I’m just back from an exciting week in China. For the second year in a row, I attended the Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s Hong Kong International Jewellery Show, one of the largest in the world. As always, it was terrific seeing our Hong Kong manufacturer friends, as well as colleagues and exhibitors from around the world. I’m not quite sure why, but there’s something magical about running into friends when you’re halfway around the globe.

A special treat this year was having editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky attend the show as well. It’s always a pleasure working alongside Vic—not to mention playing! It was also great to spend time with our international sales representatives Quentin Chan and Mirek Kraczkowski. What a team!

A sales meeting in Shanghai gave Vic and I the opportunity for a 22-hour swing through that amazing town as well. Shanghai is huge and stunning. This city is at once bleak (the view from any tall building is a bronze-air sprawl) and charming (there are districts of restaurants, boutiques, and citizens that rival New York City’s Williamsburg or London’s Spitalfields for their hip vibe). If you are ever in need of a quick list of the “it” places in any foreign city, be sure to drop Vic a line.

This vibrant propaganda poster art (a rich Chinese tradition) caught my eye while walking through the French Concession in Shanghai.

Back in the States, it was my honor to attend my first 24 Karat Club Beefsteak Dinner the day after I returned. This long-standing tradition began in 1908 when, according to club historian Peggy Jo Donahue, the menu featured “Scotch mutton broth, shirred eggs, and kidneys.” Happily, this year’s dinner was held at the terrific Maloney & Porcelli and featured great steaks, stiff drinks, and many great friends!

Speaking of industry friends, this April issue of JCK features our annual Power List, with a focus on Power Groups. It is truly my honor to consider so many of the leaders of these terrific organizations my friends. I am always amazed by the tireless work and endless contributions to the industry that these folks make. Congratulations to them all!

Next up is a week in Europe for Baselworld–The Watch and Jewellery Show, the new Diamond Show Basel, and the new Jewellery & Gem Fair–Europe in Freiburg, Germany. It promises to be an exciting week and I hope to see you there!