PodcastsJan 12, 2026
The latest poscasttest
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2014
Thursday, May 29: What’s on tap today
The Couture show opens today with Janelle Monáe, while DEF gets down at its annual gala, the antique and estate jewelry show starts at the Paris and the AGA has a day-long conference on lab-grown diamonds.
Las Vegas--Each day during market week, National Jeweler will bring its readers a list of five events they need to know about for the day.
Today’s lineup includes the first day of the Couture show, which will be followed by the event’s annual pool-side opening night party, headlined this year by a six-time Grammy nominee.
1. Couture opens at the Wynn Las Vegas. The Couture show opens today with more than 60 new exhibitors set to display their jewelry in what is considered the industry’s top trade show for trend-setting design.
For those attending the show, there’s a chance to win a Vespa scooter, as well as the opportunity to snag other prizes via the show’s various social media contests. Engage with Couture on Twitter and/or Instagram using the hashtag #Couture2014 for a chance to win gift cards and an iPad mini. Read more about the contests on the show’s website.
2. Singer Janelle Monáe performs. After the Couture show floor shuts down for the day, the Kansas City, Mo.-born Monáe will take the stage for show’s pool-side opening night party, scheduled for 7 to 10 p.m. at the Wynn’s Sunset Pool Deck. The party is private and by invitation only.
Couture continues through Monday at the Wynn.
3. The antique show starts. The Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show, which now is owned by the same company that owns Couture, the JA New York shows and National Jeweler, opens at the Paris hotel on the Strip.
Nearly 400 exhibitors are set to display jewelry from a variety of time periods at the show, which is operated by U.S. Antique Shows. Registration is $50 for all four days and show hours are from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and until 4 p.m. Sunday.
The Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show continues through Sunday.
4. AGA gives a day-long lesson on lab-grown diamonds. The focus of this year’s Accredited Gemologists Association’s Las Vegas conference will be lab-grown, or synthetic, diamonds.
Scheduled speakers include James Shigley of the Gemological Institute of America, Tom Chatham of Chatham Created Gems, Dusan Simic, president of the New York-based Analytical Gemology and Jewelry Laboratory (AG&J), and Ronnie VanderLinden, president of the Diamond Manufacturers and Importers Association of America and of diamond company Diamex Inc.
The conference also will include a hands-on session where attendees can examine diamonds
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
grown using both the high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods.
The conference will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Platinum Hotel, with a cocktail reception following. On-site registration still is available and the cost is $105 for AGA and Gem-A members and $150 for non-members.
5. The Diamond Empowerment Fund holds its annual gala. DEF’s Diamonds in the Sky black-tie gala starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Four Seasons Ballroom at Mandalay Bay. The organization is honoring Botswana President Ian Khama and his country’s government with the 2014 global diamond industry achievement award. “I’m Every Woman” singer Chaka Khan is scheduled to perform.
DEF is a nonprofit that support higher education in Africa’s diamond-producing countries.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
Weekly QuizOct 03, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
PodcastsNov 27, 2025
Test Podcast With VideoTest Podcast With Video. New interview with Ada Lovelace.
PodcastsNov 25, 2025
Test New Podcast PostAbstract for tests. New Podcast interview with John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morison.
ColumnistsOct 09, 2024
Peter Smith: 7 Things to Know When Selling LuxuryAhead of the holiday season, Smith delves into the often subconscious reasons people buy luxury products for themselves or their loved ones.
AuctionsOct 09, 2024
Rolex Worn on Apollo 14 Mission Up for SaleThe GMT-Master “Pepsi” belonging to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is a standout in RR Auction’s online “Space Auction,” going on now.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
New Simon Campaign Invites Gen Z to ‘Meet Me At The Mall’The ads celebrate the mall culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
PGI Launches New Virtual Sales TrainingRetail sales associates can access the video series on mobile to refresh their selling skills.
Policies & IssuesOct 09, 2024
GJNRF: Reaching Out, Rebuilding Futures For 25 years, India’s Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation has provided aid in the wake of war, natural disasters, and global crises.
AuctionsOct 08, 2024
Sotheby’s Selling Jewelry That Belonged to a Bulgarian TsarThe November auction will feature a collection of jewels owned by Ferdinand I, the first king of modern Bulgaria, and his family.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Rio Tinto Begins New Phase of Production That Will Extend Diavik’s LifeCommercial production has begun underground at the Canadian diamond mine’s A21 pipe.
SurveysOct 08, 2024
What to Know About Online Shopping This Holiday SeasonDeloitte and Adobe Analytics shared their insights on the season, from the retail sales forecast to the role of generative AI.
CollectionsOct 08, 2024
Sylvie Adds New Men’s BandsThe Texas-based jeweler collaborated with luxury clothing brand Uncommon Man on men’s bands designed with European influences.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Is Current Diamond Industry Turbulence Shaping a ‘New Normal’? Industry players have found ways to cope with market conditions while working to reshape themselves in the face of emerging realities.
SourcingOct 07, 2024
Rio Tinto to Offer 76 Diamonds in 2024 Beyond Rare Tender The sales event, in its second year, features a selection of rare diamonds from the miner’s Argyle and Diavik diamond mines.
CollectionsOct 07, 2024
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi Partners With Heller Jewelers on New CollectionA portion of the proceeds from the “Always Dream” collection will go to Yamaguchi's foundation, supporting early childhood literacy.
