Centurion Jewelry Show Festivities

The Centurion Jewelry Show is a busy and enriching experience. Vendors are writing business during frequent appointments, the speakers have been top notch (the tales from Richie Kohler the diver were fascinating), the jewelry is gorgeous, and the food is great (yesterday’s lunch was Mexican). There was even a chocolate fountain—which I missed—yesterday afternoon. Darn.

However, last night’s event—the Hearts On Fire dinner—more than made up for missing the fountain (Yurman had one last year in Vegas, anyway). I don’t know why, but retailers who sell HOF diamonds are especially warm and friendly.

I caught up with Richard Marks from Smyth Jewelers in Timonium, Md., and his lovely wife, Ellen (a fellow black lab lover). We first met at a show in Dublin several years ago, and it was great to see them again. [And they’re still fans of Heritage crystal—better than Waterford they say.]

I also had the pleasure of meeting Patrick and Kim Murphy, who have two Murphy's Jewelry stores in Pennsylvania. She was charming and outgoing, and he was a hoot. And, he pointed out my diligent note-taking skills in front of Hedda (my boss), so I really liked him, too. And now every time I see a sign for Cabela’s, I’ll think of the Murphys (head to their Hamburg store on the PA Turnpike and you’ll know what I mean).

What a blast! I skipped the comedians last night, though there were good ones, including Harland Williams of seven-minute abs—“There’s Something About Mary”—fame. Tuesday is another day on the show floor, and Kathy Griffin (whom I won’t miss) at night. I also can’t wait for the live auction of non-jewelry items, such as bit parts in a film. Am I really working? I’m having so much fun.