Events & AwardsJun 10, 2021
5 Things to Know About the JCK ShowEvents & AwardsJun 15, 2021
Here’s How the First Vegas Jewelry Trade Show Went
The Continental Buying Group was the only jewelry trade show to happen during the typical Las Vegas dates, from June 1-3.
Las Vegas—The Las Vegas jewelry shows have been pushed to late August this year due to the pandemic, but one lone event stuck to its typical schedule, and could be an indicator of what’s to come.
The Continental Buying Group held its first in-person trade show in more than a year, from June 1-3 at Caesar’s Palace.
According to retailers, the event was a success.
“We were the first convention to take place at Caesar’s,” said CBG retailer Bichsel Jewelry’s Mark Callis in a statement from CBG.
“I’ve got to tell you, the CBG members have just gone nuts. It has been so much fun—the buying has been a frenzy. The vendors were happy, the jewelers were happy, and we got to see our friends we hadn’t seen in almost two years!”
Deciding when to hold the first in-person event since the start of the pandemic was a struggle for CBG owners Joe Murphy and Andie Weinman with healthy and safety guidelines continuously changing as the vaccine rolled out to Americans.
The option of aligning with JCK Las Vegas in August was off the table, due to availability.
The CBG team contacted each of its retailers to assess show interest. Due to social distancing measures, CBG would be able to accommodate half of the usual number of exhibitors and wanted to ensure at least a one-to-one buyer-supplier ratio, or attendance of 50 percent of its retail membership.
Related stories will be right here …
The Continental Buying Group held its first in-person trade show in more than a year, from June 1-3 at Caesar’s Palace.
According to retailers, the event was a success.
“We were the first convention to take place at Caesar’s,” said CBG retailer Bichsel Jewelry’s Mark Callis in a statement from CBG.
“I’ve got to tell you, the CBG members have just gone nuts. It has been so much fun—the buying has been a frenzy. The vendors were happy, the jewelers were happy, and we got to see our friends we hadn’t seen in almost two years!”
Deciding when to hold the first in-person event since the start of the pandemic was a struggle for CBG owners Joe Murphy and Andie Weinman with healthy and safety guidelines continuously changing as the vaccine rolled out to Americans.
The option of aligning with JCK Las Vegas in August was off the table, due to availability.
The CBG team contacted each of its retailers to assess show interest. Due to social distancing measures, CBG would be able to accommodate half of the usual number of exhibitors and wanted to ensure at least a one-to-one buyer-supplier ratio, or attendance of 50 percent of its retail membership.
On April 1, Murphy and Weinman made the call to proceed with the June dates, for the first time inviting a handful of guest retailers to bolster the numbers.
One of those guests, Jeff Turnbo of Nacol’s Jewelry, said, “Our experience so far throughout our first CBG show has been extremely surprising. A lot of the time people in the better end of success in this industry are not always so open to sharing, but this has not been the case [at CBG]!
“We have been welcomed with open arms. Many retailers in the group have been so friendly, inviting us to sit down and talk business. It’s been great getting advice and hearing stories from such a wide variety of stores, retailers, and manufacturers.”
The CBG event benefitted from some lucky timing as the number of vaccinated Americans increased and COVID-19 numbers dwindled as the show approached.
A week before the show, Caesar’s Palace informed CBG that all COVID-19 restrictions would be lifted June 1, the event’s opening day.
Accordingly, masks were optional for fully vaccinated attendees. The same will be the case at JCK Las Vegas. The Couture Show will not require fully vaccinated attendees to mask up, but is encouraging them to do so.
Weinman said, “The energy was off the charts! The showroom floor was always busy. The retailers were all there to do business and reconnect with their CBG supplier partners.”
Following the success of the Vegas edition, CBG will host its first “CBG Retreat” in Tampa, Florida on October 4-6, which will combine a typical trade show element with networking and social time.
For more information on CBG membership, contact Estelle Hedaya at (305) 868-9004.
Among the jewelry trade shows happening in August are JCK Las Vegas, from Aug. 27-30, and the Couture Show, from Aug. 24-26.
One of those guests, Jeff Turnbo of Nacol’s Jewelry, said, “Our experience so far throughout our first CBG show has been extremely surprising. A lot of the time people in the better end of success in this industry are not always so open to sharing, but this has not been the case [at CBG]!
“We have been welcomed with open arms. Many retailers in the group have been so friendly, inviting us to sit down and talk business. It’s been great getting advice and hearing stories from such a wide variety of stores, retailers, and manufacturers.”
The CBG event benefitted from some lucky timing as the number of vaccinated Americans increased and COVID-19 numbers dwindled as the show approached.
A week before the show, Caesar’s Palace informed CBG that all COVID-19 restrictions would be lifted June 1, the event’s opening day.
Accordingly, masks were optional for fully vaccinated attendees. The same will be the case at JCK Las Vegas. The Couture Show will not require fully vaccinated attendees to mask up, but is encouraging them to do so.
Weinman said, “The energy was off the charts! The showroom floor was always busy. The retailers were all there to do business and reconnect with their CBG supplier partners.”
Following the success of the Vegas edition, CBG will host its first “CBG Retreat” in Tampa, Florida on October 4-6, which will combine a typical trade show element with networking and social time.
For more information on CBG membership, contact Estelle Hedaya at (305) 868-9004.
Among the jewelry trade shows happening in August are JCK Las Vegas, from Aug. 27-30, and the Couture Show, from Aug. 24-26.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
IndependentsNov 25, 2025
Pearl Stringer Margaret Hoisik DiesShe is remembered as an artist who loved her craft and was devoted to her faith, her friends, and her family.
SourcingNov 25, 2025
Finestar Opens Diamond Manufacturing Facility in JohannesburgIt joins the company’s other manufacturing facilities globally, including in India, Botswana, and Namibia.
TrendsNov 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Polka DotsThe polka dot pattern transcends time and has re-emerged as a trend in jewelry through round-shaped gemstones.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CrimeNov 25, 2025
Former Arizona AG Official Charged With Trafficking Stolen JewelryVanessa Hickman, 49, allegedly sold a diamond bracelet that was mistakenly sent to her home.
Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Recorded WebinarsNov 24, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Social Media EtiquetteSocial media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.
WatchesNov 24, 2025
Breitling Reveals Plans for Gallet, Universal GenèveIn 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
CollectionsNov 24, 2025
Muse Debuts a Wicked 'Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo' SequelThe second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.
IndependentsNov 24, 2025
J.R. Dunn Jewelers Names New PresidentSecond-generation jeweler Sean Dunn has taken on the role.
MajorsNov 21, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Names New CEOAmber Pepper’s main focus will be on digital innovation and engaging younger consumers.
SourcingNov 21, 2025
De Beers’ Branded, Traceable Diamonds Roll Out to 19 Retailers Called “Origin by De Beers Group,” the loose, polished diamonds are being sold in a total of 30 stores in the United States and Canada.
CollectionsNov 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Melissa Kaye’s ‘Rocky Infinity’ NecklaceThe lariat necklace features a 4.88-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald in 18-karat yellow gold.
AuctionsNov 20, 2025
Vanderbilt Jewels Shine at Phillips Sale, Pink Diamond WithdrawnA 43-carat sapphire brooch from the Vanderbilt collection was the top lot of the Geneva sale.
CollectionsNov 20, 2025
Rebecca Rau Jewels Debuts With ‘Then & Now’ CollectionRau is a fourth-generation art and antique dealer from M.S. Rau gallery whose first jewelry collection merges artifacts with modern design.
Policies & IssuesNov 20, 2025
RJC Names New Executive DirectorFormer De Beers sustainability leader Purvi Shah will take over the role in February 2026.
WatchesNov 20, 2025
LVMH Takes Minority Stake in Citizen Group-Owned Movement Maker La Joux-Perret is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and makes solar quartz as well as mechanical watch movements.
GradingNov 20, 2025
Julia Griffith Joins SSEF as Head of EducationShe previously taught at Gem-A and is the founder of The Gem Academy.
CollectionsNov 19, 2025
Larkspur & Hawk Celebrates 25 Years With Helena Bonham Carter CampaignThe British actress and her daughter modeled pieces from the brand’s new “Palette” capsule for its “Once Upon a Time” holiday campaign.
TechnologyNov 19, 2025
Google Has a New Form for Reporting ‘Review Bombing’ Attacks Plus, the tech giant shares the steps retailers should take if they believe they’re a victim of a review extortion scam.
IndependentsNov 19, 2025
Houston Jeweler Keith Shaftel Retires, Next Generation Steps In Danny and Gaby Shaftel are now Shaftel Diamonds’ CEO and chief operating officer, respectively.
TrendsNov 19, 2025
Midas Chain Releases 2025 Holiday Style GuideThe jewelry manufacturer’s seasonal offering features its new “Melodie” bangles, as well as mini stud earrings and layering pieces.
MajorsNov 18, 2025
Lugano Diamonds Files for Bankruptcy, Looking for BuyerThe Chapter 11 filing follows the resignation of CEO Moti Ferder, who stepped down after an investigation into the company’s finances.
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2025
A Giant, Bejeweled Moldy Berry Is on Display in LAThe artwork is part of an exhibition featuring works by Kathleen Ryan, an artist known for her gemstone-studded rotting fruit sculptures.
SourcingNov 18, 2025
Another Diamond Company CEO Steps DownMark Wall, president and CEO of Canadian mining company Mountain Province Diamonds, will vacate his position next month.
CrimeNov 17, 2025
Police Searching for 2 Suspects in Murder of Father, Son Jewelers Faustino Alamo Dominguez and his son, 25-year-old Luis Angel Alamo, were gunned down following an armed robbery at their jewelry store.
GradingNov 17, 2025
IGI Announces New President of North AmericaTiffany & Co. veteran Jeffrey Bennett has stepped into the role.
