Hundreds of the industry’s finest retail jewelry stores from around the country participated in a highly successful LUXURY by JCK including top executives from Birks & Mayors, Bernie Robbins Jewelers, Borsheim’s, Sissy’s Log Cabin, Zadok Jewelers, and many more. 

Retailer Mark Moeller of R. F. Moellersaid, “LUXURY is the ideal venue for the upscale, quality-minded jeweler. I continue to be surprised by the quality of the whole LUXURY experience.” 

Ellen and Daniel Haake of Newstar Jewelers, with locations in Illinois, agreed.  “We really love everything about LUXURY by JCK—the one-room concept, the networking, the vendors,” said Ellen Haake. “We’re treated exceptionally well and we plan to do two-thirds of our yearly buying while we’re here. It gives us the opportunity to see the full extent of the vendors’ lines, not just what the salesperson might be able to bring when they visit the store.”

 The Dine Out program Thursday night was a big hit with participants, who had a choice between many restaurants with a variety of menus and types of food. Retailers appreciated the opportunity to enjoy an intimate evening with fellow retailers and manufacturers of their choosing. The Dessert-In at LUXURY’S Late Night Lounge at Aquaknox in the Venetian was also well attended, allowing vendors and retailers to connect and network in a casual atmosphere.

“The Show went very well for us,” said Henry Dunay of Henry Dunay in New York. “Store keepers are much more interested in seeing new things and buying. There is a very upbeat feeling.”

“LUXURY was the best show that we’ve ever experienced among the international events that we do,” said Ceava Kats of SOHO.  “Over the past three days we did a tremendous amount of business and appreciate that all of our exhibiting needs were met.”

Alyce Alston, CEO of De Beers LV USA, delivered the keynote address. Her presentation focused on De Beer’s brand power and mission with its retail stores.  “According to research, an estimated 95 percent of the U.S. knows De Beers as a diamond company,” said Alston. “After 40 years of advertising and $1 billion in ad expenditures, the slogan ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ is identified as the most recognized slogan over the last century by Ad Age magazine.”

Comments from the audience brought to light feelings of concern from many family-owned retailers that De Beers has gone from being a diamond supplier to a direct competitor. Alston stated that De Beers’ retail stores buy their diamonds on the open market, not directly from De Beers. Other attendees acknowledged that while De Beers’ retail stores are a competitor, they said that knowing what their competitor’s plans are was very important, and they commended Alston for sharing her business strategies with this group of high-end retailers. 

Alston noted that the De Beers retail initiative included making De Beers the destination for diamond jewelry, creating a world of diamonds, modernizing the diamond shopping experience, igniting glamour and luxury, and distribution. Modernizing the shopping experience includes high ceilings, pricing on all products, freestanding display counters, and places to sit. 

Sponsors of LUXURY by JCK include Accountable, American Gem Society, Brown & Partners, DCIT, Duvenjian Graphics, Jewelers Mutual Insurance, JCK Publishing Group, Martha Stewart Weddings, Robb Report, Rocket Red Box, Ron Saltiel Productions, The Goldmark Group, The Harmon Group, The Harmon Catalog, The Knot, Weddings Instyle,  and W Jewelry. 

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