It’s been a scorcher in Manhattan this summer, but the week of events coinciding with the JA Show at the Javits Convention Center was a great time to catch up with some of the coolest people in the industry.
While most jewelers are still tentative (and understandably skeptical) about the economy’s slow return, several exhibitors I spoke with reported that they had strong shows. The highlight of the week was the launch of the LUXURY Privé show at the Pierre Hotel. Organized by JCK Events, LUXURY Privé was a small, elegant event that was perfectly situated amidst the hotel’s beautiful, old-school ballrooms. The participants raved about the experience. We’re already looking forward to LUXURY Privé 2012!
As always, the week featured two of the industry’s best events. The Women’s Jewelry Association Awards for Excellence gala at Chelsea Piers was a special thrill for us, as two of JCK’s stars were honored: JCK senior editor Jennifer Heebner won the Award for Excellence in media, and JCK Events industry vice president Yancy Weinrich won the Award for Excellence in special services. I work closely with both of these amazing women and I join the chorus of those saying, “Well deserved!”
The American Gem Society’s Circle of Distinction Awards gala at the Plaza Hotel was great as well. It was a delight to see our friends Kathryn Kimmel from the Gemological Institute of America and David Rocha from Jewelers for Children among the honorees. Congrats! There was a solemn moment as the room paused to acknowledge two of the industry’s most dedicated members, Underwood Jewelers’ Christy and Clayton Bromberg, who tragically lost their young daughter, Zoe, this summer. As Georgie Gleim of Gleim the Jeweler in Palo Alto, Calif., noted, Zoe was a rising star in the jewelry industry. Our thoughts are with the entire Bromberg family.
Courtesy of David Brown from Ron Saltiel Productions (2)
JCK Events’ Yancy Weinrich (above, center, between WJA president Kendra Bridel Weinman and awards committee head Isabella Fisk) and JCK senior editor Jennifer Heebner (top, third from right) were among the WJA honorees on July 25.
On a much different note, there are some exciting things coming this fall to JCK. Our October issue will feature our first-ever Holiday Survival Guide. To coincide with the issue, we’re producing two related webinars featuring industry experts moderated by JCK editor in chief Victoria Gomelsky. Look for promotional ads in our magazine and online for details on how to attend (either live or via the archives) and learn some great tips on how to make your holiday season a smashing success.
We’re also excited about our first-ever collaboration with the official publication of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, The Daily Front Row. This month, we’re producing a special jewelry supplement in the publication. It’s our official entrée into the world of fashion, and we’re thrilled about it.
Finally, please take a moment to explore the new JCK Marketplace (jckmarketplace.jckonline.com). Designed to be the ultimate sourcing tool, JCK Marketplace already features thousands of products from many of the industry’s best manufacturers. Look for more original editorial, more integration with our magazine site, and new networking features. Never a dull moment around here!