The 17th annual JCK Las Vegas event provided jewelry retailers from 72 countries with new business insights to weather the current economy, new products to reach new market segments, and future trends such as nature-inspired and green-themed designs to bring back to their stores, according to a statement by JCK Events, which produces the show.

During the five day Show, retailers representing virtually every market size had the chance to meet with 3,100 manufacturers and suppliers from more than 20 countries offering everything from diamonds, gems and watches to equipment technology and packaging—all of the key products, services, and technologies.

“Although retailers and exhibitors are challenged by the current economic state, the show provided an efficient and effective way to do business; network and learn from the industry’s thought leaders and ultimately walk away with actionable steps towards managing their businesses,” said Dave Bonaparte, group vice president of JCK Events. “Manufacturers reported having very positive results at this year’s event by meeting with virtually every level of buyer and merchandiser from large retail chains and independent jewelry stores to wholesale, catalog and even the Home Shopping Network.”

Chief executives representing a range of the retail distribution channel who were in attendance included Bergdorf Goodman, Blue Nile, Costco, Dillards, Disney, Fortunoff, Home Shopping Network, JC Penney, KMART, Kohl’s, Macy’s East, Macy’s West, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, TJ Maxx, and many others.

In addition, independent retailers including Bernie Robbins, Birks & Mayors, Deja & Co., Don Muller Gallery, French Designer Jeweler, Finley Fine Jewelry, Fred Leighton; Fred Meyer, Hamilton Jewelers, Hannoush Jewelers, Helzberg Diamonds, I. Gorman, Lily & Co., Lux Bond & Green, Reinhold; XAN Jewelry and thousands of others walked the floor.

Highlights of the five-day event included the Welcome Reception & Fashion Show, sponsored by the Hong Kong Jewelry Manufacturers Association; a dynamic keynote presentation by hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons discussing his important African diamond initiative; LeVian’s Red Carpet Revue and 2009 Trend Forecast sponsored by InStyle Magazine; the trade show debut of eight Rising Stars; the presentation of the Design Center Retailer of the Year Award to Manika Jewelry in San Francisco and The Clay Pot in Brooklyn, NY; a terrific Swiss Watch by JCK event that featured 22 of the most prestigious watch brands in the world; and education sessions led by Martin Rapaport, Gabrielle Tolkowsky, and Shane Decker.

The JCK Las Vegas floor was buzzing with activity and celebrity sightings including, Kathy Ireland for House of Taylor; renowned Pianist Derek Paravicini and actress Shari Belafonte for Simon G; Playboy’s Girls Next Door star Holly Madison for Jacob & Co.; beauty guru Adrien Arpel for Viva Time; American Gladiator Mike O’Hearn for Croton Watch; and Miss France Valerie Begue for Bertolucci. Celebrities who attended the show supported various manufacturers who were launching new lines. 

“We were pleasantly surprised,” said Ralph Rossini, president of Honora.  “People were more upbeat than we expected and we’ve had a great show.”

“JCK was an extremely successful show for our medium-priced ranged line,” said Agostino Magni, president of Rebecca, who was featured in the VicenzoOro Italian Pavilion. “We wrote $3 million worth of orders, so needless to say we are very satisfied with the results.”

“There is no recession at Spark. The LUXURY & PREMIERE and JCK Las Vegas events were another record year for us”, said Beny Aviram, owner and house designer of Spark. “The reason we’ve had a successful show is that we had many appointments booked prior to the event. Appointments are absolutely necessary.” 

“The show exceeded our expectations which were lower due to the impact of the recession,” said Derek Palmer, Global Marketing Director of Plucenik. “However, sales were better than last year and we attribute that to our strong partnerships with financially strong players.” 

In 2009, JCK Las Vegas and Swiss Watch by JCK will change day patterns due to the Shavuot holiday. The events will be held May 30 till June 3, 2009. The 2009 dates for LUXURY & PREMIERE will be announced shortly.

Follow JCK on Instagram: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Twitter: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Facebook: @jckmagazine