AGTA and ARIA are only the beginning. We’ve got 26 must-see spots on and off the show floor—including a little after-hours fun. Let the buying (and selling) begin!

Spanning three airport hangar-size floors and featuring 2,500 exhibitors representing every corner of the globe, JCK Las Vegas can certainly feel a tad overwhelming. To ease your navigation of the Big Show, we’ve created an A-to-Z list of some of our favorite highlights from 2013. Looking forward to seeing you on the show floor—we’ll be the ones in the comfy shoes!

A
ARIA Resort & Casino

One of Sin City’s buzziest hotels is now super–show-friendly. The five-diamond ARIA at CityCenter will offer daily direct shuttles that deliver you door-to-door to and from Mandalay Bay in about 10 minutes. The GOLD Boutique Nightclub and Lounge will host the LUXURY show’s Late Night Lounge on May 28 from 10 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. And the Bar Moderno will host a second Late Night Lounge on May 31 from 10 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Courtesy of MGM Resorts

A Staying at ARIA? Getting to and from Mandalay Bay will be a snap.

B
Bridal

Got marriage (jewelry) on your mind? You’ll find some 120 designers and manufacturers in the Bridal Pavilion in Shorelines, Level 2. And because a wedding is nothing without a celebration, The Knot will share the love (and bridal sales tips!) via a special champagne party for retailers that will showcase engagement sets, bands, semi-mounts, and bridal jewelry. Say “I do” on June 1 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Bridal Lounge.

B Look for Stardust Design’s 18k gold and 0.48 ct. t.w. diamond ring ($3,200) in the Bridal Pavilion.

C
Color

Sapphires and garnets and emeralds—oh my! Find a rainbow of brilliantly hued gemstones at the annual American Gem Trade Association GemFair, where international sellers display their finest rocks, polished to a high shine and ready for retail. This year’s GemFair runs May 30–June 3 in the South Pacific and Islander Ballrooms in the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.

D
Design Center

On the lookout for the next hot brand? Head over to the JCK Design Center (Shorelines, Level 2, just adjacent to the Bridal Pavilion), the premier destination for up-and-coming designers and new collections from established jewelry artists. Expect stunning handcrafted pieces from nearly 150 brands such as Anna Ruth Henriques, Cornelia Goldsmith, and Bibi van der Velden, along with collections exclusive to JCK. The outpost will also reprise its annual Rising Stars showcase to spotlight new talent from around the world. One former Rising Star: JCK Rock Star winner Walt Adler.

E
Elite Enclave

The Elite Enclave show at LUXURY highlights a ­handful of jewelry collections that together create a bespoke buying experience for retailers. This year’s top-tier brands include Temple St. Clair, Versace Fine Jewellery, Sasha ­Primak, and more. The decor—dubbed the Garden of Curiosities—will feature gorgeous plants and an elegant green theme.

E Enclave exhibitor Temple St. Clair’s 18k gold pavé halo cutout Sorcerer pendant ($3,200)

F
Fashion Shows

Great baubles look beautiful in a showcase, but they really come to life on a runway. JCK has teamed up with Saks Fifth Avenue to present a series of runway presentations featuring collections straight from the show floor—styled with fashions from the high-end department store. Shows are roughly 30 minutes long and will take place in the Shorelines Lobby, Level 2, May 31 at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m.

G
Getting Around

JCK always strives to make its show easily ­navigable. And this year, there are more ways than ever to map out your days. Download the JCK Mobile App for quick navigation and vendor information (and to store vendor names for later); nab a printed floor plan map; visit jcklv13.mapyourshow.com to strategize your route; stop by an Information Center; or sideline one of the Ask Me staffers—there are more than ever this year, both outside the show and on the floor itself.

G Getting around Mandalay Bay is easier than ever thanks to the JCK Mobile App.

H
Happy Hours

Nothing caps off a long day at JCK like a killer cocktail. Which is why JCK has penciled in daily happy hours Friday through Sunday. The informal get-togethers, featuring a cash bar, kick off at 4 p.m. (ending at 6 p.m.) in the following locations: the Bridal Lounge, ­Shorelines, Level 2; Design Center Lounge, ­Shorelines, Level 2; Social Café Lounge, Shorelines, Level 2; ­Fashion Lounge, Bayside, Level 1; Watches Lounge, Bayside, Level 1; Bayside Lounge, Bayside, Level 1.

H Happy times! Happy nights! Happy hours are here again!

I
International

Travel the globe without ever leaving Mandalay Bay! This year’s show will feature three floors of exhibitors representing more than 30 countries. Shop finished and unfinished jewelry from Brazil, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, and more.

I India’s Amrapali will showcase jewels like this 14k gold, diamond, and emerald cuff ($18,330).

J
JFC Events

Jewelers for Children will host its annual Facets of Hope Dinner, benefiting children in need, Sunday night in Mandalay Bay’s South Seas Ballroom, Level 3, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. And on Thursday, the nonprofit debuts a new annual event, Rings of Strength, where participants can sign up to bike a 50K or 15K or run or walk a 5K. The sporty soiree kicks off at 5:30 a.m.—to sidestep super-steamy temps—at Mandalay Bay.

K
Keynote Speech

Economist, businessman, and publisher Steve Forbes will take the stage at the Plumb Club’s second annual Breakfast Symposium in the South Seas Ballroom, 3rd floor, at 8 a.m. (breakfast starts at 7:30 a.m.). He’ll offer his take on what ­jewelers should expect from the economy, technology, and customers during the next five years. Visit ­plumbclub.com to RSVP.

L
LUXURY

The LUXURY show—which also encompasses Elite Enclave—returns this year with an array of nearly 250 marquee brands from Kirk Kara to KC Designs. Welcoming retailers on an invitation-only basis May 28–30, the high-end exhibition will then open its doors to all JCK attendees May 31–June 3.

L Spark Creations will be showing pieces like these diamond, Ethiopian opal, and tsavorite drops ($21,530) at LUXURY.

M
Maroon 5

Who’s got the moves like Jagger? Like Bruno Mars in 2011 and OneRepublic in 2012, pop-rock ­quintet Maroon 5—headed by The Voice judge/­heartthrob Adam Levine—will be rocking the beach at ­Mandalay Bay on Sunday, June 2, starting at 9 p.m. Bring your JCK show badge or Jewelers for Children dinner ticket for admission, but get there early. It’s first-come, first-served. (And those poolside spots are hard to come by!)

M Get down with Maroon 5 at the third-annual JCK Rocks the Beach.

N
New Exhibitors

There will be 300 new exhibitors at the JCK show this year, and we’ve taken the guesswork out of identifying them by adding a NEW logo on the booths of all first-year companies—and next to their names in the 2013 Exhibitor Directory.

O
Opening & Closing

Know when to go! The JCK show runs May 31–June 3, from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. LUXURY is open for business May 28–June 3 (the first three days are invite-only), 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m. each day. The Equipment, Technology & Supplies show runs May 30–June 3, 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m. daily. The AGTA GemFair operates May 30 to June 3, 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m. On June 3, JCK, LUXURY, ETS, and AGTA all wind down at 4 p.m.

P
Prestige Promenade

Everyone’s welcome in the intimate Prestige Promenade, where you’ll find names such as Oscar Heyman and Omi Privé. But if you’ve got a PP vendor ­partner, lucky you! With a ticket, you can access all the daily amenities: continental breakfast, lunch catered by a
Wolfgang Puck eatery, and afternoon nibbles/drinks. 

P Prestige Promenade hosts high-profile brands including Oscar Heyman and its luxe jewels like this gold, platinum, black opal, and yellow and white diamond bracelet ($200,000).

Q
QR Scanning

No need to bust out the pen and notebook when shopping vendors this year. Keep track of the exhibitors you meet by using the QR Scanning Program in the JCK Mobile App. Ask to scan vendors’ QR codes (they’re on the backs of their ID tags) and—after the show—JCK will email you a list of every exhibitor you met with, along with their full contact information. Voilà!

R
Red Carpet Revue

If scouting trends for your store is a priority, be sure to reserve a spot at Le Vian’s annual Red Carpet Revue and 2014 Jewelry and Fashion Trend Forecast. The jewelry brand will reveal its latest report on what’s hot, in coordination with Harper’s Bazaar’s own fall fashion forecast. Best of all, the whole shebang—which will happen Sunday in the Lagoon Ballroom, Level 2, starting at 4:15 (fashion show at 6 p.m.)—­benefits Jewelers for Children. Email ­fashionshow@levian.com to secure a spot.

R The Le Vian Red Carpet Revue is always a hot ticket.

S
Seminars

JCK’s dedication to education knows no bounds. This year, 65 unique educational sessions are on the agenda, covering topics such as Bridal, Merchandising, Gemstones, Social Media, Sales Training, and Women in Jewelry. A few standouts to consider: “How to Attract and Cultivate the Self-Purchasing Woman Fashion ­Jewelry Shopper,” “How to Navigate Between Fashion and Fine in Your Store,” and “The Next-Generation Customer: Who Are They and How Do We Sell to Them?”

T
Tools

Remember when navigating the show floor required both a show guide and a binder full of ads and articles yanked from the latest issue of JCK? That’s so 1999! This year, take advantage of the My JCK Show Planner on lasvegas.jckonline.com to search exhibitors by country, featured location, and product category; then customize an itinerary that can be delivered straight to your smartphone, saving your back for more strenuous work—like perfecting those dance moves.

U
USA

At JCK, there’s no denying the renaissance in ­American manufacturing taking the country, and the industry, by storm. With 300-plus manufacturers and designers touting made-in-the-USA merch—look for American flags affixed to booths—you’ll have no trouble sourcing products for people who prefer to reward patriotism the old-fashioned way: with their purchases.

V
VicenzaOro Italian Club

Can’t make it to Italy for the VicenzaOro shows? JCK Las Vegas brings a little bit of Vicenza to you. In the heart of Shorelines, Level 2—adjacent to Plumb Club and across the way from LUXURY—you’ll find a ­veritable Italian jewelry bonanza, with some 140 manufacturers showcasing the best and boldest gems and jewels from il bel paese.

V VicenzaOro’s vendors include Montegiorgio, Italy–based Brosway (which will present styles such as this $114 stainless steel and crystal bracelet).

W
Watches

Who needs Baselworld when you’ve got JCK? The Swiss mega-fair took place so late in the season this year that many retailers couldn’t justify a trip to Europe in advance of Vegas market week. Fortunately, JCK has both ends of the market covered—from high-end brands like Bovet, Girard Perregaux, and Ulysse Nardin (which exhibit at the by-appointment-only Swiss Watch) to price point and fashion brands including Claude Bernard and CT Scuderia, both new to the U.S. market and easily accessible on the show’s lower level. And don’t forget to pass by Plumb Club to wish Seiko a happy 100th anniversary.

W Watch out for Seiko timepieces, including this Le Grand Sport ($625).

X
Xtra Curricular Activity

We know, you hardly have time to cover all of JCK. But remember, all work and no play…! If you’re in a shopping mood, Crystals at CityCenter is a luxury paradise (Fendi, Gucci, etc.). For a tipple, there’s the sparkly three-tier Chandelier at the Cosmopolitan and Mandalay Bay’s lounge/club hybrid eyecandy. And you’ve got to eat, right? You’ll find us at RM Seafood (Mandalay) for super-fresh oysters; Blue Ribbon (Cosmopolitan) for wasabi fried chicken; and Nine Fine Irishmen (New York New York) for beer ’n’ cheese dip plus live Celtic rock. Shout-out to retailer John Saslow of Henebry’s and Saslow’s Jewelers, who told us about that Irish pub in the June 2012 JCK.      

Y
Your Store

At last year’s Equipment, Technology & Supplies show, we discovered cutting-edge microscopes, computerized engravers, and energy-efficient LED lights, not to mention a gold-growing machine that transforms a plate of gold powder into a tray of rings literally overnight. With the pace of technological change on a steady upward trajectory, there’s no telling what will be on display this year. Don’t be the last to find out!

Z

Zarkana
ARIA guests have easy access to the magic-themed Cirque du Soleil spectacular Zarkana. But you can also take in the fiery Mystère (Treasure Island), watery “O” (Bellagio), sexed-up Zumanity (New York New York), cinematic KÀ (MGM Grand), Beatles-inspired LOVE (The Mirage), and now, Michael Jackson ONE (Mandalay Bay), the just-opened tribute to the King of Pop that fuses his hits with the troupe’s trademark acrobatics.

Courtesy of Cirque De Soleil

Z Get your Soleil on with Zarkana (or one of six other Cirque shows on the strip).