JCK and Luxury Shows “Reinvigorate the Industry”

By Karen Dybis | June 16, 2025

Jewelry industry members came away from the 2025 JCK and Luxury shows, which took place June 4 to 9 at the Venetian in Las Vegas, with a sense of optimism along with whatever new items and ideas they picked up from the various events, activations, exhibitor booths, and educational programming.

More than 30,000 professionals—including over 17,000 buyers, store owners, and media—gathered for the industry’s most important event globally, says Sarin Bachmann, senior vice president of the RX jewelry portfolio (which includes JCK). Participation highlighted the resilience and adaptability of the jewelry trade, she adds.

“JCK continues to provide unmatched opportunities to connect, learn from experts and each other, innovate, reinvigorate the industry, and take businesses to the next level,” Bachmann says.

JCK 2025 flappers — *1920s flappers welcomed attendees to JCK, in keeping with the Decades theme.*

The theme at this year’s JCK was Decades, celebrating jewelry and adornment from past eras and showcasing where jewelry trends and innovation are going.

“This show continues to be a must-attend for all in the jewelry trade, but it is the can’t-wait-to-attend feeling that extends that magic,” says Bachmann. “Our events, activations, education, and opportunities for networking and the breadth and depth of exhibits are what create a true experience for our community.”

Denise Richards, operations manager of Underwood Jewelers in Jacksonville, Fla., considers the show critical for her business.

“JCK is impeccably organized, with an energy that is unmatched resonating throughout every day from the Luxury invitation days through the last day of JCK,” Richards says. “The meticulous care given to every detail by the JCK team, and everything being under one roof, makes for a seamless journey for retailers like us. It is an event where every moment is designed to inspire and drive success.”

Doug McDowell, managing director of SDC, parent company of jewelry brands A. Link and Penny Preville, agrees.

“The environment created at Luxury and JCK for driving business is unlike any other. There is an unparalleled energy from the moment buyers step onto the show floor that not only inspires but actively drives business growth,” he says. “In my years of working with various brands, I’ve never experienced the level of success and seamless collaboration that we achieve as participants at Luxury and JCK.”

Top trends from the show include pearls, tennis necklaces, colored gemstones (including watermelon tourmaline, opal, and turquoise), and such motifs as snakes, butterflies, and hearts, according to JCK editor in-chief Victoria Gomelsky.

At the annual JCK Rocks party, known for its electric atmosphere and showstopping entertainment, music stars Snoop Dogg and Jason Derulo performed hit after hit. An especially memorable moment came when Snoop joined Derulo on stage for their collab song “Wiggle.”

Held toward the culmination of Jewelry Week, on Sunday night, JCK Rocks—a time when business meets nightlife—was a celebration of style, sound, and the spirit of the jewelry industry.

For the keynote session on Saturday, Daymond John, star of ABC’s Shark Tank and founder of FUBU, brought some entrepreneurial fire as he took the stage to share his “5 Shark Points for Success.”

Speaking to a packed hall, John offered a powerful message about the mindset, discipline, and hustle required for lasting success in any business, drawing practical insights from his own journey and motivating attendees to think big, act boldly, and embrace change.

Following his presentation, John walked the show floor, delighting exhibitors when he stopped to compliment their displays.

Among the awards ceremonies held at JCK were the Jose Hess Design Awards, honoring emerging and established talent whose fine jewelry designs embody the theme of radiance. Winners included Penny Preville; Kouzoupis Jewellery; Benjamin King, Diamonds de Canada; Stella Song; and Simon G. Fine Jewelry.

“It was a full-circle moment, as Jose Hess had spent so many years being a large part of JCK,” Bachmann says.

Kering presented its first-ever Generation Awards x Jewelry during the Las Vegas show. The World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) and Politecnico di Milano university collaborated with Kering on the competition, which gave a platform to innovative new talent and startup brands committed to sustainability.

Once again opening a day before the show floor, the JCK Talks education program spanned four days and provided retailers with key information on how to build their businesses and where to focus their energy.

JCK Talks content was organized into tracks, including trends, sales, business management, and innovation. New for 2025 was the Sustainability Stage that featured speakers including Matthew Swibel, vice president, sustainability and social impact with Signet; Holly McHugh, vice president, sustainability and social impact at Mejuri; and Jen Marraccino, senior director of development for Pure Earth.

The Luxury show delivered an unforgettable experience for the industry’s most prestigious designers, brands and retailers. Its atmosphere was energetic and optimistic, optimized for business to get done, says Bachmann.

JCK will return to the Venetian in 2026, from May 29 through June 1. Select areas such as the AGTA and Gems section and the Hong Kong pavilion, as well as some JCK Talks sessions, will open a day early, May 28. Luxury will take place May 27 through June 1 next year (invitation only on May 27 and May 28).

Top: JCK Vegas 2025 proved successful for retailers, exhibitors, and the industry, officials say. (Photos by Camilla Sjodin)