The mood of buyers at JCK Las Vegas was upbeat but intense; those who attended were on a mission. Data from JCK Events reveal that attendance was down by 700 guests compared with 2023. The total number was 17,300, which isn’t too shabby for the biggest fine-jewelry fair in North America.

“Even in times when there is uncertainty in the jewelry industry, JCK proves once again to be the place the entire industry gathers to source products, unveil new technologies and strategies, learn, discuss, network, and place orders for the rest of the selling season,” Sarin Bachmann, group vice president of RX’s jewelry portfolio and event leader for JCK, told the media.

As for the reason for the drop, rising costs play a role.

Prime Art & Jewel

“Attendees of the show were much more focused than in previous years,” reveals Sam Hupp, vice president of sales for Paris 1901, a division of Prime Art & Jewel. “Buyers were staying less days and working to pack more meetings into the days attending. From conversations, this was due to the cost of hotels, etc.”

Monica McDaniel, vice president of marketing for Chatham, has similar observations. Business is steady, she maintains, and her clientele for manmade gems and gem-set jewelry are adapting quickly to challenges in the market. Among them is the diamond dilemma—“uncertainty surrounding the future of diamonds, lab-grown and mined,” she says.

This diamond doubt is helping to pave a path for interest in lab-grown color and its attainable pricing. Chatham is ready with “quality high-end looks at more affordable prices than like-quality mined pieces,” adds McDaniel. “Optimism and a level of heightened curiosity sums up this year’s show for Chatham, as well as our overall business for the year. Interest in the lab-grown color category is developing and picking up momentum.”

Eric Wadia, vice president of marketing and corporate communications at Asian Star Company, Ltd., noticed a different direction—renewed interest in mined diamonds because of the fluctuating costs of synthetics.

“Customers attended the show with clear and purposeful intentions, showing a strong interest in making informed and deliberate purchases,” he says. “Bridal jewelry remains the most dominant category for retailers. However, they have also observed a growing trend in self-purchasing, particularly in fashion jewelry.”

Shefi Diamonds’ Surbhi Jain, marketing director, also sees interest in fashion-forward styles. “Business has been fantastic this year, and our marketing services (including customizable catalogs) continue to set us apart from the competition.”

Wadia agrees on the offer of tailor-made jewels to satisfy client needs. “Business has been steady, with retailers effectively adapting to meet the diverse needs of customers and focusing on facilitating bespoke offerings.”

               Original Designs / ODI

Hupp may be seeing the biggest business wins thus far this year. He cites double-digit sales increases and threefold growth in JCK appointments over last year.

“Categories and stories were more important than pricing,” he says. “We found that buyers were still looking for the newest trends, but they needed branding as a reason for their clientele to purchase.”

Jain agrees. “Our show was wonderful. Our marketing services, combined with stunning products, continue to differentiate us in the market.”

For sure, modern consumer behavior is driving these events. “Self-rewards to mark personal milestones and personal style are highly valued,” adds Wadia.