JCK Wins Greatest Trade Show of 2022 Award

By Brittany Siminitz | October 04, 2023

JCK has just received two industry honors. It was named the Greatest Trade Show of 2022 by Trade Show Executive’s Gold 100 and has been nominated for an award from the Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC).

Trade Show Executive’s awards ceremony was held last month in San Diego. The prestigious event—renowned for celebrating the most influential and successful trade shows in various sectors—brought together show organizers, association leaders, and executives from around the world.

JCK 2022 was commended for exceeding pre-pandemic levels in attendance and sales revenue and achieving much higher customer satisfaction and net promoter scores, and for its JCK Talks educational program and 30th-anniversary celebration activities and events.

“We are truly honored and excited to receive the Trade Show Executive Gold 100 Greatest Show of 2022 award,” said Sarin Bachmann, group vice president of the RX jewelry portfolio and event leader for JCK, in a statement. “This recognition reflects the dedication and hard work of our entire team, as well as the ongoing support and engagement of the entire jewelry industry. We are committed to continuously raising the bar and delivering exceptional experiences and value for our attendees, exhibitors, and partners.”

Shortly after winning the Greatest Trade Show honor, JCK was nominated for the Black in Jewelry Coalition’s Shining Together Award, celebrating allies supporting the organization and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in the industry. Also nominated were Greenwich St. Jewelers and Signet Jewelers.

The winner will be announced at Rock the Jewels, a Nov. 16 gala copresented by BIJC and New York City Jewelry Week. Three other BIJC awards will be presented at Rock the Jewels, which will take place at Elsie Rooftop in midtown Manhattan: Lifetime Achievement, recognizing an individual with over 20 years of significant impact on the industry; Behind the Shine, given to an individual for initiatives behind the scenes; and Rising Star, acknowledging an up-and-coming designer.

“It means so much to us at JCK to be recognized by the Black in Jewelry Coalition for our efforts to celebrate and support inclusion in our industry while fostering new opportunities for brands and designers, both established and emerging,” says Bachmann. “Being able to deliver a platform for new talent that will benefit the industry, community, and the mission of inclusivity brings us a great sense of pride. It is an honor to be nominated alongside Signet and Greenwich St. Jewelers as we continue to shine together and shape the future with BIJC.”

This year’s event will also honor Simone I. Smith with BIJC’s Rock the Jewels Award, recognizing the entrepreneur’s contributions to the industry, her resilience, philanthropic endeavors, and support of the Black community. Smith is a cancer survivor whose journey motivated her to launch her eponymous business in 2011. Simone I. Smith’s collections include a partnership with singer Mary J. Blige and a line of men’s jewelry inspired by Smith’s husband, rapper LL Cool J.

“I’m excited to be recognized by the BIJC with the first-ever Rock the Jewels Award because I absolutely love rockin’ jewels,” said Smith in a statement. “My love for jewelry has allowed me to create and design pieces that make women and men feel good, look good, and build confidence. It’s a blessing to lift up and shine a light on others, especially Black and Brown creatives in the jewelry industry. I believe in the power of accessories, especially a big pair of hoops!”

“Congratulations to Simone and the nominees of the inaugural BIJC awards ceremony,” BIJC president Annie Doresca said in a statement. “It is paramount to celebrate the achievements of Black professionals and rising talent in the gem and jewelry industry. This event celebrates luminaries and visionaries whose contributions have been pivotal in our industry’s evolution, while underscoring BIJC’s commitment to uplift every trailblazer on their journey to success.”

Top: JCK 2022 (photograph by Camilla Sjodin)