2026 Las Vegas Jewelry Week: Complete Attendee Guide

JCK Las Vegas 2026 – THE Jewelry Industry Event

As the anchor of Las Vegas Jewelry Week, JCK Las Vegas is the largest and most influential jewelry trade event in North America. For a professional in the industry, it is the equivalent of the Super Bowl—a massive, high-energy gathering where the global supply chain meets retail reality.

Here is the essential breakdown of the JCK experience.

What is JCK?

JCK is a trade-only dynamic marketplace that brings together over 17,000 attendees and 1,800 exhibitors from more than 100 countries. It serves as the primary hub for order-writing, trend spotting, and professional networking. Unlike a typical convention, it is organized into “neighborhoods” to make the massive Venetian Expo more navigable, covering everything from the smallest loose gemstone to the most advanced laser-welding technology.

Who Should Attend?

Because JCK is a B2B (business-to-business) event, attendance is restricted to qualified jewelry professionals. You cannot simply buy a ticket as a consumer; you must provide credentials such as a business license or invoices showing you are active in the trade.

• Retailers: Independent store owners, department store buyers, and online retailers.
• Designers & Manufacturers: Those looking for suppliers, casting houses, or new technology.
• Wholesalers & Gemologists: Professionals sourcing loose diamonds, colored stones, and pearls.
• Service Providers: Appraisers, marketers, and security experts.

What Will You Find?

The show floor is divided into specific zones to help you focus your sourcing:

• The Neighborhoods: Dedicated areas for Bridal, Clockwork (watches), Design Collective (one-of-a-kind designer pieces), and the Fashion Bridge.
• GEMS & AGTA: An entire pavilion dedicated to colored gemstones and pearls.
• Natural & Lab-Grown Diamonds: Separate, extensive sections for both loose stones and finished jewelry.
• Essentials & Tech: This is the “engine room” of the show, featuring 3D printers, POS systems, security safes, and manufacturing tools.
• The Plumb Club: A curated pavilion of the industry’s top-tier suppliers offering a “spa-like” environment for their retail partners.

How Long Should You Allocate?

The show officially runs for four days, but “Market Week” activities often span six.

• Minimum (2 Days): If you are a specialized buyer with a pre-set list of appointments, you can “hit and run” the show in two days, but it will be exhausting and you will miss most of the education and networking.
• Recommended (3–4 Days): This allows two full days for order-writing and two days for “discovery”—walking the peripheral aisles to find new vendors, attending key JCK Talks seminars, and networking at evening events.
• The Pro Move: Arrive a day early (Thursday) to attend the pre-show education sessions and visit the GEMS or LUXURY sections, which often open before the main JCK floor. This clears your schedule to focus on the main hall once it opens on Friday.

JCK Las Vegas

• Location: The Venetian Expo & The Venetian Las Vegas
• Key Sections: * Level 2: GEMS (featuring AGTA), LUXURY, Plumb Club, Fine Jewelry, Essentials & Tech.
  • Level 1: Global Pavilions (Hong Kong, Italy, etc.), Silver & Fashion, Lab-Grown Diamonds.
• Show Hours:
  • Friday, May 29: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday, May 30: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday, May 31: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Monday, June 1: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Couture Las Vegas

COUTURE is the jewelry industry’s premier destination for high-end designer jewelry and luxury timepieces. Often described as the most “exclusive” and “glamorous” stop of Las Vegas Jewelry Week, it trades the massive convention center feel of JCK for the intimate, sophisticated atmosphere of the Wynn Las Vegas.

Here is everything you need to know about attending COUTURE:

What is COUTURE?

COUTURE is an ultra-curated trade event that brings together an elite community of heritage brands, award-winning independent designers, and emerging talent. Unlike the sprawling booths at other shows, COUTURE features “salons” and “villas” arranged in the elegant ballrooms of the Wynn. The focus here is on originality, craftsmanship, and storytelling. It is the place where global jewelry trends are often born and where the most influential media and high-end retailers congregate.

Who Should Attend?

• Curation-Focused Retailers: Boutique owners and department store buyers who prioritize “art-level” jewelry and unique designer voices over mass-market items.
• Luxury Watch Collectors & Buyers: The show features a dedicated area for luxury timepieces and independent watchmakers.
• Press & Influencers: COUTURE is the primary hub for the world’s top fashion and jewelry editors (think Vogue, Forbes, and ELLE) to scout new designs.
• Note: Access is restricted to qualified jewelry professionals, and many designers prefer to work by pre-scheduled appointment.

What Will You Find?

• Designer Salons: High-walled, gallery-style spaces featuring brands like Stephen Webster, Nikos Koulis, and Suzanne Kalan.
• The Design Atelier: A specifically curated section for “rising stars”—up-and-coming designers who are being introduced to the global market for the first time.
• The COUTURE Design Awards: Often held on Saturday night, this is the “Oscars of the jewelry industry,” where designers compete for top honors in various categories.
• High-End Hospitality: The show is famous for its open-air pool parties, sunset terraces, and the overall luxurious hospitality provided by the Wynn.

How Long Should You Allocate?

• The Full Experience (2-3 Days): If your store’s identity is built on designer brands, you will want at least two full days. This allows for the 1-2 hour deep-dive appointments that these designers typically require to tell their brand’s story.
• The “Inspiration Walk” (1 Day): Even if you aren’t a high-end designer buyer, allocating one full day to COUTURE is highly recommended just to see the current direction of global design and craftsmanship.
• Opening Night (May 27, 2026): The show kicks off with a famous “Opening Night Event” at 6:00 PM. This is a vital networking window where you can get a sneak peek at the floor in a social setting before the business of order-writing starts the next morning.

2026 Quick Stats

• Dates: May 27 – May 31, 2026
• Location: Wynn Las Vegas (Lafite, Latour, and Cristal Ballrooms)
• Vibe: Sophisticated, intimate, and high-fashion.

COUTURE

• Location: Wynn Las Vegas
• Layout: Ballroom-style villas and salons featuring designer fine jewelry and timepieces.
• Hours:
  • Thursday, May 28 – Saturday, May 30: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday, May 31: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

AGTA GemFair Las Vegas

The AGTA GemFair™ Las Vegas is the industry’s most prestigious destination for loose colored gemstones, cultured pearls, and colored stone jewelry. It is organized by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA), a group dedicated to maintaining high ethical standards and full disclosure in the gemstone trade.

Here is the summary for your digital guide:

What is AGTA GemFair?

AGTA GemFair is a “show-within-a-show” located inside the JCK Las Vegas footprint at the Venetian Expo. It is defined by its strict membership requirements; every exhibitor must adhere to a rigid Code of Ethics and professional conduct. While JCK covers the entire jewelry spectrum, GemFair is laser-focused on natural colored gemstones and the professionals who specialize in them. It is widely considered the safest and most reliable place in the world to source colored stones.

Who Should Attend?

• Custom Designers & Bench Jewelers: Those who need to hand-select unique, high-quality center stones for one-of-a-kind commissions.
• Gemologists: Professionals who want to see the latest material coming out of mines and discuss treatment disclosures directly with the experts.
• Retail Buyers: Store owners looking to expand their “color” business beyond the standard “Big Three” (Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire).
• Note: Your JCK badge provides full access to the AGTA pavilion; no separate registration is required.

What Will You Find?

• The World of Color: An unparalleled variety of loose stones, from investment-grade Paraiba Tourmalines and Padparadscha Sapphires to rare collector minerals and responsibly sourced pearls.
• The AGTA Spectrum Awards™ Display: A special showcase featuring the winners of the industry’s most prestigious design competition, highlighting the best in colored gemstone jewelry and North American lapidary work.
• Ethical Sourcing Experts: Because AGTA members are vetted, you can have high-level conversations about the provenance and ethical journey of the stones you are buying.

How Long Should You Allocate?

• The Dedicated Buyer (1.5 – 2 Days): Sourcing loose stones is a time-consuming process that requires careful inspection under loupes and specialized lighting. If you have a long “buy list,” give yourself at least two days to compare quality and prices across the pavilion.
• The Enthusiast (3 – 4 Hours): If you are primarily attending JCK for finished jewelry but want to see the Spectrum Award winners and get a “pulse” on gemstone trends, a half-day walk-through is sufficient.
• The “Early Bird” Strategy: AGTA GemFair 2026 opens on Thursday, May 28, a full day before the main JCK floor. Pro buyers often use this “preview day” to secure the best stones before the heavy crowds arrive on Friday.

2026 Quick Stats

• Dates: May 28 – June 1, 2026
• Location: Venetian Expo, Level 2 (GEMS Pavilion, Halls C & D)
• Vibe: Professional, educational, and vibrant.

AGTA GemFair™

• Location: The Venetian Expo, Level 2 (GEMS Pavilion)
• Hours: May 28 – May 31 (9:30 AM – 6:00 PM); June 1 (9:30 AM – 4:00 PM)

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IWJG (International Watch & Jewelry Guild)

Kickstarting the entire week, the IWJG show is a fast-paced, high-value trading floor that operates purely on a B2B, wholesale level. If you deal in luxury timepieces, this is where the market prices for the rest of the year are established.

Here is the summary for your digital guide:

What is IWJG?

A member-only, hyper-focused trading event specializing heavily in high-end, vintage, and modern luxury timepieces, alongside premium estate jewelry.

Who Should Attend?

Watch dealers and independent horologists.

• Estate jewelry buyers and pawnbrokers looking for highly liquid inventory.
• Retailers want to establish secondary-market watch programs in their stores.

What Will You Find?

Rare and collectible timepieces from Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Cartier.

• Wholesale lots of vintage estate jewelry, scrap gold, and loose premium diamonds.
• A massive network of international cash-and-carry watch traders.

How Long Should You Allocate?

1 Full Day. Because the show spans just two days and transactions happen rapidly, you need a full, uninterrupted day to audit tables, negotiate, and secure inventory before the weekend rush. 

IWJG

Dates: May 25 – May 26, 2026 (Monday & Tuesday)

Location: Planet Hollywood Las Vegas, Celebrity Ballroom (3667 Las Vegas Blvd S)

Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily

JOGS Las Vegas Gem & Jewelry

Moving off the main strip corridor to the downtown design hub, JOGS is a vibrant global marketplace. It acts as a primary sourcing event for unique finished products, silver, and raw lapidary materials. 

What is JOGS Las Vegas Gem & Jewelry? 

A massive international trade exhibition that brings global manufacturers, miners, and designers together under one roof, offering direct-from-source pricing.

Who Should Attend?

 Independent retailers looking for high-margin, unique fashion and silver jewelry lines.

• Lapidaries, bench jewelers, and designers looking for loose cabochons, carvings, and mineral specimens.
• Boutique owners seeking handmade artisan jewelry from across the globe.

What Will You Find? 

An unparalleled selection of finished .925 sterling silver jewelry.

• Global pavilions featuring amber, turquoise, larimar, and coral straight from the source.
• Beads, findings, tools, and unique lapidary wonders for custom jewelry creation.

How Long Should You Allocate? 

Half-Day to 1 Full Day. If you are looking for specific silver lines or loose stones, a focused 4-hour window will suffice. However, if you are a designer hunting for unique raw materials, give yourself a full day to comb through the international pavilions.

JOGS

Dates: May 27 – May 31, 2026 (Wednesday – Sunday)

Location: The Expo at World Market Center (435 S Grand Central Pkwy)

Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Final day closes early at 4:00 PM)

Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show

 Nestled perfectly into the luxury timeline alongside the Wynn/Encore shows, this event is a literal time machine and the undisputed crown jewel for estate buyers worldwide.

What is the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show?

 The largest trade-only event serving the antique, vintage, and estate jewelry industry, featuring nearly 400 preeminent exhibitors.

Who Should Attend? 

Estate and antique jewelry specialists.

• High-end retailers looking to inject historical romance and “one-of-a-kind” narratives into their showcases.
• Sellers looking to network with elite appraisers and historical jewelry experts.

What Will You Find? 

Exquisite signed vintage pieces from iconic heritage houses like Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Fabergé.

• Historically significant jewelry spanning the Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco eras.
• Exceptional estate watches, pocket watches, and rare historical timepieces.

How Long Should You Allocate? 

1 to 2 Days. The sheer volume of unique inventory means you cannot simply skim the cases. Every piece requires close inspection, provenance verification, and careful negotiation. Coordinate this alongside your Couture schedule at the Wynn.

Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch

Dates: May 28 – May 31, 2026 (Thursday – Sunday)

Location: The Wynn Resort Las Vegas (3131 Las Vegas Blvd S)

Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Thursday – Saturday); 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Sunday)

PJX (Permanent Jewelry Expo)

Wrapping up the week, PJX targets the newest frontier in our industry. It focuses on the business tools, chains, and technologies fueling the highly lucrative “forever jewelry” experiential retail trend.

What is PJX?

The premier dedicated educational and sourcing event entirely focused on the rapidly growing permanent jewelry industry segment.

Who Should Attend? 

Retailers wanting to add high-traffic experiential pop-ups to their brick-and-mortar storefronts.

• Independent permanent jewelry artists and entrepreneurs looking to scale their operations.
• Bench jewelers want to master micro-welding tech and pulse-arc machinery.

What Will You Find?

 Miles of specialized, high-quality chains (14k gold, gold-filled, sterling silver) engineered specifically for permanent welding.

• The latest pulse-arc welders, protective gear, pliers, and advanced precision bench tools.
• An extensive educational lineup featuring marketing seminars, safety workshops, and pricing strategy panels for “forever jewelry.”

How Long Should You Allocate?

1 Day. One day allows you to fully evaluate the equipment, test-drive the pulse-arc welders on the floor, and source your chain suppliers, while leaving ample time to attend crucial business building seminars.

PJX

Dates: June 2 – June 4, 2026 (Tuesday – Thursday)

Location: The Flamingo Las Vegas (3555 Las Vegas Blvd S)

Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily

2. Educational Seminars: JCK Talks

JCK Talks is the primary educational platform of the JCK show, designed to help jewelry professionals navigate the rapidly changing retail and manufacturing landscape. While much of the show floor is dedicated to buying and selling, JCK Talks is where the industry’s “brain trust” gathers to share actionable strategies for business growth.

What are JCK Talks?

Running from the day before the show floor opens through the third day of the event, JCK Talks features a series of keynote presentations, panel discussions, and deep-dive sessions. The 2026 program is built around the theme “In Your Element,” focusing on empowering professionals to find their competitive edge in a digital-first world.

The curriculum is organized into several specific “tracks,” including:

• AI & Analytics: Practical applications of artificial intelligence for inventory and customer insights.
• Retail Trends & Marketing: Deep dives into social media strategy, short-form video, and experience-based retail.
• Business Management: Leadership development, economic outlooks, and operational efficiency.
• Sustainability & Ethics: Navigating regulations and meeting the demands of the conscious consumer.
• Watches: A newly expanded track focusing on the booming secondary market and mechanical complications.

Who Should Attend?

• Independent Store Owners: To learn how to compete with big-box retailers and online giants using modern marketing tools.
• Marketing Directors: To stay ahead of algorithm changes on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
• Sales Teams: To gain the “soft skills” and technical knowledge needed to handle modern customer objections, especially regarding lab-grown vs. natural diamonds.
• Next-Gen Jewelers: Younger professionals looking to network with industry veterans and understand the long-term economic cycles of the trade.

What Benefits Will You Get?

• Competitive Intelligence: You gain access to market data and economic forecasts that aren’t available to the general public, helping you make smarter inventory buys.
• Immediate ROI: Many sessions provide “Monday Morning” takeaways—strategies you can implement as soon as you return to your store to increase foot traffic or conversion rates.
• Expert Access: The sessions often end with Q&A periods, giving you direct access to CEOs, top-tier consultants, and global trend forecasters.
• Career Development: For 2026, JCK has introduced the Signature Series, an elevated, ticketed track (free for JCK PRO members) that offers advanced masterclasses, including Harvard Business Case Studies.

2026 Schedule Highlights

• The Keynote: Typically held on Saturday morning, featuring high-profile speakers like Jesse Itzler in 2026, focused on mindset and “big picture” success.
• Thursday “101” Sessions: Held at the Venetian 101 Meeting Rooms the day before the main floor opens—ideal for getting your education out of the way so you can focus on sourcing later.
• Showcase & Spotlight Stages: Centrally located on the show floor (Level 2), these stages host shorter, punchier 30-minute sessions throughout the weekend.

Pro Tip: If you can’t make every session, consider upgrading to a JCK PRO badge. It includes access to recordings of the sessions so you can “attend” them from your hotel room or back at your store after the show ends.

The 2026 education program is centered on the JCK Talks stage (Level 2) and dedicated seminar rooms.

3. Entertainment & Social Events

The highlight of the 2026 social calendar is undoubtedly JCK Rocks, but the week is packed with a variety of “vibe” levels—from high-energy nightclub takeovers to sophisticated sunset cocktails.

The Main Event: JCK Rocks featuring Nelly

• When: Sunday, May 31, 2026 | 9:00 PM – Late
• Where: TAO Beach & Nightclub (The Venetian)
• The Experience: JCK is taking over one of Vegas’ most iconic venues for a massive outdoor/indoor party. This year’s headliner is the three-time Grammy-winning superstar Nelly. Expect a high-energy set featuring global hits like “Hot in Herre,” “Dilemma,” and “Country Grammar.”
• How to Get In: The event is open to all JCK and Luxury badge holders (21+). However, capacity at TAO is strictly limited and entry is first-come, first-served. Pro Tip: If you want guaranteed VIP access, attend the Facets event (see below) earlier that evening.

Other Key Entertainment & Social Events

1. The COUTURE Opening Night Event

• When: Wednesday, May 27, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Where: Wynn Sunset Pool
• The Vibe: Sophisticated, fashionable, and breezy. This is the premier “see and be seen” event for the designer jewelry community. Held poolside at the Wynn, it’s a more relaxed, upscale networking environment compared to the high-energy Sunday night bash.

2. Diamonds Do Good Awards

• When: Thursday, May 28, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Where: The Venetian Hotel
• The Vibe: A “Black Tie Lite” gala that serves as the major fundraising event for the industry’s charitable efforts. It’s a great place to network with CEOs and influencers before the show floor chaos begins. In 2026, the event features a reimagined “engagement-first” dinner designed for high-level conversation.

3. Facets (Benefiting Jewelers for Children)

• When: Sunday, May 31, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Where: Lando & Marcello Ballrooms, Venetian Level 4
• The Vibe: This is the industry’s most heart-centered event. It’s a formal gathering to support children in need through the JFC charity.
• The Perk: Attendance at Facets typically includes VIP entrance to the Nelly concert at TAO afterward, allowing you to skip the massive lines outside the club.

4. The “Plumb Club” Hospitality

• When: Daily during show hours
• Where: JCK Level 2 (The Plumb Club Pavilion)
• The Vibe: While not a “party” in the traditional sense, the Plumb Club is famous for its mid-day hospitality. They provide a quiet sanctuary with complimentary food and refreshments for retailers, making it the top spot for a “working lunch” with a side of networking.

5. Casual Networking: The “Rocks” Bars

• When: Every night around 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Where: Dorsey (Venetian), Parasol Down (Wynn), and Bound (Cromwell)
• The Vibe: These are the unofficial “off-campus” headquarters where the industry gathers spontaneously. If you want to find out where the real deals are happening, just look for the crowd wearing JCK lanyards at these spots after the floor closes.

Advice for the Social Scene

Most “closed” parties (hosted by individual brands like Le Vian or Pandora) are held in private hotel suites or reserved sections of restaurants like Bouchon or CUT. If you are looking to get on these lists, the best time to ask is during your daytime booth appointments. Many manufacturers save their guest list spots for their most active retail partners!

4. On-the-Floor Tips

To survive and thrive during Las Vegas Jewelry Week, you need more than just a business strategy—you need a logistical one. Here are the essential tips for navigating the show like a seasoned pro.

1. Transportation & Shuttles

The most efficient way to move between your hotel and the Venetian Expo is the Official JCK Shuttle Service.

• The Routes: Shuttles typically run every 15–20 minutes between the Venetian Expo and major partner hotels (including the Bellagio, Resorts World, Fontainebleau, and Caesars Palace).
• Hours: Service generally begins at 6:30 AM and runs until 11:00 AM for morning arrivals. Return shuttles run from 5:00 PM until 10:00 PM (and as late as 1:00 AM on Sunday night for the JCK Rocks party).
• The Airport Shuttle: On the final day (Monday), JCK usually provides a one-way shuttle from the Venetian Expo directly to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) every 30 minutes.
• The Monorail: If you are staying at a property like the MGM Grand or Flamingo, the Las Vegas Monorail is a great traffic-free alternative. Use the Harrah’s/The LINQ station to get closest to the Venetian.

2. Food & Dining

Don’t rely on “hallway hot dogs.” Las Vegas has world-class dining, much of it right inside the show venues.

• Quick Bites: Bouchon Bakery (Venetian) is the gold standard for a quick croissant or sandwich. For something hearty and fast, try All’Antico Vinaio for legendary Florentine sandwiches.
• Sit-Down Business Lunches: Yardbird (Southern comfort food) and Chica (Latin cuisine) are industry favorites located right in the Venetian. Pro Tip: Make reservations via OpenTable or Resy weeks in advance; walk-ins are nearly impossible during show hours.
• The Plumb Club: If you are a retailer, the Plumb Club Pavilion (Level 2) offers complimentary lunch and refreshments in a quiet, carpeted environment—a true oasis.

3. Rest & Recharging

The “Vegas Leg” is real. You must plan for downtime.

• Charging Stations: JCK typically provides “Charge & Connect” lounges on both Level 1 and Level 2. However, these fill up fast. Bring a portable power bank so you aren’t tethered to a wall while trying to take photos of new inventory.
• Quiet Zones: The GIA Booth and the JCK Talks stages often have seating. If you need 20 minutes of silence, head to the Level 3 meeting room hallways—they are significantly quieter than the main floor.
• Hydration: The desert air is incredibly dry. Buy a large bottle of water at a Walgreens or CVS on the Strip before you enter the Expo; you’ll save $8 per bottle compared to show floor prices.

4. Where to Get Answers

If you’re lost or need a specific booth number:

• Information Desks: Located at the main entrance of the Venetian Expo and near the bridge connecting to the Palazzo.
• The JCK Mobile App: This is your most important tool. It includes a “Locate Me” feature and turn-by-turn directions to any booth on the floor.
• Ask a “Floor Ambassador”: Look for staff in bright “Ask Me” vests or shirts—they are stationed at major intersections to help with directions.

5. Essential “Pro” Gear

• Business Cards: Bring twice as many as you think you need. Even in a digital world, the physical card is still king in Vegas.
• A Lightweight Tote: You will collect catalogs, magazines, and swag. Your shoulder will thank you for bringing a bag with padded straps.
• The “Sweater Rule”: It may be 100°F outside, but the convention center air conditioning is set to “Arctic.” Always carry a light blazer or cardigan.

Ready to book your walk-through? Don’t forget to message the Southern Jewelry News team to schedule a time for us to visit your booth or meet up for a coffee!

5. Connect with Southern Jewelry News

We are here to support our Southern retailers and manufacturers. Since we will be traversing all of these venues to bring you the best coverage:

Book a “Mobile Meeting”: If you’d like to showcase a new line or discuss a marketing partnership for the coming year, we will come to you!

• Message us today via our website contact form or email our publisher directly to schedule an appointment.
• Follow our Live Feed: We will be posting real-time trend updates on our Instagram and Facebook pages throughout the show.

Send a SMS Text to 855-815-3935