6/5/2010 |

(LAS VEGAS, NV June 5) - - JCK Las Vegas opened yesterday with great anticipation as retailers purchased new items for their stores and consumer confidence levels continue to rise. Over 2500 domestic and international suppliers and industry associations were on the show floor to meet with new and existing customers and business associates. An increase in retailer pre-registration numbers was also reported.

"From what we are hearing, this first day of JCK was quite successful," said Yancy Weinrich, Industry Vice President, JCK Events. "We have found through our hosted and VIP retail buyers and from talking to exhibitors, that they have come to JCK to buy very specific pieces for their customers, but also to look at new products that enable them to refresh their showrooms. Our international retail representation was well represented. We had 86 Russian retailers and 35 new Chinese retailers who all participated in the VIP Buyer Program."

"We are an art gallery and fine jewelry store and have come to JCK because we are looking for classic work, fashion, fine jewelry and everything in between," said Jill Bokor, Sanford Smith Fine Art, Great Barrington, MA. "Our clients are price sensitive, but they are buying, which is a lot better than last year. The appearance of value is very important to them and as a result, I'm looking at mixed metals and color. When the economy gets better, our clients are looking for things that are matching their optimism --bright and sparkly."

One of the many highlights of the day was the JCK "Rocks the Beach" Welcome Reception at JCK's new 2011 venue at Mandalay Bay where over 3000 gathered to experience the new campus. With cool cabanas and entertainment, JCK guests were able to shake the Las Vegas heat at Mandalay Bay's famous beach. Other special events included the JCK Design Center Fashion Show, featuring international model Flaviana Matata, wearing Simmons Jewelry's Malachite bracelet, the symbol of the Diamond Empowerment Fund, a piece designed by Celebrity Rachel Bilson from the Everion Diamond knot collection and earrings, and rings and pendants from the Stars of Africa collection by Royal Asscher.

Social media, increasing sales by romancing the shopping experience, and a packed Keynote Breakfast, presented by Shane Decker, from Ex-Sell-Ence, provided retailers with tools and tips to increase their business acumen. Decker told retailers that they must constantly improve and train, train, train their sales associates in every product category and encourage group selling. More than 70 percent of purchases are made when the owner has entered into the sales process and offered validation and credibility, he said.

"Mixed metals are very popular, as the price of gold is extremely high, but what is successful for us is purchasing merchandise that is affordable and interesting," said Helain Pesis, Continental Diamonds, St. Louis Park, MN. "Stacked rings and bracelets are very popular along with big cuffs . . . real statement pieces are key right now. I've been buying black metals for the past five years and the popularity has increased, JCK carries many different and interesting designers in this category and JCK is the place to see it all!"

Celebrity sightings were everywhere at JCK and will continue throughout the weekend. Perrey Reeves, from HBO's "Entourage", Gilles Marini, of recent "Dancing With The Stars" fame, former football player and "Dancing With the Stars" alum, Warren Sapp, "Apprentice" Bill Rancic & his wife, Giuliana Rancic, and Nicky Hilton will be on hand to showcase the bling.

Members of the History Channel's "Pawn Stars" show and buyers from the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop of Las Vegas made their JCK debut as VIP buyers. They walked the show floor to purchase merchandise.

On tap for Day 2 of JCK Las Vegas is an opening Keynote presented by Ken Gassman, Industry Research Analyst, on "Managing Your Inventory While Maximizing Your Bridal Opportunity" from 7:30 – 9:30 am in the Marcello Ballroom. The very popular Live at the Bench sessions begin with topics such as "Economical Repairs and Shop Practices" and "Creating Custom Designs in Alternative Metals."

JCK Magazine will make its debut from 1-2 PM with a meet and greet opportunity with the new editors and publisher, Mark Smelzer in Booth #46007.

JCK Design Center begins its "Meet the Designer" series from 2:00 – 3:00 pm at the Design Center Stage. Kicking off these sessions is jewelry and fashion designer Robert Lee Morris, who has worked with Calvin Klein, Karl Lagerfeld, Michael Kars and Donna Karan.

Evening events include a Daily Cocktail Hour, organized by the India Pavilion, from 4:00 – 5:00 pm, the Plumb Club Event from 6:00 – 8:00 pm and the Jewelers That Care event at 7:00 pm. Jewelers That Care will hold their Award Ceremony/Dinner honoring jewelers who give back to the global community.

Destined to be a social media happening, Face-to-Face Beach Bash with JCK, held in conjunction with Ron Samuelson and Facebook Jewelers Network will take place at Tao Beach at the Venetian from 9:00 pm – 12:00 am. Meet those industry faces you've friended, fanned, liked, tagged or tweeted in person!

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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