6/6/2010 |

(LAS VEGAS, NV June 6) - - The high energy level evident throughout the exhibition halls of JCK Las Vegas spoke volumes today about the buying activity. From the moment the doors opened, retailers were eager to meet with suppliers to find new merchandise and discover the consumer trends for the holiday season. Bridal purchasing remains robust as much attention is being paid to the millennial bridal couple, an emerging customer base for jewelry retailers. Mixed metals, colored stones and silver are trends spotted on the show floor. An increase in day one JCK retailer registration numbers was also reported.

"Silver has become increasingly important for us. Our customers are looking for affordable prices, value, and pieces that are fashionable," said Jamel Cummings-Shepin, Sears. "They want to feel good about their purchases. We are using our time here at JCK to meet with new exhibitors but mostly with those we are currently doing business with. We are focusing on holiday pieces, primarily crystals and CZ's. The look of 'real' is important for our customers right now. We've been attending JCK for 8 years and are looking forward to next year's move to Mandalay Bay."

Celebrity sightings were everywhere at JCK as two "Dancing with the Stars" alums, Gilles Marini and Warren Sapp, made appearances on the show floor. Nicky Hilton, sister of Paris, was also spotted. The Apprentice Bill Rancic & his wife, Giuliana Rancic, from the E! News, will be coming to JCK tomorrow.

The opening keynote presentation by Ken Gassman, a jewelry industry research analyst, presented the vigorous bridal jewelry opportunities for retailers. In 2010, the bridal market is a $12B market and in 2016 it will be $15B, he said. Gassman presented ways that retailers can use the bridal sale as an opportunity to keep the couple as customers for life -- beginning with the sale of their wedding bands.

"Green and environmentally conscious are two words that resonate with the millennium generation customer," Gassman said. "They don't keep up with the Joneses; don't necessarily desire solitaire stones for their engagement rings and are willing to wait to get a customized and personalized piece for their special day."

JCK Magazine had its official debut with a 'meet and greet' opportunity with the editors and new publisher, Mark Smelzer, who returns after a short absence. The JCK Magazine, the industry's authority, has recently undergone a complete makeover with new features, columns and contributors.

"The show is great! Even though business is slowly recovering, we still need to find value, new and exciting looks," said Thomas J. Blumenthal, Gearys, Beverly Hills, CA. "Customers are looking to us for mixed metals and everything else which we can always find at JCK. We've been coming for 12 or 13 years and look forward to spending time with our current business partners and establishing partnerships with new ones. On average, we usually add two or three each year as a result of our visit to JCK."

JCK Design Center welcomed jewelry and fashion designer Robert Lee Morris who participated in a "Meet the Designer" session. Morris engaged retailers by sharing his design philosophy, inspiration and experience by sharing the many influences on his work. He told the intimate audience that he is a walking blend of the past and future and it is this philosophy that guides his work and creates his iconic looks.

Jewelers That Care, an industry group that recognizes jewelry who give back to their communities held their Award Ceremony/Dinner honoring jewelers that give back to the global community.

Destined to be an annual social media happening, aka a tweet-up, the Face-to-Face Beach Bash with JCK, held in conjunction with Ron Samuelson and Face book Jewelers Network) took place at TAO Beach at the Venetian Hotel from 9:00pm - 12:00am. Participants were able to meet face-to-face with the many industry faces they've friended, fanned, liked, tagged or tweeted about.

The special events and networking opportunities continue as JCK Las Vegas, day three, begins with The Rapport Conference and Breakfast at 8 AM. Martin Rapport, presents, "The Diamond Decade: New Opportunities."

Live At The Bench sessions continue with a focus on heirloom jewelry. The JCK Design Center will be the spot for the Annual Top 50 Designer Retailer Awards Ceremony at 2:30 PM where the top 50 retailers who excel at displaying and selling designer jewelry are feted. Immediately following at 3:00 pm, the Design Center will present its second and final Fashion Show and parade.

Le Vian presents its annual Red Carpet Revue 2011 with Harper's Bazaar at 4:30 pm. April Graham, Harper's Bazaar Executive Fashion & Beauty Editor, along with Jane Loddo, Harper's Bazaar Executive Merchandising Editor, and a surprise co-host.

ABOUT JCK EVENTS:

JCK Las Vegas 2011 will take place on June 3-6 with LUXURY by JCK, to take place May 31-June 2, 2011 (preceding JCK Las Vegas) at its new venue - Mandalay Bay. The series of JCK Events are designed to serve the worldwide jewelry industry by offering the most comprehensive and complete buying and selling opportunities on a business-to-business basis. For more information on any of the international JCK Events or to view the event's image and video galleries, please visit us at www.jckshows.com or simply call 1-800-257-3626.

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