(PRESS RELEASE) NORWALK, CT — JCK Tucson 2020 wrapped its seventh edition with strong quality attendees who reported writing new business and making meaningful connections. Taking place February 5-8, 2020 at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa during the Tucson Gem Show market weeks, JCK Tucson brought together leading buyers to discover a rich assortment of highly specialized fine and artisanal jewelry and loose gemstones, technology and services, as well as a schedule of inspiring events, featuring experiential activations, educational talks, hikes and networking opportunities to foster connections.
“Each year our team designs this event as an elevated buying experience with attendees and their businesses in mind,” states JCK Tucson Event Director, Kate Youngstrom. “We curated a show with an impressive lineup of quality designers and exhibitors for attendees to uncover trends, explore unique designs and new sources for one-of-a-kind and artisan jewelry. We are proud to be a destination where business gets done, and that is still personalized, relaxed and intimate.”
JCK Tucson delivered a lineup of events designed to educate and energize attendees. Senior VP, Business Development of London Jewelers, Scott Sanders says, “I love attending JCK Tucson. It gives us a chance to see new, very creative jewelry manufacturers in a relaxed setting. Tucson has an air about it that is unrivaled. The gemstone world descends upon Tucson each year and the atmosphere is just incredible. Whether you are shopping for jewelry or want to take advantage of networking and educational opportunities, JCK Tucson is a must.”
JCK Tucson Highlights
Events that Inspired
The daily educational fireside chats, powered in partnership with various sponsors and industry organizations, provided attendees an opportunity to share best practices and address a wide variety of topical industry issues. During the Fireside Chats, industry experts discussed the future of responsible sourcing, corporate social responsibility and sustainable practices, as well as trends in design and retail, digital marketing, improving corporate culture and lab-grown diamonds.
On the evening of Wednesday, February 5, over 60 retailers and designers gathered in an cozy networking setting to enjoy margaritas after show hours and to listen to an educational Fireside Chat & Chill on 2020 trends in artisanal jewelry, gemstones and retailing. Moderated by communications consultant Jen Cullen Williams, the discussion featured expert panelists Victoria Gomelsky, editor in chief of JCK Magazine and Randi Molofsky, contributor at JCK Magazine and co-founder of For Future Reference, a full-service sales showroom and brand development agency for fine jewelry designers.
The key trend takeaways included consumer demand increases for blue colored gemstones, modern pearl designs, sunset-colored gemstone hues, highly personalized charms, unique hoop designs, rainbow inspired motifs and color palettes, mix-and-match earring combinations and layered necklaces with the trending hashtag #neckmess. Molofsky made a point to recommend that brands design and retailers stock bracelets and rings that can complement iconic heritage brand pieces that are widely worn by their customers. Gomelsky shared the importance of hosting creative in-store events, piercing and bracelet welding parties and thinking outside-the-box to collaborate with non-jewelry luxury brands in other markets like beauty and technology.
For the first time at JCK Tucson, The Smithee Group (TSG), a growth agency that focuses on positively impacting businesses, created a custom Social Media Bootcamp to teach attendees how to make 2020 their best year yet, utilizing digital marketing and advertising. Taught by TSG digital experts in the jewelry industry, the boot camp topics included “Clicks to Conversion” and “Corporate Social Responsibility and Your Bottom Line.” Proceeds from the boot camp went to nonprofit organization Gem Legacy Group.
Nestled throughout the show floor, attendees had opportunities to participate in JCK Tucson’s In-Store Experiences. The various themes were intended to inspire retailers with experiential activations that could be replicated in their stores for their local clientele. Creative sessions included an interactive piercing party with LaFia Jewellery, margarita tasting, bracelet making and a crystal reading with Colleen McCann, founder of Style Rituals and the author of Crystal Rx. JCK Tucson attendees also participated in daily happy hours, a Jewelers For Children (JFC) charity hike, a Mitakuye Oyasin morning ritual with sage burning and more.
Fostering Connections
Various networking events inspired meaningful connections and even some mentoring opportunities. The fourth annual Gems After Dark celebration in partnership with AGS Young Titleholders, Gen Next, Jewelers of America and Women’s Jewelry Association with the title sponsor Alex Sepkus, united the industry for an evening filled with games, networking, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
The Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) and JCK Tucson joined forces for the second annual WJA Pavilion at JCK Tucson, leveraging the power of the female design community and offering up-and-coming designers an opportunity to showcase their product and connect with retail buyers.
JCK also welcomed several digital influencers including Arizona-based lifestyle influencers Erin Elizabeth of WinkandaTwirl.com, Jessica Hall of GenuielyJessica.com and Valerie Loo @Valerie.Loo. In addition local media, jewelry press and influencers like Danielle Miele of @GemGossip spent time meeting with the designers and recapping their discoveries on their media and social channels.
Live Gem Cutting
Drawing in local Tucson media as well as JCK Tucson attention, world-renowned, award-winning precision flat faceter Roger Dery performed two live gem cutting demonstrations including a 15.05 carat Pink Zircon, sourced in Tanzania, and a 7.96 carat Aquamarine, sourced in Malawi. All finished stones are now available for purchase with all proceeds going to Jewelers for Children (JFC).
Gem Junkies Podcast Live Broadcast
Parle Jewelry Design’s John and Brecken Farnsworth debuted a live broadcast of their podcast Gem Junkiesduring JCK Tucson. They interviewed gemologists, jewelry designers and jewelry enthusiasts as they delved deep into the world of gemstones and pop culture. Episodes from JCK Tucson will be available to listen to this spring.
Jewelry Artistry and JCK Jewelry Awards
JCK Tucson hosted an impressive and diverse lineup of quality designers, including Alex Sepkus, Alishan, Dorian & Rose, Enji and Tresor, as well as new exhibitors Mark Patterson, Nanis Italian Jewels, Pesavento and SOHO, to name a few. Many new designs and collections made their debut at the show this year.