#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!

#LuxurybyJCK Retailer of the Year Finalists Announced At LUXURY by JCK #JWLV

from Press Release LUXURY Announces Retailer of the Year Finalists

Shortly after opening its doors yesterday, JCK's LUXURY show announced the finalists for its prestigious Retailer of the Year Award. The finalists are: Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Gifts, Dianna Rae Jewelry, G. Thrapp Jewelers, JR Dunn Jewelers, and Roberson's Fine Jewelry.

The Retailer of the Year Award program was started in 2014 and looks to recognize excellence in retail service based on timely criteria. The 2015 finalists were chosen based on the theme of 'Redesigning Retail', which looks for aptitude in rising to the challenges of the modern retailing era. Key points/areas on which the retailers were graded/judged include: successful meshing of online markets and sales with traditional brick and mortar models for business, exemplary use of social media, and an acute understanding of and incorporation of lifestyle marketing and branding.

The 2015 finalists have shown an impressive level of business savvy, as well as a commitment to service, and are all demonstrated leaders of Industry. Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Gifts in Omaha, NE is one of the nation's largest and most well known jewelers. In business for 100 years, the store's commitment to evolving with the market and offering top notch service, are complimented by forward thinking consumer marketing and communications strategies, as seen in their Borsheim's branded nail polish, scented marketing materials, and top rated Instagram account. Dianna Rae Jewelry, a tiny jewel box in Lafayette, LA is known for making a big impression with their unique custom experience. Utilizing impressive technology, such as 3-D printing, while combining design process and expert customer relations, is a winning combination and a sought after shopping experience. G. Thrapp Jewelers located in Indianapolis, IN is famous for its unique nautical interior, a cozy lakeside home to vintage treasures, custom creations and an impressive array of fine designer and bridal jewelry. Nothing is common about this unique shopping experience and personal relationships are key. JR Dunn Jewelers epitomizes the trusted family business, operating a massive storefront in the tight-knit yet affluent community of Lighthouse Point, FL. JR Dunn was the first jeweler to embrace e-commerce and has enjoyed its status as trailblazer ever since, particularly because they have a knack for driving web traffic into the store. JR Dunn is open 365 days a year and features waterfront dining. Roberson's Fine Jewelry in Little Rock, AK, started as a traditional gold and silver, classic retailer but has grown into a unique blend of old and new. Not one to shy away from trends, Roberson's boasts an astounding selection of fashion forward designers and caters toward the female self-purchaser. The store prides itself on serving women, promoting designers, cultivating relationships and providing an atmosphere of fashionable fun. For more on each of the finalists, click here for an engaging video presentation. Watch the video here>> The winner will be announced on Thursday, May 28th at the final LUXURY breakfast event. LUXURY takes place Tuesday, May 26 through Monday, June 1 at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas and features 225 exhibitors, including the stylishly, curated brands of Elite Enclave

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, visit jckonline.com.

#LUXURYbyJCK Let's Take a Walk Through The Elite Enclave #JWLV

The Elite Enclave is a curated group of recognized designers and companies that are housed in the most romantic setting. Each year the room has a new theme - this year it is the "Anchors Aweigh" and you are swept away to brunch at the Yacht Club - the men have returned from the morning crew work out and everyone is lounging with cocktails. Resplendent in wood and Adirondack inspired furnishings with the team's Rower hung overhead!

First stop - VTse - LUXEE13 - I am huge fan of this lady's design and her use of some of the less known gems - it takes guts to take on educating the buying public.

This stopped me in my tracks

Whether you like your diamonds sliced - faceted - rosecut....VTse has them!

NEXT UP - Andreoli - LUXEE2  - the best of old world craftsmanship in looks that work for today!  ...and you could work with a nicer family!

This year - LUXE Intelligence - LUXEE11 -  has its own mini show within the Elite Enclave - BRILLIANT Andrea!

...and I met the loveliest gentlemen from Haridra - LUXEE14 - with some stunning Jewelry!  

Hulchi Bellini - LUXEE4 charmed me with these sweet cuts and soft colors!

....and finally - TAKAT!!!  what can I say - saved the best for last! TAKAT - LUXEE7 - is OVER THE TOP LUXURY at it's best!