By Ellen Fruchtman, President
Let’s be honest. If your plan for JCK Las Vegas is to walk the same aisles, meet with the same people, write the same orders, and call it a day, you might as well stay home and shop from an online catalog.
Yes, of course, it’s important to meet with your existing vendors! You have relationships. You have needs. And, I’m sure they will (hopefully) be unveiling new products, etc. But if that’s the entire game plan, you’re not just playing it safe—you’re playing it small.
JCK is where the future of our business is born. It's a living, breathing ecosystem of what’s coming next—and I don't just mean styles and SKUs. I mean real change: new technologies, new designers, new services, and yes, new ways of thinking about what it means to be a retail jeweler in 2025 and beyond.
Recent research from The Plumb Club points to a growing demand for authenticity, traceability, and tech-driven convenience. Meanwhile, trend reporting from JCK and National Jeweler suggests 2025 and 2026 are about bold design, deeper storytelling, and emotional connections. Translation? This year’s customer wants more than sparkle—they want values, meaning, and experience. Heard that before? I feel like it’s a broken record.
So ask yourself: is your business ready to deliver that? Better yet, who are you partnering with to help make it happen?
This is where I’m going to nudge you a bit. You’re not just looking for a vendor. You’re looking for someone who helps you grow. Who thinks bigger with you. Someone who’s showing up at this show with ideas, tools, and a vision that gets you excited again. A true business partner.
These people are out there. They may not be on your appointment calendar…yet. So make room. Leave space to walk the show. Visit booths you’ve never heard of. Sit in a session you didn’t think you had time for. That “unknown” you stumble upon could become your most valuable discovery of the year.
And yes, if you just travel thousands of miles to rinse and repeat your usual show schedule, you’ve missed the point.
A Shameful Shoutout (Okay, Maybe Three)
Now, we never make these articles self-serving. But I’d be doing you a disservice if I didn’t point you toward a few clients who are not just showing up—they’re showing off what partnership should look like.
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RDI Diamonds – Booth 10075
They’re not just another diamond vendor. They’re doing something truly innovative in the way they partner with retailers—and if you don’t stop by to see it, well… your competition might.
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Lavalier Jewelry Insurance – Booth 57110
Let’s talk about offering value. Lavalier has the most generous referral fee in the industry (yes, really) and cutting-edge tech that makes insurance as modern and seamless as your customers expect.
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Fruchtman Marketing – Booth 54112
Stop by and see what happens when cutting-edge AI meets real-world strategy. We’re showcasing how our unique blend of artificial and human intelligence turns raw data into powerful, results-driven marketing, tailored for the jewelry industry. Come see the tools, insights, and innovation that amplify your brand’s success.
So this year, build in time to wander. To explore. To rethink. JCK isn’t just about what you need now—it’s about who and what will help you thrive in the years ahead.
Because in a world where everything is changing—consumer behavior, technology, competition—the real risk isn’t in trying something new.
It’s in doing the same old thing.
