I'll tell you, Las Vegas is one of my least favorite places, tied with Times Square. However, every year, jewelry and gemstone professionals flock to Nevada for the largest domestic trade show of its kind. Las Vegas hosts this premier event, attracting over 30,000 industry influencers seeking networking and business opportunities.
JCK Las Vegas, established in 1992, is the biggest event during Jewelry Week. Retailers come prepared with checklists for essentials like findings, chains, eternity bands, and diamond studs to meet customer demands. Sharing the inside of the massive Venetian convention center with JCK is the AGTA Gem Fair, featuring America’s top gemstone dealers. The Las Vegas Antique Show and Watch Show at the Wynn Hotel, featuring estate and antique dealers, and The Couture Show, showcasing innovative designer jewelry, also run concurrently, creating a fascinating mix of old and new.
This is my third year attending the event, and it's always an adventure—a whirlwind of intense activity. From reconnecting with old friends to making new contacts, and dodging drunken casino patrons, it's sensory overload, to say the least. The noise, the buzz, the colors, the neon lights, and the cigarette smoke all add to the chaotic atmosphere. So, I figured, why not share the sights, ‘fits, gems, and experiences of my time in Vegas, baby!
Guys, this is a long one! There is so much to share including tons of great images. So if you're reading via email, click through to the web version or view it on the Substack app to see the full post.
TUESDAY, MAY 28: And so it begins…
6:15 am EST, flight to Chicago for my connection. Land in Vegas around 2:00 pm PST. Slot machines in the waiting areas greet me aggressively, reminding me exactly where I am…Sin City!
I grab my luggage and hop in an Uber to the Venetian Hotel. Honey, I am home, for better or worse. No shade to the Venetain, it’s a landmark, an institution, but it’s not the new kid on the block and frankly could use a facelift. I’d much rather stay at the Wynn, it's so chic. However, it's convenient to stay here since the show takes place downstairs in the convention center. I live here now. The room is just as large and ornate as I remember. I peeked out the window and was shocked—I almost peed myself when I saw the Sphere, the Vegas Strip’s newest addition, right outside. Its psychedelic displays run throughout the day and night; in the moment, it looked like a giant alien eye in the sky!
I get settled, unpacking my clothing, hanging and folding, and putting things in drawers just as I would at home. Slip on my pajamas, guzzle a bottle of water, and climb into bed early. Tomorrow will be physically and mentally exhausting, so I need all the rest I can get.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 29: Set-up day
7:30 am call time. It's me and two of my beloved colleagues from Hong Kong setting up our booth at the AGTA section of JCK. We share a camaraderie—these experts have countless shows under their belts.
We unpack and set up the booth, carefully arranging the merchandise for a dress rehearsal of how the gems will look best. It's a full day of work: physically taxing—standing, bending, lifting. There's always something to be done. I'm a perfectionist and want the booth to be 100 percent perfect before opening day.
Around 5:00 pm, set up is complete and I am exhausted. The guys and I grab a quick casual bite and head to our rooms to rest before opening day.
THURSDAY, MAY 30: Opening day!
You know, it can be awkward staying in the same hotel—not just with colleagues, but also with other exhibitors and potential clients. With that in mind, even 6:00 am coffee runs to the hotel lobby require silk pajamas that could pass for a chic co-ord (which they are, after all) and oversized Warby Parker’s to hide blurry eyes and a bare face. You never know who you might see, so I must maintain a sense of dignity as best I can. Ha.
I love how everyone showcases their best merchandise at the show. However, some exceptional items are kept hidden away in the safe for special clients who come into the booth for a meeting. This setup allows attendees to discover truly great material. The same goes for fashion. People really show out this week! Getting dressed and feeling the way you want to feel is important, especially in spaces like this one with lots of unknowns—who you'll meet, what opportunities will arise. Playing with my accessories and what they communicate, not just to others but to myself, gives me a sense of control and confidence as I navigate through the world.
Show ends at 5:30pm we pack up and head to dinner off the strip at one of America's best Thai restaurants, Lotus of Siam. Thank you Billy for the recommendation! We split two orders of the prawns and several other dishes (all delicious)…10/10.
FRIDAY, MAY 31:
Up, off, and running! I have several appointments at the Antique Show in the Wynn Hotel, my favorite hotel on the Strip and my favorite reason to visit. Two ballrooms filled with a highly curated selection of antique and vintage jewelry and watches... my idea of heaven! I see so many warm friendly faces, both old and new. I run into people I haven’t seen in years, including those I worked with in the early days of my career, and it’s heartwarming to catch up with them. The show is bustling and busy, with good vibes all around.
I spot a Victorian turquoise and diamond necklace early on that seems made for me… but not for my wallet. Shortly thereafter, I fall hard for a vintage 1960s Patek Philippe with a lapis dial and bracelet at the Los Angeles-based watch dealer Louis Briscoe, and I’m still thinking about it as I write this!
Before heading back to the Venetian convention center, I stop by to say hello to friends at Camilla Dietz Bergeron and Oakgem. Both dealers showcases are swoon-worthy as always. Loads of vintage David Webb, wearable gold Italian cuffs and necklaces, and new pieces from contemporary designer Silvia Furmanovich.
Dinner was off the beaten path again. Did you know Las Vegas has an Arts District? Me neither. And while it's not Miami's Wynwood, it’s heartening to see local businesses thriving in a city often dominated by chains and tourism.
SATURDAY, JUNE 1:
Wash, rinse, repeat. I break away from my booth (work) and stop by a few of my favorites at the AGTA Gem fair (where my company is exhibiting). Julia (aka Jewels with Jules), the crew at Misfit, and my LA lovers at Poli Trading!
Julia’s family business, Intercolor, specializes in colored gemstones such as rubies and sapphires. She was kind enough to show me a rare 10-carat ruby from Madagascar, which was so vibrant and delicious in color that it looked like candy—good enough to eat! Julia herself looked stunning and on theme in an Alice and Olivia gem-encrusted top. She is always one of the best dressed at these shows!
Misfit Diamonds is famous for their unique penis phallus-shaped diamonds and sapphires. While they don't make jewelry themselves, they have friends who do. I’m considering a phallus-shaped diamond pendant for my necklace stack... too much?
Poli Trading always impresses. Their displays are the most innovative, chic, and fun, with a definite LA style and sensibility. They work with designers and creative minds. Their collection of reclaimed and antique diamonds is expansive, now including some colored gems and finished jewelry.
SUNDAY, JUNE 2:
Second to last day at the show, and honestly, it’s been a bit of a slog. Traffic at the JCK show, including the AGTA Gem Fair, was down significantly and shockingly this year, highlighting the market's uncertainty (more on that later). Nevertheless, the exhibitors and scarce attendees continued to show up in style! Personal flair was at a ten, with both men and women dressed in bright colors, patterns, fabulous accessories (men in brooches!), and smiles.
Dinner was at Safta, in the Wynn. Beautiful setting, beautiful service, beautiful food! After dinner we stopped by Eden Gallery to check out the latest works from Alec Monopoly. I drooled over a one-of-a-kind custom-painted Birkin bag by the hot graffiti artist, whose pieces, according to the gallerist, rise in market value by 16% yearly. Apparently the gallery has received numerous offers from celebrities and royalty wanting to buy it, but they aren't selling! I love how Alec Monopoly pushes the boundaries between traditional and modern aesthetics.
MONDAY, JUNE 3: Last dance
It's the last day of the show, and we are utterly exhausted, losing track of time while living inside a casino resort. Luckily, it's a short one today. The show closes at 4pm, and we start packing around 1pm. These final hours provide a chance to reflect and chat with other exhibitors about their experiences this year. Was it successful for them? Will they return next year?
It's clear that this year's JCK show (which includes the AGTA Gem Fair, where I exhibited) was not a great success. The consensus among exhibitors, including those with more experience, is that JCK primarily focuses on jewelry, with gemstones feeling like an afterthought. While retailers and buyers from the American market attend, European brands have not returned post-COVID, opting for Gem Genève to do their sourcing, and there were fewer brands from Asia walking the show this year. The gem pavillion feels like a secondary part of this show and many exhibitors in this sector feel that they treated accordingly. Gems are secondary to jewelry, and that's where the focus lies.
Another issue is the sheer number of booths, leading to a dilution of spending power across all vendors. Unlike the more concentrated Tuscon Gem Fair, where buyers focus their purchasing efforts, here it feels like there are too many vendors and not enough buyers. Consequently, attendees save their money and effort for gem purchases elsewhere, leaving us with afterthought purchases and passersby merely admiring our products. Additionally, higher price points in the gem pavillion compared to middle-grade jewelers may be hindering our success.
And so the thought is that for this show to continue and be successful, regardless of the market challenges like major global conflicts and big elections, the organizers need to be more in tune with and responsive to the exhibitors' feedback. Otherwise, they risk becoming out of touch and potentially obsolete, similar to what happened with the now defunct Basel, which has since been replaced by Gem Genève. The costs to exhibit at these shows are skyrocketing, with booths costing upwards of $100 per square foot, not including expenses for booth construction, displays, signage, travel costs for representatives, and hotel accommodations.
It remains to be seen what will happen. Time will tell if this show will shrink following a challenging year. It's possible. I guess I'll have to wait and see; the jury is still out, and each company has its own set of priorities. While it may feel obligatory to participate in this show, as if having a presence is a must, I did notice that notable dealers chose not to have a booth this year, opting to allocate their funds elsewhere.
Deep thoughts…
TUESDAY, JUNE 4: So long Vegas! See you next year?
8:00 am flight to LaGuardia. Home by late afternoon. It’s so good to be back in my bubble.
Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed following along. I have some really wonderful interviews coming in the next few weeks, so keep your eyes and inboxes peeled. In the meantime, if you have any questions, comments, need guidance, help sourcing, or just want to say hello, please DM me!
xx Veronica
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One of the best things about Vegas is the superb restaurant scene! And love how you accentuated your travel wardrobe with stunning OOAK jewelry - I'm so inspired for my next trip!
You looked gorgeous! Loved all your outfits and jewelry selection. My dream is to attend JCK.