Gearing up for the LUXURY, JCK Las Vegas, and Swiss Watch shows

The most important market season in the American jewelry industry is fast approaching. And if the upbeat mood that has characterized the show circuit this year is any indication, then exhibitors at the JCK shows in Las Vegas should prepare for robust trading.

First on the calendar (May 29–June 4) is LUXURY and its sister event, Elite Enclave, at the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino. Right on their heels are the JCK show and Swiss Watch, at the same location from June 1–4.

Now in their second year at Mandalay Bay, the shows aim to offer the widest selection of products in one location. (More than 2,500 firms from 22 countries participate.) Two affiliated events—the Equipment, Technology and Supplies (ETS) pavilion and the AGTA GemFair—benefit from extended dates; they run from May 31–June 4.

Revelers are in for a treat. On June 3, Grammy-nominated pop-rockers OneRepublic headline the third annual JCK Rocks the Beach Party at Mandalay Bay Beach, performing such hits as “Apologize” and “Stop and Stare” from their Dreaming Out Loud album. Expect the celebration—which immediately follows the Jewelers for Children Facets of Hope dinner—to draw as many as 4,000 attendees. It’s open to JCK badge holders and JFC guests.

Maria Carola Picchiotti of Picchiotti Fine Jewelry, exhibiting in JCK’s Prestige Promenade, has positive expectations for this year’s show. The Valenza, Italy–based diamond ­jeweler still sees great promise for high-end buyers. “Our customers appreciate good design and pieces of value and importance,” she says, referring to an ornate Dragon necklace the firm created to celebrate the Chinese zodiac.