Events & AwardsSep 18, 2023
New York City Jewelry & Watch Show Announces 2023 Exhibitors Events & AwardsSep 22, 2023
HardRock Summit To Relocate In 2024
The event is moving just outside of Denver.
The HardRock Summit trade show, normally at the Colorado Convention Center, announced its 2024 show will take place Sept. 12-15 at The Westin Hotel in Westminster, Colorado.
Denver—Last week, the Colorado-based Hardrock Summit show concluded its third year and announced next year’s event will have a new location.
Next year, the trade show—designed to bring the jewelry, gemstone, mineral and fossil industries, along with enthusiasts and collectors, under one roof—will take place at The Westin Hotel in Westminster from Sept. 12-15, 2024.
“We are dedicated to evolving and enhancing the show to meet the demands of our exhibitor partners and the broader jewelry, gem and mineral industries,” said Hardrock Summit Co-Founder Christoph Keilmann.
“The Westin Westminster serves as the ideal venue for our 2024 event, elevating this show to new heights and delivering an exceptional experience in a stunning location.”
This year’s event, held recently at the Colorado Convention Center from Sept. 15-18, attracted over 1,000 trade visitors and nearly 6,000 total visitors.
The showcase was made up of exhibitions, activities and education highlighting fine jewelry, gemstones and mineral specimens, and included participation from members of the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA GemFair Denver) and the Denver Gem & Mineral Show.
“As a smaller and more regional show, we were pleased with the quality retailers and collectors we met with for both the minerals and gem sectors of our businesses. It was a nice environment to build upon our relationships and make new connections within the industry,” said Carl Larson, director of gems at Pala International.
Displays included an array of exhibits from institutions and private collectors including the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks & Minerals, New Mexico Bureau of Geology Mineral Museum, Mines Museum of Earth Science, The University of Arizona Alfie Norville Gem and Mineral Museum, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the Jim and Gail Spann Collection, and the Gene Meieran Tourmaline Slices.
In partnership with Hardrock Summit, the 55th Annual Denver Gem & Mineral Show (DGMS) displayed minerals from across the globe, meteorites, ancient fossils and a diverse selection of jewelry and gems.
DGMS also offered family-friendly attractions like a fluorescent room with rocks that illuminated in the dark, gold panning demonstrations, and live cutting and polishing demonstrations by lapidary artists.
In addition to the exhibits, a series of educational lectures were held throughout the weekend, providing attendees with expert insights, as well as information and updates on the latest trends in the mineral and gem industries.
Sessions included an exclusive update on data extracted by Colorado School of Mines Ph.D. Student Jenna White during field research as part of the AGTA and Mines’ Transparent & Traceable Gemstone Supply Chains Research Project.
More of White’s research will be presented at the Tucson gem shows in 2024.
Related stories will be right here …
Next year, the trade show—designed to bring the jewelry, gemstone, mineral and fossil industries, along with enthusiasts and collectors, under one roof—will take place at The Westin Hotel in Westminster from Sept. 12-15, 2024.
“We are dedicated to evolving and enhancing the show to meet the demands of our exhibitor partners and the broader jewelry, gem and mineral industries,” said Hardrock Summit Co-Founder Christoph Keilmann.
“The Westin Westminster serves as the ideal venue for our 2024 event, elevating this show to new heights and delivering an exceptional experience in a stunning location.”
This year’s event, held recently at the Colorado Convention Center from Sept. 15-18, attracted over 1,000 trade visitors and nearly 6,000 total visitors.
The showcase was made up of exhibitions, activities and education highlighting fine jewelry, gemstones and mineral specimens, and included participation from members of the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA GemFair Denver) and the Denver Gem & Mineral Show.
“As a smaller and more regional show, we were pleased with the quality retailers and collectors we met with for both the minerals and gem sectors of our businesses. It was a nice environment to build upon our relationships and make new connections within the industry,” said Carl Larson, director of gems at Pala International.
Displays included an array of exhibits from institutions and private collectors including the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks & Minerals, New Mexico Bureau of Geology Mineral Museum, Mines Museum of Earth Science, The University of Arizona Alfie Norville Gem and Mineral Museum, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the Jim and Gail Spann Collection, and the Gene Meieran Tourmaline Slices.
In partnership with Hardrock Summit, the 55th Annual Denver Gem & Mineral Show (DGMS) displayed minerals from across the globe, meteorites, ancient fossils and a diverse selection of jewelry and gems.
DGMS also offered family-friendly attractions like a fluorescent room with rocks that illuminated in the dark, gold panning demonstrations, and live cutting and polishing demonstrations by lapidary artists.
In addition to the exhibits, a series of educational lectures were held throughout the weekend, providing attendees with expert insights, as well as information and updates on the latest trends in the mineral and gem industries.
Sessions included an exclusive update on data extracted by Colorado School of Mines Ph.D. Student Jenna White during field research as part of the AGTA and Mines’ Transparent & Traceable Gemstone Supply Chains Research Project.
More of White’s research will be presented at the Tucson gem shows in 2024.
The HardRock Summit comes at a busy time for trade events, with The Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong show exhibitions taking place Sept. 18-24, and The Jewellery Show, which took place in London Sept. 20-21.
In 2022, the Hong Kong show was temporarily relocated to Singapore, a move made with pandemic restrictions in mind and a goal of becoming more accessible to international suppliers and buyers.
That year, feedback from exhibitors at the HardRock Summit about buying activity was mixed, but overall positive.
This year, with the Hong Kong show back in its usual location, some HardRock Summit exhibitors expressed mild concern that the overlap in events made for a slower show.
Others were happy with the timing of the show, especially given its proximity to the holidays.
“Hardrock Summit is a well-timed show for purchasing colored stones, particularly benefiting retailers ahead of the holiday season. The rising demand in the colored gem market aligns perfectly with this show's timing and it was good to be part of it,” said John Bradshaw, owner and gemstone dealer at John J. Bradshaw.
When more information for the 2024 show becomes available, it will be found on the HardRock Summit website.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
MajorsMay 20, 2024
Studs Opens Luxury Piercing Pop-Up in NYC“Fancy Studs” will feature revamped branding and a new lab-grown diamond fine jewelry collection.
SourcingMay 20, 2024
2 Business-to-Business Platforms Secure Millions in Funding Nivoda and Liquid Diamonds both have big plans for the new capital.
MajorsMay 20, 2024
Stuller Issues New Packaging & Display CatalogThe 2024-2025 edition features new colors and styles, as well as storytelling elements.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionGIA®’s most advanced microscope has new features to optimize greater precision and comfort.
SourcingMay 20, 2024
State of the Diamond Industry: Botswana Beyond DiamondsFrom moringa to ecotourism in the Okavango Delta, the country and its leaders are exploring how Botswana can diversify its economy.
Weekly QuizMay 16, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
FinancialsMay 17, 2024
Richemont Appoints Van Cleef & Arpels’ Nicolas Bos as New CEOThe announcement coincided with its full-year results, with growth driven by its jewelry brands.
FinancialsMay 17, 2024
Watches of Switzerland’s Fiscal-Year Sales Flat Looking ahead, the retailer said it sees “enormous potential” in Roberto Coin’s ability to boost its branded jewelry business.
Brought to you by
Record Gold Prices Have Consumers Undeterred. Here’s Why.Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
Recorded WebinarsMay 17, 2024
Watch: Preparing for Trade Show SuccessJewelry trade show veterans share strategies for engaging buyers, managing your time effectively, and packing the right shoes.
AuctionsMay 17, 2024
Piece of the Week: Cartier’s Ring-Tailed LemurThis little guy’s name is Ricky and he just sold for more than $200,000 at Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction.
AuctionsMay 16, 2024
Christie’s Holds 2 Sales Despite CyberattackThough its website has been down for a week, Christie’s proceeded with its jewelry and watch auctions on May 13-14, bringing in nearly $80 million.
AuctionsMay 16, 2024
Sotheby’s Withdraws 101-Carat Yellow Diamond from AuctionDespite the absence of “The Allnatt,” Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction totaled $34 million, with 90 percent of lots sold.
ColumnistsMay 16, 2024
The PR Adviser: What the Designer Should’ve DoneLilian Raji gives advice to designers on how to make the most of great publicity opportunities.
SourcingMay 16, 2024
Lucapa to Shed Stake in Lesotho Diamond Mine The mining company wants to divest its 70 percent holding in the Mothae Diamond Mine in an effort to streamline its portfolio.
ColumnistsMay 15, 2024
Squirrel Spotting: Why Retailers Struggle to Fire BrandsWhy do so many jewelers keep lines that are not selling? Peter Smith thinks the answer lies in these two behavioral principles.
AuctionsMay 15, 2024
Red Diamond Breaks Records at Phillips GenevaThe “Argyle Phoenix” sold for more than $4 million at the auction house’s second jewels sale.
IndependentsMay 15, 2024
David Mann Jewelers in Upstate NY to Close After 35 YearsOwner David Mann is heading into retirement.
FinancialsMay 15, 2024
Brilliant Earth’s Sales Fall Flat in Q1 While overall sales were sluggish, the retailer said its non-bridal fine jewelry was a popular choice for Valentine’s Day.
SourcingMay 14, 2024
Anglo American Confirms It Is Looking to Sell De Beers The mining giant also wants to offload its platinum business as part of an overhaul designed to “unlock significant value.”
AuctionsMay 14, 2024
2 Huge Yellow Diamonds Are Heading to AuctionChristie's is selling one of the diamonds, moving forward with its Geneva jewelry auction despite the cyberattack that took down its website.
MajorsMay 14, 2024
Platinum Born Taps ‘Born Leaders’ for New CampaignThe ad aims to position platinum jewelry as ideal for everyday wear.
GradingMay 14, 2024
Instappraise Adds Trifold Brochure to Appraisal OfferingsRetailers can customize and print the appraisal brochures from their store.
Lab-GrownMay 13, 2024
Lab-Grown Diamond Brand Lightbox Cuts Prices by 25 to 40%The move follows a price-drop test run in Q4 and comes with the addition of a “quality assurance card” from GIA for some loose diamonds.
TechnologyMay 13, 2024
Christie’s Website Brought Down by Hackers, Watch Auction Postponed The site has been down since Thursday evening, just ahead of its spring auctions.
AuctionsMay 13, 2024
Madeleine Albright’s Jewelry, Pins a White-Glove Sale at Freeman’s | HindmanThe late former U.S. Secretary’s collection went for quadruple the sale’s pre-sale estimate.
IndependentsMay 13, 2024
Zachary’s Jewelers Names Mother’s Day Jewelry Contest WinnersThree fifth graders’ winning designs were turned into custom jewelry pieces in time for Mother’s Day.
IndependentsMay 10, 2024
Frank Adams Jewelers Names New CEOKimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
