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“Vegas is the answer … no matter the question” ~ Anonymous
As everyone in our industry knows, this time of year all roads lead to Las Vegas! With no less than 9 shows happening near the same dates, it stands to reason that you’ll be able to find everything you need and more in Las Vegas during Market Week.
If your mind might be spinning with where to start and who to see, I’d like to take this opportunity and encourage you to map out some time to catch up with several of my favorite, “can’t miss” vendors who I know will be exhibiting at the show.
I encourage you to make your first stop at the Southern Jewelry News booth, which will be located in booth L3, the Pavilion, Gallery-Bayside. Always one of my first (and favorite!) stops to make before I really get into show-mode, it is a great opportunity to pick up the latest issue of Southern or Mid-America Jewelry News magazine, update your mailing preferences if you need to, and make sure you are on the e-mail list to receive their weekly e-mail newsletters. Grab the latest issue and see what your favorite vendors are offering for show and sale during JCK!
Have you met Stephen Lott from Heritage Appraisers yet? If not, and you do any amount of appraisal work in your store at all, you are really missing out. Stephen’s company, Heritage Appraisers, Inc. is an independent appraisal company built on a foundation of 30 years’ experience in the jewelry industry. Not only is Heritage Appraisers the largest jewelry appraisal company in the US that provides high quality, professional, in-store, jewelry appraisals while you wait, they also have exclusive programs and services designed to help you get and keep the competitive edge in our ever changing industry. You’ll find Heritage Appraisers located in Booth #B5908, the Pavilion, in the Essentials & Tech section.
If you are ready to step away from the services section and on to something sparkly, make sure to stop by and see my friend Amit Shah at Diamonds by Sejal. If you are searching for a new melee company that will give you consistent quality, service and value, then Diamonds by Sejal is the company you’ll want to connect with. Diamonds by Sejal provide 18 different grades of diamonds in each size, and specializes in precision-cut small diamonds, especially for diamonds below 2 pts. Diamonds by Sejal not only offers the largest selection by far in white melee, but also some excellent options for colored melee as well. So if you are at the JCK Show and you have melee on your list, or on your mind, make sure to see my friend Amit! You’ll find Diamonds by Sejal located in Booth #B43122. And if you make a purchase of $3000 or more, I know he has a beautiful gift waiting just for you.
If you’re starting to notice your fingers swelling from the heat and too many Vegas libations, take that as a reminder from Howard Kelrick of Finger Mate, Inc. that you need to stop by his booth for a visit. If you don’t know Howard, now is the perfect chance to introduce yourself. Howard’s company, Finger Mate, Inc., is the leading manufacturer of expandable ring shanks, available in a variety of widths and styles to accommodate almost any ring.
With options such as 14 karat or platinum, either factory installed or as findings for you to attach, I know that Howard will be happy to discuss the Finger Mate system with you, and help you move your customers into a comfortable and flexible shank solution.
Last, but certainly not least, you’ll want to make sure that when you are doing your tour of the Plumb Club, you stop at A. JAFFEE, Booth #PC-240 and talk to the crew from Preferred Jewelers International. If you are looking for a little something extra to help make your business stand out, the Preferred Jewelers International Nationwide Lifetime Preferred Warranty Program might just be right for you!
The Preferred Warranty program is offered through a nationwide network of retail jewelers, and includes a consumer-based warranty for jewelry purchases at no additional cost, covering mounting and diamonds up to .20 ctw. Want more information? Make sure to schedule some time to visit Preferred Jewelers International at the JCK Show, or set up an appointment, pre-show by calling 888-998-8874. Ask for Laurie or Estelle and let them know you are heading for Vegas, baby!
Done for the day? Then take this opportunity to enjoy one of the many fun and fabulous after-hours events that will be happening each night throughout the JCK Show. My personal favorite to attend will be the informal Jewelers Helping Jewelers (JHJ) get-together that will be happening during the JCK Show. The JHJ Group, now 5800 members strong at press time, is a great opportunity to connect with old friends and new, and get to know some of the people who make that group viable, vibrant and strong. Unfortunately, details were still being arranged for this event at press time, but by the time you read this, I know all of the pertinent information will be available on the JHJ Facebook feed. Not a member of JHJ yet? You are missing out! Drop me a line and I’ll hook you up with the best friends you never knew you had. Looking forward to seeing you all in Las Vegas!
Have some thoughts or questions about the upcoming JCK Las Vegas Show that you’d like to share with me? I’d love to hear your comments on this subject! E-mail me at Ann@SouthernJewelersGuild.com or call me at 504-615-1191.