JCK LAS VEGAS OPENS
Boasts Improvements and Upgrades in 2nd Year at Mandalay Bay
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Las Vegas, NV (June 1, 2012) - JCK Las Vegas 2012, JCK Events' flagship jewelry event in Las Vegas, opened today. The show features over 2,500 jewelry brands, individual designers, and manufacturers across 3 levels of convention space at Mandalay Bay and will run through June 4, 2012.
In it's 2nd year at the Mandalay Bay space, JCK Las Vegas made noticeable changes in the key areas of navigation, transportation, dining and lounge space. The revamped navigational guiding system includes color-coded maps, improved directional signage, an icon system, and the use of 3 internal staircases between floors. Navigation is further enhanced with use of JCK's 2012 Mobile app, which features a G.P.S. navigational system.
Continuing the theme of improved navigation and transportation, JCK Las Vegas has partnered with the Couture Las Vegas show, taking place at Wynn Las Vegas, and the Allen Waxler Group to provide a plethora of continuous transportation options between the two shows including limo and bus service, as well as VIP car service.
At the close of Day 1, buyers responded positively to the products exhibitors are showcasing and the business dealings that have taken place thus far. Severine Ferrari of Engagement 101 Magazine commented "We are really impressed by the amount of exciting product and new designers bringing a fresh approach to the bridal jewelry market. We also like the fact that there's a range of prices being presented."
By way of comfort services, the 2012 show floor features 23 restaurant concessions with expanded cuisine options, including healthy Grab & Go, Jain Asian, Kosher and more, and an increase in lounge space by nearly 75%.
Kert Blodgett of retail institution ChasSchwartz & Son remarked "We're very happy that exhibitors are being realistic about the state of things today and are truly looking to establish partnerships with retailers."
The 2,500 exhibiting companies are spaced over 3 floors and grouped into different categories, providing one stop shopping for vendors and retailers alike. The broad range of products offered include trendsetting designs found at the Design Center to the high-end bridal and fashion designs of LUXURY to the upscale watch collections of Swiss Watch. Swiss Watch, a part of LUXURY and home to 30 watch brands such as Tag Heuer, Breitling, Hublot, Swatch, Gucci and more, also began today, taking place in the suites of Mandalay Bay, THEhotel and Mandarin Oriental at CityCenter (JCK Las Vegas provided transportation).
From the exhibitor side, Daniel Tishbi of David Tishbi, was pleased with the day's events, sharing "We are encouraged by a strong first day at the Show and look forward to it continuing though out the next 3 days."
In addition to the jewelry designers and manufacturers that exhibit, the AGTA GemFair™ and Equipment Technology & Supplies areas of the show are open and abuzz.
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ABOUT JCK EVENTS:
JCK is a trusted partner connecting jewelry retailers and anufacturers/suppliers with trends, news, products, education and partners to build business. Whether attending face-to-face events, building inventory with online and onsite sourcing or obtaining authoritative news and insights from JCK, the leading industry magazine in print & online, JCK offers a suite of tools, events and information to deliver sound solutions, innovative opportunities and essential information. Mark your calendars as JCK Events presents its portfolio of buying opportunities:
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Saturday, June 2, 2012
#JewelWKLV - JCK With Positive Reports From Exhibitors and Buyers
AGS Labs Wholly & Completely Owned By The Society
Invited by the American Gem Society we all waited noisily for the announcement. Ruth Batson, AGS Executive Director and CEO, quietly took the stage to announce that the American Gem Society (AGS), has acquired the remaining forty-nine percent (49%) interest of American Gem Society Laboratories (AGS Labs) that it does not currently own, making it a wholly-owned subsidiary of the AGS. AGS previously held a fifty-one percent (51%) majority stake in AGS Labs since its formation in 1996.
A little bit of history may help you realize the importance of this move and the effect of the AGS Lab on the Diamond Industry...in particular in the area of recognizing the influence of CUT!
AGS Labs was created more than 15 years ago when the Society recognized the diamond world (suppliers, retailers and consumers) would benefit from a laboratory held to a higher standard of diamond grading. With that in mind, AGS and private industry investors founded AGS Labs to ensure consistent diamond grading reports that specialized in the Cut Grade.
The Society knew its cut grading system would change the world of diamond cutting, giving the consumer a more beautiful product, and providing the AGS retailer with an important tool that would help build value in their service.
In a nutshell, the AGS had what no one else had: a standard for grading cut on a round brilliant diamond. More than15 years later, AGS Labs is still the recognized leader for the Cut Grade.
“While AGS needed private investors to launch AGS Labs, the original intent was to always have it be a wholly-owned subsidiary,” said Ruth Batson, AGS Executive Director and CEO. “The buyout benefits the AGS members and the AGS Lab’s clients allowing the combined forces to work more closely together to better service the customers of the Labs and the members of the AGS. AGS Labs will continue to have its own board of directors and will keep its focus on consumer protection.”
“When our AGS committee; made up of myself, Mark Moeller, Andy Meyer and Bob Speisman, made the recommendation that AGS open a Diamond Grading Lab taking advantage of its strength of having a standard for Cut Grading diamonds, we all knew that we had a pretty solid idea that we could sell to jewelry industry investors that would help AGS deliver on its mission of protecting the consumer,” said Clayton Bromberg, Managing Member of the AGS Lab Investors and President, Underwood Jewelers, Inc. “What none of us knew then was that what the Lab did was going to change the world of diamond cutting for the better, not just for the consumer but also for the diamond cutting trade and the honest, ethical retail jeweler. The day has come when AGS now owns the Labs, wholly buying the investors out and we all look forward to watching both AGS and the AGS Labs continue to soar.”
Incoming President of the Board for AGS, David Gardner referred to the group of supporter/investors that got the AGS Lab up and running as "...the most visionary, risk taking group of individuals in the history of the AGS!"
Gardner also took a moment to recognize the diligent efforts of out-going President of the Board of Directors, Cathy Calhoun who was present for the announcement!
About American Gem SocietyThe American Gem Society, founded in 1934 by Robert M. Shipley, is a not-for-profit trade association dedicated to proven ethics, knowledge, and consumer protection within the jewelry industry. The American Gem Society is a professional organization awarding credentials for its members, who are held to the highest ethical and professional standards in the industry and must pass annual recertification examinations to maintain their titles. Less than five percent of jewelers in the country have met the exacting requirements necessary for membership.
For more information regarding the American Gem Society, please call 866.805.6500, or visit
www.AmericanGemSociety.org.
The AGS Laboratories, established in 1996, is committed to protecting the consumer by providing unbiased reports based on the highest standards of diamond grading. Well-known for its famous cut grade technology, the American Gem Society Lab offers the premier scientific, peer reviewed, and repeatable diamond grading methodology for the jewelry industry.
For more information on the AGS Performance-Based cut grade system, or any of the AGS Laboratories’ products and services, please visit www.agslab.com or email support@agslab.com.
#JewelWKLV - AGTA Gemfair Las Vegas
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| Equatorian Imports features Red Beryl and stunning Cats-Eye Tourmaline! Booth - #AGTA404 |
AGTA Gemfair Las Vegas
This one is for all my GEMMY Friends!!! You know I stopped in as soon as the doors opened - this is the show that I am so excited to see! You have gone on Gemfair trips with me in Tucson before...but I have to say the Las Vegas venue is just as big with so many vendors!!! ....and busy - busy - busy!
There were some vendors that were still setting up - an issue throughout the event on the 30th & 31st - flights from the Pennsylvania and Texas areas were either being cancelled or delayed...but they were there for the Opening! ...can'r keep a good Gem down!
This show has everything you have come to expect from an AGTA show and more!
I think that there are a couple good thing that have come from our economic issues - first and foremost...it is GREAT to see the attention on hand cut and faceted gem cutters...and in this show " Made in the USA"
is getting special attention! Just a few of the represented brands are Jewels from the Woods - AGTA222; John Dyer - AGTA1204 and Tom Trozzo - AGTA506 (Photo is from Tom Trozzo - just under 500 carats of hand-cut Amethyst!)
...and secondly, the use of gems that were never before in the Luxury or Fine Jeweler's Lexicon! these goodies can include (pun intended) diamond slices - rose cut (flat back) diamonds and colored stones - quartz with everything but the kitchen sink in it and druzy everywhere!
(Photos: Left from Lakhi Gems - Cognac and Rose Cut Diamonds and Below: from Rare Earth Mining #AGTA427 - Druzy coated in Precious Metals)
There are of course the traditional Gems with the big three (Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire) heavily represented and the non - traditional Rare stones - Paraiba and Mozambique Tourmaline shown from Pala International in Booth #AGTA514.
Pearls are showing NO sign of letting up - a classic that is VERY much on trend today! ...and with over a dozen pearl vendors on the floor there is something for every shopper. Betty Sue King of King's Ransom Pearls says that the hot items for her are her strands of "Comet" Pearls, her "Magic Metallics" and just look at the color in the baroques in front of her...King's Ransom is in Booth #AGTA411
Friday, June 1, 2012
Bella Plata Debuts at JCK Las Vegas #JewelWKLV
NEW JEWELRY LINE EVOKING ANCIENT CULTURES TO DEBUT AT JCK
Stunning Earrings, Cuffs, Pendants and Crosses
Illustrate A New Epic Concept in Jewelry
WHERE: LUXURY at JCK
Booth 2010
Evoking the mystique of cultures from the sands of the Sahara to the majesty of the Ural Mountains, Bella Plata, a new jewelry line, will be introduced at the JCK Luxury Jewelry Show in Las Vegas from May 29 to June 4, 2012.
Inspired by the designs of many ancient cultures, the new line combines elements from Russian, Celtic, Semitic, Egyptian, Persian and Indian cultures and creates an appealing new epic concept in jewelry.
Bella Plata will debut a wide range of glamorous earrings, stunning cuffs as well as beautiful pendants and crosses in heirloom quality designs handcrafted by a team of skilled artists. Featuring some of the most exotic and unique designs available in the jewelry industry today, Bella Plata’s intricate pieces are elegantly styled in Sterling and Colored Gem
This captivating collection is crafted with such elegant stones as Sleeping Beauty, Lapis, London Blue Topaz, Sky Blue Topaz, Amethyst, Rhodolite, Garnet, Turquoise, White Topaz, Green Amethyst,Black Spinel and more. Retail prices of earrings range from $350 to $600. For example, a set of spectacular dangling Sterling Silver earrings with Sky Blue and London Blue Topaz is priced at $400. Cuff bracelets in a jewel encrusted, hinged setting with exquisite gallery work start at $700. All jewelry is prong set and hand finished.
According to Mike Roth, Managing Director at Bella Plata, ”For a romantic interlude, an elegant wedding or an adventurous outing Bella Plata’s sensual designs are for the woman who wants to add an extra touch of glamour to her life and own a special piece of hand crafted, quality jewelry at an affordable price.”
The unique designs of Bella Plata are being launched this week. The evocative line can be viewed at Booth 2010 at the Luxury and JCK. Representatives from Bella Plata invite retailers to visit the booth and discuss business options. Media representatives are invited to our booth to learn more about this exciting product launch.
Bella Plata is a new company founded to launch this exotic and evocative new jewelry line. It offers a wide range of high quality earrings, cuffs, pendants and crosses in unique designs. This fine collection is a new dimension in beautiful gemstone and silver jewelry. Bella Plata jewelry speaks with more passion than words.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
RITMO MUNDO INTRODUCES REFLEX TO THE US AT JCK LAS VEGAS
RITMO MUNDO
JCK Las Vegas - Italian Pavilion
S12530-32-34; Shorelines Level 2
RITMO used the Sao Paulo Indy 300 Race in May to introduce it's latest watch design, REFLEX. Indy Car Driver Helio Castroneves, Brand Ambassador shot the campaign with RITMO’s latest Brazilian model.
...we may not have a hot Brazilian Model for you to pose with a the JCK Show in Las Vegas, but RITMO is offering you the opportunity to win a REFLEX of your own!
After seeing and trying on the REFLEX I have to say that the fun, bold look of this light up silicone band "slap" watch is clean and sporty. With it's young, unique look this watch will explode once the American public sees it in action!
Tell me that isn't HOT!!!
PALLADIUM ALLIANCE INT'L ANNOUNCES JEWELRY DESIGN CONTEST
PALLADIUM ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES
INDUSTRY’S LARGEST JEWELRY DESIGN CONTEST
Up to 100 winners; up to $1 million in prizes; up for grabs!
BILLINGS, Montana —Tuesday, May 29, 2012—Palladium Alliance International (PAI) announces today that it will sponsor the largest jewelry design contest in the industry to date. The competition which will exclusively showcase designs crafted in palladium will offer up to 100 designers and retailers who create in-house custom designs a chance to share up to $1 million in prizes.
“PAI is the world’s first organization dedicated to promoting palladium as a luxurious and distinctive jewelry metal,” said John Stark, Chairman of the Palladium Alliance. “A contest that encourages creation of more palladium jewelry is a natural fit for the organization.”
The competition is open to designers and retailers located in the United States and the District of Columbia. All entries must feature only genuine gemstones (if gemstones are included) and 95% palladium alloy as the only precious metal design element. A panel of industry experts will score the entries based on how well each design highlights the key qualities of palladium: its natural whiteness, durability and light weight.
Up to 100 winners will receive a refund check equal to the cost of the 950 palladium alloy used in their winning piece, up to five ounces—a virtually unheard of action in design competitions—along with a professional photo of their winning design; inclusion in a major stylist showroom throughout 2013 for possible use in celebrity dressings at major events such as the Golden Globes, Emmy Awards and Oscars; and other prizes. The three top designs will have the winners’ names and pieces featured in PAI print ads in top fashion magazines, such asInStyle, W, Elle, Marie Claire and Cosmopolitan. In addition, the Grand Prize winner will receive a contract to create a line of palladium jewelry with PAI supplying up to thirty ounces of 950 palladium alloy to facilitate manufacturing of the line. Total value of the available prizes: up to $1 million in cash and promotional consideration.
Interested designers and retailers are encouraged to review the complete contest rules at luxurypalladium.com/
The competition begins on May 29, 2012, with photos/drawings/CAD-rendered concepts due from entrants on Friday, September 21, 2012. Up to 100 finalists will be notified on Friday, October 5, 2012 to begin work on their finished pieces, which will be due for final evaluation no later than Monday, December 17, 2012. Palladium Alliance International will announce the official winners, up to 100, on Monday, January 14, 2013, along with the winners of the third, second and Grand prize. Checks reimbursing winners for the cost of the 950 palladium alloy used in their pieces will be issued February 28, 2013.
“This is an exciting opportunity for designers, retailers and PAI,” John Stark, Chairman of the Palladium Alliance, concluded. “Palladium is coming into its own as a distinctive luxury metal in jewelry design—and entrants in this extraordinary contest are about to prove just how stunning it can be.”
Palladium is a rare and lustrous silvery-white metal that, together with platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium and osmium, form the group of elements known as the platinum group of metals. It is lightweight, durable, naturally white, pure, and sensitive to the skin. It is becoming the luxury metal of choice for a growing number of fashion-forward jewelry designers and savvy consumers.
Formed in March 2006, Palladium Alliance International (PAI) is the world’s first organization dedicated to promoting palladium as a luxurious and distinctive jewelry metal which is backed by industry-leading education, marketing, public relations and technical support. To learn more, visit www.luxurypalladium.com. To learn more about the contest, visit www.luxurypalladium.com/
JCK EVENTS' LUXURY PREVIEW EVENT CLOSES; JCK LAS VEGAS BEGINS
JCK EVENTS' LUXURY PREVIEW EVENT COMES TO A CLOSE; JCK BEGINS
LUXURY Will Open Its Doors to all JCK Las Vegas Badge Holders
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Las Vegas, NV (May 31, 2012) - JCK Events' high-end show, LUXURY, has concluded its 3-day preview event and will open its doors to all JCK Las Vegas badge holders with the beginning of JCK Las Vegas on Friday, June 1st. The show will run through June 4th, with LUXURY remaining open for the duration.
The LUXURY preview event, featuring over 230 exhibitors, was attended by over 700 invited retailer store and invited members of the press, an impressive attendance for the show's 2nd year at the Mandalay Bay location.
LUXURY retailers, the finest in the industry, were treated to various amenities and events, including sponsored breakfasts featuring key note speakers, upscale dining options and relaxation services, daily happy hours and the nightly Late Night Lounge hosted at Mandalay Bay's eyecandy Sound Lounge.
In addition, All-Access badge holders, including retailers and exhibitors, attended the Gala Event Wednesday evening, which featured a Chef's tasting menu and wine pairing and entertainment from comedian Frank Caliendo.
Polled exhibitors were pleased with the show's luxury environment and the results from the 3-day preview event. Of exhibiting for the first time at Elite Enclave, Liz Sahakyan of Cassis shared "As a pioneer exhibitor at JCK, we felt it was time for the show to provide a luxury environment for high end brands and are thrilled to be part of the Elite Enclave experience. It's been a very successful showing for us is in terms of meeting new, high-end stores and our existing luxury retailers. The unique yet upscale atmosphere caters very well to high-end retailers."
On attendance and perceived business taking place at the event, Ashu Malpani of Dynamic International explained "The show has been excellent. We've had nice, professional and serious buyers who were coming to look for something different. We've gotten great exposure for our collection. Keep up the good work!"
John Tierney, LUXURY's Event Director, adds "We are thrilled with how the first three days have gone and feel that we met our goals of providing the utmost in services to the top-tier retailers in our industry. And the exhibitors certainly did their part by bringing their A-game; the product is absolutely extraordinary. Now it's on to the larger show and we are excited to welcome all JCK Las Vegas badge holders to experience a taste of LUXURY."
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ABOUT JCK EVENTS:
JCK is a trusted partner connecting jewelry retailers and manufacturers/suppliers with trends, news, products, education and partners to build business. Whether attending face-to-face events, building inventory with online and onsite sourcing or obtaining authoritative news and insights from JCK, the leading industry magazine in print & online, JCK offers a suite of tools, events and information to deliver sound solutions, innovative opportunities and essential information. Mark your calendars as JCK Events presents its portfolio of buying opportunities:
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