JCK Raises the Bar Again with the 2023 Show

Norwalk, CT (June 14, 2023) – JCK, the most important jewelry industry gathering globally, operated by RX, successfully held its 2023 edition with a sold-out show floor and attendance exceeding 2022, which had already surpassed pre-pandemic 2019 levels. 

Over 30,000 industry professionals from all facets of the jewelry industry joined JCK and Luxury for a week of product sourcing, education, and networking. 18,000 attendees (up 8% from 2022) from over 100 countries conducted business with over 1,900 exhibiting companies occupying 430,000 net square feet in more than 20 different show floor neighborhoods. The industry gathered under one roof once again at The Venetian and The Venetian Expo for JCK from June 2-5, with the return of GEMS with AGTA Las Vegas and JCK Talks opening a day earlier on June 1. Luxury welcomed retailers from May 31 – June 5 and was open exclusively to invited retailers on May 31 and June 1.

Sarin Bachmann, Group Vice President of the RX jewelry portfolio, expressed her excitement about the outstanding show, stating, "It was another incredibly energetic and successful year for JCK. 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."

With a strong focus on innovation, JCK emerged as the premier platform for showcasing cutting-edge technology and the future of jewelry and retail. The spirit of innovation permeated throughout the show floor, events, and various elements of the JCK experience. The inclusion of more activations, an enhanced Innovation Hub area, and a dedicated effort to highlight industry trends and advancements underscored the show's overarching theme: innovation lives at JCK.

“The energy at JCK 2023 was the best we’ve felt in years. Outlook was positive and our customers were optimistic about the rest of the year. It was wonderful to reconnect with so many of our friends and customers in the industry,” said JCK exhibitor, Morgan Waters, Executive Director of Marketing Services & Events at Stuller.

“I cannot imagine a better way to kick off show week than with JCK and Luxury! 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,” states John Carter of the retail store, Jack Lewis Jewelers.

“JCK and Luxury are a must-see event because I love to touch base with the designers and vendors that I have been buying from throughout the year. It's great face-time, it's a time to actually sit down with them, see what they have available, browse the show floor, and there's nothing more that I love than just to aimlessly walk and see what's new, what catches my eye, what's innovative, what are people gravitating towards, and most importantly, see the vendors that I love and want to support,” adds Lauren Kaminsky Goldman of ByGOLDGIRL.

The highly anticipated JCK Talks education program returned with its most comprehensive lineup to date. Once again formatted in daily “Tracks,” over 60 sessions were featured in tracks including Hot Topics, Trends, Marketing, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Sustainability, Retail Experiences and Innovation. JCK Talks opened the day before the JCK show floor on Thursday, June 1 with special sessions located in the Level 1 meeting rooms. From June 2 - 4, sessions were held live on the Showcase Stage in the expanded Innovation Hub area from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM with expert speakers and panel discussions.

Many of the JCK Talks and Keynote sessions were recorded and available to watch on-demand for a limited time for JCK PRO badge holders.

A new addition to JCK 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. The Innovation Hub, another popular addition, served as another area on the show floor for exploring the latest market technologies, hands-on demos, and engaging educational sessions. "These initiatives created a focused area on the show floor dedicated to showcasing what's next and what's trending for the future of innovation in the jewelry and retail industries. The response to the Social Stage was overwhelmingly positive, with a significant turnout and enthusiastic reception," noted Bachmann.

JCK and Luxury once again welcomed Keynote speakers to open the show.

• Wednesday, May 31, the first Luxury Keynote featured Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger
• Thursday, June 1, the next Luxury Keynote featured Dominique Dawes
• On Saturday, June 3, the JCK Keynote featured Johnny Cupcakes in a session around Creating Customer Obsession & Memorable Experiences with Limited Resources. The JCK Keynote was sponsored by GCAL by Sarine.

Luxury exhibitor Susan Klemt Williams, G.G. of Artistry notes, “The 2023 Luxury show was one for the books. 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! Huge gratitude and thanks to everyone for being a part of Artistry’s success!”

Elizabeth Gibson of the retail store, Eliza Page adds, “The Luxury show this year was one of my favorites. After attending the shows, for several years, relationships with our suppliers are stronger and better, and doing business is a joy. The networking parties were extra fun this year after long days of walking and talking. We look forward to JCK in Vegas each year and can’t wait to come back!”

Building upon the success of the "Activations & Instagrammable Moments" introduced last year, JCK expanded and enhanced these experiential opportunities, captivating attendees both on and off the show floor. Among the highlights was the introduction of an all-new hologram that showcased 3D content and offered live interactive experiences. Additionally, a popular permanent jewelry bracelet activation sponsored by Stuller allowed retailers to experience firsthand the ease of incorporating this concept into their stores while receiving their own complimentary permanent bracelet. Other notable activations included the JCK Magazine moment where you can have your photo on the cover of JCK magazine, a hall of mirrors and much more.

A JCK fan favorite, JCK Rocks returned, this year featuring a private concert by Andy Grammer - the multi-platinum singer, songwriter and record producer with hits like “Honey, I’m Good” “Keep Your Head Up” and “Fine by Me”. The night was opened with an electric string quartet, Phat Strand, and ended with a nightclub vibe with the resident Hakkasan Nightclub DJ spinning tunes for the crowded dance floor after the Andy Grammer performance. JCK Rocks Headline Sponsor was Brosway Italia.

JCK continued to celebrate the cultivation of inclusion and diversity throughout the event, with a notable presence of emerging BIPOC designers, brand features, dedicated JCK Talks tracks focused on DEI, and specialized education sessions. At JCK and all RX Events, everyone belongs.

The Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) showcased the BIJC Collective at JCK, thanks to grant funding from the JCK Industry Fund, providing attendees with an opportunity to connect with six Black-owned brands exhibiting jewelry and loose gemstones. The brands including Dorian Webb, Deinté Fine Jewelry, James Mack Fine Jewelry, KuQala Diamonds, Nungu Diamonds and Simone I. Smith, the BIJC Collective showcased the incredible talent and creativity of emerging and established Black designers at trade shows, events, and retail stores. Annie Doresca, BIJC President, expressed her gratitude, stating, "Thanks to the JCK Industry Fund, we were able to make this happen for two consecutive years, giving these designers the exposure they deserve."

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, right across from BIJC. This showcase provided a platform for talented designers such as Isabel Dennis, Soojin Kim, Patty Lauritzen, Rachel Weld Newton, Alexis Pavlantos and Constance Polamalu to display their exceptional creations. In addition, WJA hosted its annual "WJA Generating Community Breakfast" on Friday, June 2, with a special focus on disability inclusion in the jewelry and watch industry.

The Natural Diamond Council's 2023 Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative (EDDI) participants represented a group of talented individuals poised to make a name for themselves in the world of fine jewelry. 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 gained unparalleled access to education, opportunities, and resources. Amina Sorel, Bernard James, Gwen Beloti, Jessenia Landrum, Rosario Navia, and Ymoné Currie showcased their remarkable collections at NDC's Luxury private ballroom.

In 2024, JCK will once again, in partnership with AGTA, be the home of the AGTA GemFair Las Vegas, with the GEMS pavilion opening a day before the rest of the JCK show floor.  JCK is also pleased to announce that HKJMA has signed a long-term agreement with JCK for their Hong Kong pavilion, which will move to the Level 1 Ballrooms starting in 2024 instead of the Level 1 exhibit hall where it was currently placed, and will also open a day early on Thursday, May 30.

JCK: May 31 – June 3

NEW Hong Kong Opening on May 30 in the Level 1 Ballrooms; GEMS featuring AGTA and JCK Talks also open on May 30.

Luxury Invitation Only: May 29 - June 3, By Invitation Only May 29 and 30.

The Venetian Expo & The Venetian

Contact

Jen Cullen Williams, Luxury Brand Group, [email protected]
MJ McGrath, Marketing Director, JCK & Luxury, [email protected]

About JCK

Considered the most important jewelry exhibition in the world, JCK provides the global jewelry trade community the optimal stage for business growth by uniting the industry to buy, sell, network, learn and discover. A one-stop destination with the most diverse selection of professionals and products, JCK is jewelry’s most important gathering. Having been a launchpad for jewelry trends, products, and brands for three decades, JCK offers unrivaled access to quality buyers and sellers with 18,000 attendees and over 1,900 exhibitors annually. This is where the jewelry industry and its media partners unite to do business, make vital connections, and get inspired during multiple days of product discovery and exceptional experiences. Visit lasvegas.jckonline.com.

About Luxury

The jewelry event that defines Luxury. An ultra-curated and exclusive jewelry buying experience, Luxury caters to the niche, high-end jewelry market. Only the most prestigious and affluent jewelers are invited to this two-day program of appointments, relaxed networking and amenity-packed shopping experience. Luxury attendees receive convenient access to exhibitors from across the globe at JCK, considered the most important jewelry exhibition globally, to discover trends and meet all their sourcing needs under one roof, from settings and findings, to loose stones, to equipment and technology, from high end to fashion, and everything in between. Luxury provides the best place to do business in a high-end, secure environment. Visit Luxury.jckonline.com.

About RX (Reed Exhibitions)

RX is in the business of building businesses for individuals, communities and organisations. We elevate the power of face to face events by combining data and digital products to help customers learn about markets, source products and complete transactions at over 400 events in 22 countries across 43 industry sectors. RX is passionate about making a positive impact on society and is fully committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people.  RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. www.rxglobal.com