More than 30,000 professionals from all facets of the jewelry industry recently converged once again at The Venetian and The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas for a week of product sourcing, education and networking at JCK, considered one of the world’s most important jewelry industry gatherings that has served as a global launchpad for jewelry trends, products and brands for three decades.  

Held June 2-5, operated by RX and collocated with sister show Luxury, the massive trade show and conference confirmed its status as a one-stop destination that boasts the most diverse selection of brands and products and unites the global jewelry trade community to do business, network, learn and discover. Additionally, the ultra-curated and exclusive Luxury buying experience welcomed retailers May 31-June 5. 

This year, JCK’s 2023 edition boasted 18,000 attendees –– an increase of 8% compared to 2022 –– from more than 100 countries and a sold-out showfloor of 1,900 exhibiting companies occupying 430,000 square feet in more than 20 different show floor neighborhoods. 

“It was another incredibly energetic and successful year for JCK,” said Sarin Bachmann, group vice president of the RX jewelry portfolio. “The increased attendance coupled with new show branding, engaging activations, innovative experiences and enhanced education and networking received overwhelmingly positive feedback from both attendees and exhibitors. Our goal was to create an event that everyone looks forward to, in addition to needing to attend for your business, and we accomplished that and more.” 

A Sparkling and Upbeat Showfloor 

With a strong focus on innovation, JCK made a point of showcasing cutting-edge technology and the future of jewelry and retail. This over-arching theme permeated the show floor, special events and various elements of the show, including more activations, an enhanced Innovation Hub area and a dedicated effort to highlight industry trends and advancements. This, coupled with a strong spirit of enthusiasm, optimism and positivity throughout the event, helped forge a valuable experience for many attendees and exhibitors, according to JCK officials.

“I cannot imagine a better way to kick off show week than with JCK and Luxury!” said Attendee John Carter, owner and executive vice president of Jack Lewis Jewelers. “Not only are the amenities top-shelf, but it is also a collection of some of the finest jewelry manufacturers in our trade. The vibe at JCK is always fun, upbeat and optimistic, and sets the tone for the rest of the week. I would never miss it.”  

The show’s pervasive positive energy wasn’t exclusive to JCK. At Luxury, Exhibitor Susan Klemt Williams, president of Artistry Ltd., was among several exhibiting companies reporting a productive and uplifting showfloor experience. 

“The 2023 Luxury show was one for the books,” Williams said. “It was so energizing to be on the show floor and feel the buzz and excitement in the air! We are indebted to the entire Luxury and JCK Team for helping to make this experience so incredible for the vendors and retailers.” 

Cutting-Edge Industry Education 

This year, the show’s JCK Talks education program returned with a comprehensive lineup that included more than 60 sessions, keynotes and panel discussions covering hot topics, trends, marketing, DEI, sustainability, retail experiences and innovation, led by industry expert speakers. 

Making its debut at the show’s education program this year was the dedicated “Social Stage,” where digital strategists, content creators and influencers delivered daily 30-minute sessions packed with actionable tips and tricks for content creation, social media engagement and standing out on social platforms. Additionally, The Innovation Hub served as another showfloor area designed for exploring the industry’s latest market technologies, hands-on demos and engaging educational sessions. 

“These initiatives created a focused area on the showfloor dedicated to showcasing what’s next and what’s trending for the future of innovation in the jewelry and retail industries,” Bachmann explained. “The response to the Social Stage was overwhelmingly positive, with a significant turnout and enthusiastic reception.”

Special Events and Activations 

Building upon the success of the “Activations & Instagrammable Moments” unveiled at the 2022 show, JCK expanded and enhanced these experiential opportunities, which were designed to captivate attendees both on and off the showfloor. Among the highlights was the introduction of an all-new hologram showcasing 3D content and offering live interactive experiences. 

Additionally, a popular permanent jewelry bracelet activation sponsored by Stuller allowed retailers to experience how to easily incorporate this concept into their stores and receive their own complimentary permanent bracelets. Other notable activations included the JCK Magazine moment that allowed attendees to have their photo on the cover of JCK magazine, a hall of mirrors and more.

An audience favorite, the JCK Rocks evening event returned this year and was kicked off by an electric string quartet, Phat Strand, followed by a private concert by multi-platinum singer, songwriter and record producer Andy Grammer and ended with resident Hakkasan Nightclub DJ spinning tunes for a crowded dance floor. 

A Spirit of Belonging Throughout 

JCK continued its cultivation of inclusion, equity and diversity (DEI) throughout the show with a notable presence of emerging BIPOC designers, brand features, dedicated JCK Talks tracks focused on DEI and specialized education sessions.  

Thanks to grant funding from the JCK Industry Fund, the Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC), which showcases the talent and creativity of emerging and established Black designers at trade shows, events and retail stores, returned with the BIJC Collective at JCK, which provided attendees with an opportunity to connect with six Black-owned brands exhibiting jewelry and loose gemstones. 

“Thanks to the JCK Industry Fund, we were able to make this happen for two consecutive years, giving these designers the exposure they deserve,” said Annie Doresca, president of BIJC.

Situated across from BIJC, the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) featured six emerging graduate designers from WJA’s Jewelry Loupe Project in the first-ever JCK Design Collective booth that showcased talented female jewelry designers and displayed their creations. In addition, WJA hosted its annual “WJA Generating Community Breakfast” on June 2, which gave a special focus to disability inclusion in the jewelry and watch industry. 

In a private ballroom at Luxury, the Natural Diamond Council’s 2023 Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative (EDDI) participants, who represent a group of talented individuals poised to make a name for themselves in the world of fine jewelry, showcased their collections. Through the EDDI program, created in 2021 by the Natural Diamond Council and renowned jewelry designer Lorraine Schwartz, these Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) designers have been able to gain unparalleled access to education, opportunities and resources. 

JCK will return to The Venetian and Venetian Expo May 31 – June 3, 2024. 

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