I’m thrilled to be back in the publisher’s seat at JCK ­magazine and JCKonline.com!

A year ago, I was lured by the prospect of a job in consumer publishing and a move to Los Angeles. With mixed emotions, I left?JCK. Although the new position was challenging and I learned a tremendous amount—especially in the areas of online ­traffic and advertising sales development—I missed the wonderful community of people at the foundation of the worldwide ­jewelry industry.

I was delighted to receive a call from TMG Custom Media, the publishing firm brought in by JCK’s new owner, Reed Exhibitions. They were calling to see if I would consider returning to JCK. The answer was clear. “Yes!”

During my absence, TMG did a tremendous amount of research on the jewelry industry. That research, combined with its extensive knowledge of media, led to a reimagined JCK magazine. (And watch for continuing changes on JCKonline.com.) The bar has been raised for the jewelry industry and for trade magazines in general. (Folio, the trade publication for magazines, has already run an interview with Robert Newman, the designer of the new JCK, concerning raising the editorial standards of trades.)

TMG understands the importance of trim size (you’ve probably noticed how big the magazine is), paper stock (no more see-through pages), original photography, and solid editing. They, along with Reed Exhibitions, understand the need to invest in product to increase return. Together, they have given the jewelry business the “industry authority” trade magazine it truly deserves.

I was thrilled to attend this year’s JCK Las Vegas (two days after I agreed to return as publisher) and see so many friends. What a great show it was! The optimism and energy on the floor were terrific. It really feels as though our industry has turned a corner toward better times. And we certainly look forward to being part of the resurgence.

In this special double issue of JCK, you’ll find the most extensive show coverage we’ve ever done, with reviews and info about JCK Las Vegas (as well as the other shows that week), plus the kinds of stories you’ve come to expect from us. We hope you enjoy it.

Now that I’m back in the jewelry industry’s social whirl, I’m looking forward to summer events like the JA Show, the WJA Awards for Excellence dinner, the AGS Circle of Distinction dinner, and on and on. I hope to see you then.