one of the most coveted colored gemstones.

Supplier Spotlight -Recorded-Webinar.png
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest Addition

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

Jewelers of America logo
MajorsMay 01, 2025
Jewelers of America Opens Applications for 2025 Scholarships

The deadline to apply for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship is June 12.

Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Stock image of an empty clothing store
SurveysApr 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Hits Pandemic-Level Low Amid Tariff Concerns

What’s really worrying U.S. consumers isn’t the present situation; it’s what the economy is going to look like six months from now.

GemWorld GemGuide logo
SourcingApr 30, 2025
GemGuide Has a New Pricing Chart for Colombian Emeralds

It includes pricing for unenhanced Colombian emeralds in the fine to extra fine range.

ejap cohort 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Announces Second Cohort of Aspiring Jewelry Entrepreneurs

Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.

Tiffany & Co. Sea Turtle Ring
CollectionsApr 30, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Goes Deep-Sea Diving in New Blue Book

The “Sea of Wonder” collection features pieces inspired by the ocean, from its waves to flora and creatures like urchins and sea turtles.

Golconda Blue
AuctionsApr 29, 2025
‘Golconda Blue’ Diamond Pulled From Auction

The 23-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, set to headline Christie’s May jewelry auction, was expected to sell for as much as $50 million.

G.B. Heron Jewelers sign
IndependentsApr 29, 2025
Maryland Jeweler to Close After 36 Years

G.B. Heron Jewelers in Salisbury, Maryland, is set to close as its owner, Jeff Cassels, retires.

National Jeweler Columnist Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsApr 29, 2025
Google Ads vs. Social Media Ads: Which Are More Effective?

Emmanuel Raheb outlines the differences between the two platforms and posits that the most successful jewelers use both.

Gemfields rough rubies
SourcingApr 29, 2025
Gemfields Mini Ruby Auction Achieves $7M

The miner said its April sale featured a mix of commercial-quality primary rubies and secondary rubies of varying quality.

Counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra jewelry
CrimeApr 28, 2025
Customs Seizes Nearly 2,000 Pieces of Counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry

U.S. customs agents in El Paso, Texas, intercepted the package, which would have been worth $9 million if the jewelry was genuine.

Suzanne Kalan Tech Ring Jacket Collection
TrendsApr 28, 2025
Suzanne Kalan Launches Tech Ring Jacket Collection

Health monitors become statement pieces when paired with the brand’s new collection of stackable diamond-studded bands.

Kim Carpenter and Sam Gevisenheit
IndependentsApr 28, 2025
John Atencio Appoints 2 to Wholesale Team

Kim Carpenter and Sam Gevisenheit have joined the brand.

Sylvie Jewelry Auranova Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsApr 25, 2025
Sylvie Looks to Water in New Sculptural Bridal Collection

“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.

Pomellato Nudo toi et moi ring
FinancialsApr 25, 2025
Kering’s Jewelry Brands Persevere as Q1 Sales Sink 14%

Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.

Deborah Meyers Experience The Birds Earrings
EditorsApr 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Deborah Meyers Experience’s ‘The Birds’ Earrings

Designer Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.

Melee diamonds from De Beers
SourcingApr 25, 2025
De Beers Sales, Production Fall in Q1 Amid Uncertainty

The company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.

LIM-401 2024 National Jeweler Supplier Bulletin- iD100 Web and Eblast FINAL (1).jpg
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

Wolf CEO Simon Wolf
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. Expansion

Simon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.

Iowa jeweler Herman Ginsberg
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99

A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.

Charles & Colvard moissanite ring
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to Noncompliance

The company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.

Young Diamantaires
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to Nonprofit

The organization also announced its board of directors.

Mined + Found "Hope" Matchbox Locket
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So Charming

Charms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.

Bulgari’s expanded factory in Valenza, Italy
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in Italy

Located in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy