9 Things to Know About JCK Las Vegas 2019

The jewelry trade show will include a social media “boot camp,” a planetarium, store security education, a big vote on lab-grown diamonds, and more.

Michelle Graff michelle.graff@nationaljeweler.com

The JCK Las Vegas jewelry trade show kicks off today, returning to the Sands Expo and Convention Center after seven years at Mandalay Bay.

Las Vegas—JCK Las Vegas 2019 started today, with the president of Botswana delivering the opening keynote address on the importance of diamonds, particularly for his people.

The show continues through Monday, June 3.

Here are nine events, announcements and education sessions of note scheduled to take place at the show.

1. The jewelry trade show is back at the Sands.

JCK took place at the Sands Expo and Convention Center from 1992 until it moved to Mandalay Bay in 2012.

This year, it is back at the Sands/Venetian, which means it is once again within walking distance of Couture at the Wynn.

Read more about JCK Las Vegas’ return to the Sands, as well as other changes to the trade show landscape this year, in our Market Issue.

2. The heads of Signet and Rosy Blue will be on a panel.

The Responsible Jewellery Council is hosting a panel discussion Saturday afternoon at JCK Las Vegas about building trust through responsible business practices.

The panel will be moderated by Brandee Dallow, RJC’s North American business development consultant and feature commentary from Signet Jewelers’ David Bouffard, the current RJC chairman.

“The industry environment has never been more complex and we look forward to discussing how firms from across the supply chain can enhance their business practices and drive piece of mind for increasingly demanding consumers,” Bouffard said.

Panelists include Signet CEO Gina Drosos, Rosy Blue Director Raj Mehta, Feriel Zerouki, head of government and industry relations at De Beers Group and RJC Executive Director Iris Van der Veken.

The RJC panel will take place at The Showcase Stage, JCK show floor Level 2, from 1:30 to 2:45 p.m. on Saturday.

3. JCK Events’ Yancy Weinrich will present more trends to the trade.

Earlier this year, JCK partnered with national research firm MRI-Simmons to conduct a survey across industry sectors about key challenges and trends and the outlook for the industry’s future.

For the second year in a row, Weinrich will give a breakfast presentation about their findings.

Join Weinrich on Saturday at 10 a.m. for the results of the second JCK State of the Jewelry Industry Report, including the company’s barometer of industry sentiment, the JCK Jewelry Industry Confidence Index, which provides a numerical index of how confident professionals are in the success of their businesses.

4. Venus Jewel has a big announcement.

The Mumbai-based solitaire specialists said Thursday that they have earned their RJC certification, which includes

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the first audited provenance claim on rough diamond origin and traceability for each polished diamond sold.

Venus Jewel said it has become the first company in the diamond industry to provide the complete, audited history of every diamond they polish by using a certification of origin. This certificate takes the customer through the stone’s journey, from mine to polished.

In addition, the company has created a virtual experience for each diamond it polishes that is a half-carat or larger.

To learn more and see the Venus “Diamond Journey,” visit Venus Jewel at booth #7055.

5. JSA will tell jewelers how to protect against the biggest security threats.

The Jewelers’ Security Alliance is sharing tips and tricks on how retailers can reduce risk and bulk up loss protection through technological advancements.

Titled “Jewelry Crimes Trends and Security Technology”, the 45-minute presentation will provide an overview of current crime threats to jewelry stores and the best methods for protecting one’s business.

JSA President John J. Kennedy and Scott Guginsky, vice president, will give the talk, which will take place at the Showcase Stage on Level 2 on Saturday at 4 p.m.

Attendees can also visit booth #59119 in the JSA Security Pavilion on Level 1 to discuss security questions with JSA personnel.

6. The Plumb Club wants to show retailers the forefront of innovation.

Every day during the show, The Plumb Club will have its new Retail Innovation & Education Center set up, an informational and interactive exhibit featuring the latest in retail sales technology and store design. It is open to all show attendees.

Located inside The Plumb Club Pavilion, it will highlight the latest in retail sales technology, showcasing six exhibitors: Pepper, the IBM Watson robot; Augmentes; JGA; PM Screen; Converge; and GemFind.

Visit Booth PC-220 any day during the show to see what they’ve got lined up.

Also of note: The Plumb Club will have an actual planetarium in its pavilion in line with its new “Radiant Universe” collection, with a 5-minute immersive show playing every 15 minutes to give insights into the celestial jewelry trend. More info can be found here.

7. RapNet will announce the results of the lab-grown diamonds vote.

Last week, Rapaport Group announced that it is allowing RapNet members to vote on whether the diamond trading network should list and provide prices for lab-grown diamonds.

Voting opened Sunday and closes today, and the results will be announced at the Rapaport Breakfast, slated for Sunday from 8 to 10 a.m. in the Palazzo Ballroom, on Level 5 of the Venetian.

The topic of Martin Rapaport’s talk at the annual event will, fittingly, be “Synthetics Ethics,” and he will discuss his views on whether man-made diamonds are a challenge for the industry or an opportunity, and if jewelers should sell them.

Those unable to attend can get the gist of his thoughts on man-made diamonds by reading the editorial published last Thursday on Diamonds.Net.

8. There is a “boot camp” on social media best practices.

Show attendees can take part in a half-day Social Media Boot Camp tailored to the needs of jewelry retailers and other business owners.

The Smithee Group is hosting the event, with CEO Ben Smithee and several of his team members leading the sessions.

Social Media Boot Camp is scheduled for Sunday on JCK Show Floor Level 1 from 2 to 6 p.m.

Seating is limited, so those interested in attending should request a spot in the session.

9. You can take over Tao with the rest of JCK Las Vegas attendees.

Two years ago, the annual Rocks the Beach event with live music at Mandalay Bay moved to the Brooklyn Bowl at The Linq Promenade and became Rocks the Bowl.

This year, JCK Las Vegas’ annual Sunday night event is moving again.

JCK is taking over Tao Las Vegas and Beach Club, located in The Venetian, for a night of networking, celebrating, entertainment and more.

A JCK/Luxury badge is required to attend the Tao takeover, slated for 8 to 11 p.m. on Sunday.

Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.