#JWLV From Five Finalists LUXURY Announces Retailer of the Year Winner!

from Press Release

LUXURY Announces Retailer of the Year Winner

LUXURY announced the winner of its 2015 Retailer of the Year yesterday—J.R. Dunn Jewelers. The 50 total applicants were narrowed down to five finalists which included Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Gifts in Omaha, NE, Dianna Rae Jewelry in Lafayette, LA ,G. Thrapp Jewelers in Indianapolis, IN , and Roberson's Fine Jewelry in Little Rock, AK, J.R. Dunn Jewelers in Lighthouse Point, FL received the most votes to take the prestigious title. This is the LUXURY show's second year naming a top retailer to honor for a year of excellence in retail service. All five stores were recognized at LUXURY's final breakfast on Thursday morning, with J.R. Dunn receiving a round of thunderous applause when named. "First it was butterflies, then it was pure electricity and joy when we heard J.R. Dunn Jewelers announced as the winner. It is extremely gratifying to know we had the support of not only our clients and local community but our jewelry industry peers as well. We owe a lot to our J.R. Dunn team, both at the show and at home, who came together and executed a plan to win with incredible tenacity. It is also great for the spirit of our company, our associates are filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment." said Sean Dunn, Vice President J.R. Dunn Jewelers. Retailers were judged based on how well their stores were able to meet challenges and exceed expectations in the modern era of retailing-one which includes e-commerce, a meshing of e-commerce with brick and mortar, prolific social media use, and mastery of lifestyle marketing all aligned with the overarching theme of "Redesigning Retail". Voting for the LUXURY community opened on Tuesday, May 26 at 11:00 am and closed on Wednesday, May 27 at 6:00 pm. Voters were given three options to vote: Text to vote, "like" to vote on Instagram and "like" to vote on the LUXURY community Facebook page. Between the three options, over 2,600 votes were cast. "J.R. Dunn was the winner through all voting channels including Facebook, Instagram and text. This is a true representation of their fan following and click to brick marketing strategy. We're delighted to honor this very deserving retailer." said Sarin Bachmann, Event Director, LUXURY Events. Learn more about J.R. Dunn Jewelers here>>

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 Magazine – the leading industry publication in print & online - JCK offers a suite of tools and events to deliver sound solutions, innovative opportunities, and essential information. For more information on JCK Events, visit jckonline.com.

#JWLV Rising Stars At JCK's Design Center #JCKLasVegas

Marcia Budet - Design Center - S11105

Heather Guidero - Design Center - S11104 

Ralph Masri - Design Center - S11103

Arya Esha - Design Center - S11102

 Two very different collections 

Pink Guava (above) and

Galaxy (below)

Dao Fournier - Design Center - S11101 

When you have lovely twins you make use of them!

#JCKLasVegas Opens on the Heels of Successful LUXURY Preview #JWLV

	FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JCK Las Vegas Opens on the Heels of Successful LUXURY Preview   Las Vegas, NV (May 30, 2015) — JCK Las Vegas, the largest jewelry tradeshow in North America, opened its doors Friday to commence its 24th event. The opening follows a successful 3-day, by invitation-only LUXURY show preview, indicating strong attendance and buying for the days ahead. " This year's LUXURY event has new excitement. The group of Elite Enclave brands, with its concentration of elite fashion designers is a refreshing twist on the show itself." said Julie Maddox, Vice President, Roberson's Fine Jewelry, Little Rock, AK.  Buyers and exhibitors alike were met with an enthusiastic JCK team, ready to wow them with new exhibitors, show upgrades, and a highly anticipated events and entertainment schedule. "There is so much to see and take advantage of at JCK Las Vegas 2015," Yancy Weinrich said. "We are thrilled to have over 2,300 brands exhibiting-many returning faces and some new, such as ALEX AND ANI, Roseark, an impressive increased presence from Forevermark and a new Tech neighborhood which has been quite an attraction." Feedback on the show atmosphere and upgrades, as well as business dealings, was highly positive. JCK Las Vegas 2015 boasts an easier to navigate show floor, largely due to a new icon system delineating curated neighborhood pavilions, which appealed to busy shoppers out of the gate on Friday. Attendees also noticed a sophisticated style infusion throughout the show's campus. Additionally, scores of industry professionals seemed to enjoy the new lounges-many with specific themes and amenities including a spa lounge, translation services in the passport lounge, and roaming food carts. "For us, the opening day of JCK was excellent in terms of traffic, it is like the faucet was turned on. We had a great first day. We had a lot of retailer success." said Brian Watkins, President, Ritani. Beyond the fantastic jewelry and other industry vendors to see, there is a broad range of events to enjoy and benefit from, including many fashion-themed events hosted by famous costumer designers—Patricia Field, Lou Eyrich, Meredith Markworth-Pollack, and Ellen Mirojnick, plus bloggers, and editors. About JCK: 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 Magazine - the leading industry publication in print & online - JCK offers a suite of tools and events to deliver sound solutions, innovative opportunities, and essential information. For more information on JCK Events, visitjckonline.com.

#JWLV On Blogs and Blogging OR The Blogger Talk #JCKTalks #JCKLasVegas

Just back from the Blogging Seminar - or - "The Power of Blogging" and I wanted to get a report out because I know you want to know how the girls did!

STANDING ROOM ONLY!!!

...which is a feat on its own but when the panel was held the day before JCK opens...I am impressed!

In Brief here is how it went....in pictures!

JCK's Mark Smelzer Introduced Diane who introduced the panel

The Ladies waiting in the wings 

First up the statuesque Monica "iDazzle" Stephenson

The dynamic and gorgeous Barbara Palumbo

Drop the mike - DONE!

Danielle "Gem Gossip" Miele changed the vibe by talking from her seat a tactic I understand all to well! 

Last but certainly not least Katerina Perez came all the way from London!

Katerina also chose to present from her seat...

What qualifies these women to presenr on this topic?   follow their blogs and you will see!

Monica  iDazzle http://idazzle.com/

Barbara  Adornmentality  http://adornmentality.com/

Danielle   Gem Gossip  http://gemgossip.com/

Katerina  Katerina Perez  http://www.katerinaperez.com/

#JWLV A Quick Wander Through AGTA... #AGTALV

Ran through the AGTA Show this morning and took some quick shots from the floor  - it is a little limited due to the AGTA ban on cameras on their show floor - so the only Vendors I can cover are personal friends.  

You are so lucky that my friends ROCK!

First up Philip Zahm - AGTA904

This little Cats Eye Chrysoberyl winked at me from across the room!

....and what a surprise to see Lithographie along the halls of AGTA....some of my favorite gem books!

A trip to AGTA wouldn't be the same without a stop at PrimaGems  AGTA837 - between their amazing unheated Tanzanite and SPHENE!!!!

...and a quick stop to ask Master Cutter John Dyer what was new that he was proudest to show and he pulled out this amazing tray of Sapphires and Rubies...

#JWLV Our First Walk Through Luxury #LuxuryByJCK

Quick walk through LUXURY by JCK - this is the first of several trips through this curated wonderland of over 200 luxury vendors...

LUXURY by JCK is made up of 220+ fine jewelry brands that are carefully curated for this invitation only event. From rows of the most dazzling diamonds in every color range to some of the rarest colored gems sitting next to modern high style pieces - there is a smattering of everything at Luxury by JCK.

First up Jack Kelege  LUX300 - if you can get up to the booth to see their goods - it is worth the wait - busy - but really beautiful goods - I am particularly excited to see that the long neck lines  are still trending!

Getana & Co. stopped me in my tracks with their gorgeous opal display right at the door to LUXURY  LUX100

The NEW from Supreme  LUX611 is a touch of old world glamour from fine engraved detailing to flirty earrings that sway with your movement...

A&D Gem Co/Davani LUX335 - what can I say - just one gorgeous piece after another - this from a company with roots in the Gem game - that is now ready to Brand as a Jewelry Design firm....(I will be doing a complete write up on Davani later)

I lost my heart when I saw this stunner from Tresor LUX701 - it is just a small part of a Tourmaline Suite...

Sylvie Collection LUX101 - has made such a huge mark on the Wedding market - rings for women designed by a woman - makes so much sense! ...and her latest vintage styling WOW!

...and for me - the show stopper Vianna Brasil  LUX1000! With lines that put you everywhere from the Mountains to the Beaches of Brazil - this line is a MUST SEE!  (expect a more detailed write up at a later date).

Next AGTA - and then more LUXURY!