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
SourcingApr 18, 2024
Diamond Trade Remains Cautious Amid Economic UncertaintyDe Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Supplier BulletinApr 18, 2024
Discover History’s Hidden Gems at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
WatchesApr 18, 2024
Watch E-tailer Collectability Hires Kelly YochThe Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
WatchesApr 18, 2024
TAG Heuer Opens Its Largest Standalone Boutique at SeaThe 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
Weekly QuizApr 11, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this seven-question quiz.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2024
NDC Prevails in U.K. Case Over Lab-Grown Diamond AdvertisingNDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
FinancialsApr 17, 2024
LVMH’s Q1 Jewelry Sales Fall 5%LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your BusinessFor over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
MajorsApr 17, 2024
Stuller’s B&D Opens New HeadquartersB&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
CollectionsApr 16, 2024
Akaila Reid Launches ‘Eat Cake’ CollectionIt’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
MajorsApr 16, 2024
Loudr Adds 2 DirectorsEmily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
MajorsApr 16, 2024
Stuller Releases First Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CatalogIts updated book for mountings is also now available.
SourcingApr 16, 2024
Karen Rentmeesters Takes Over as Interim CEO of AWDCShe has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
TechnologyApr 15, 2024
Judge Rules Jeweler’s Lawsuit Against PNC Bank Can Move ForwardJoyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
IndependentsApr 15, 2024
Alfred W. DeScenza of DeScenza Diamonds Dies at 95He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
AuctionsApr 15, 2024
Madeleine K. Albright Jewelry, Pins Coming to AuctionHosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the sale will take place May 7-8.
AuctionsApr 15, 2024
All of Sotheby’s ‘Rough Diamonds’ Sold in Less Than an HourThe auction house said all 24 timepieces offered in its underground sale of rare and avant-garde watches quickly found buyers.
Recorded WebinarsApr 12, 2024
Watch: What Jewelers Need to Know About InsuranceFrom cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.
CollectionsApr 12, 2024
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s Evil Eye Gemstone CharmThe charm is a modern rendition of the evil eye amulet that has been worn for thousands of years.
Events & AwardsApr 12, 2024
The Jewelry Symposium Announces 4 Scholarship WinnersAhead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.
Policies & IssuesApr 11, 2024
SRK Exports’ Journey Toward Net Zero Impact By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
Lab-GrownApr 11, 2024
AGTA Bans Lab-Grown Diamonds, Gemstones at GemFairMembers can still sell lab-grown stones, it said, but only natural gems are allowed on the show floor.
IndependentsApr 11, 2024
Steven Rosdal, Co-Founder of Hyde Park Jewelers, Dies at 77He is remembered for his charisma, passion, integrity, kindness, and wit.
MajorsApr 11, 2024
Macy’s Opens Books for Possible BuyoutThe retailer also appointed two new board members, avoiding a proxy fight from a potential buyer.
CollectionsApr 10, 2024
Sylvie Launches New Nature-Inspired Collection, ‘Tulira’The bridal collection consists of 35 engagement rings and seven wedding bands.
WatchesApr 10, 2024
These Are Rolex’s New Watches for 2024 The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
IndependentsApr 10, 2024
Levy's Fine Jewelry Explores Diamond History The family-owned jeweler has a new education section on its website dedicated to the history of diamond cutting.
