The 2002 Atlanta Jewelry Show experienced a record 18% increase in attendance over the 2001 event, according to the Southern Jewelry Travelers Association (SJTA), which sponsors the show.

The August event, held at the Cobb Galleria Centre, also featured the new American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) GemFair South Pavilion, AGTA’s first Southeastern event.

The show featured an expanded seminar program offering a wide range of sales and marketing, technical, bench, and colored-gemstone programs. Other show highlights included a Buyer Gala held at the Renaissance Waverly Hotel.

The show again featured Market Day at AmericasMart, which gave retailers the chance to add fine-gift buying to their jewelry shopping. After the Atlanta Jewelry Show closed, participating retailers were taken by shuttle to the AmericasMart downtown campus where they had a chance to explore showrooms not normally open during weekdays.

The next Atlanta Jewelry Show is scheduled for March 1-3, 2003. For more information, write to SJTA at 4 Executive Park Drive, Suite 1202, Atlanta, GA 30329, call (800) 241-0399 or (404) 634-3434, e-mail: sjta@mindspring.com or visit www.atlantajewelryshow.com.