6/4/2010 |

(LAS VEGAS, NV June 3) - - LUXURY by JCK concluded today with the luxury goods marketplace seeing a much needed shot in the arm. Luxury jewelry retailers increased their buying activity, due in part to the recent increase in consumer confidence, and the need to refresh inventory after 18 months of cautionary consumer spending.

"All of our appointments were filled," said Ed Werner, from William Levine, a LUXURY by JCK first time exhibitor. "We were able to see many new customers who had heard about us from attending LUXURY by JCK and through word-of-mouth buzz from our existing customers."

Over 130 collections were presented on the salon floor with a veritable "who’s who" of LUXURY brands and suppliers including: A. Link; Breuning, Carl Messler, Chad Allison, Dilamani Designs, Frederic Sage, Furror-Jacot, Inc., Gregg Ruth & Co. Hidalgo, Honora, Lazare Kaplan Interntional, Inc., Le Vian Couture®/Eddie Le Vian Signature™, Mastolani Pearls, RITANI, Simon G. Jewelry, Inc., Tacori, William and Levine Fine Jewels. The Ivanka Trump collection also made its debut at LUXURY by JCK this year showing the latest collections for the fall.

Some of the design trends presented in LUXURY by JCK this year included cuff bracelets, a nod to color and gemstones, coral tones and coral accents in earrings and rings and classic pearls.

Swiss Watch by JCK opens today through Monday, June 7th. This year, an exciting line-up of fine watch brands will be presented. These include Bedat & Co., Bulgari, Carl Bucherer, Chopard, Harry Winston, Hermes, Raymond Weil, Tag Heuer and Versace.

"LUXURY is an incredible opportunity for us. We are seeing customers and doing business with new accounts," said David Abuloff from Jewels by Star. "We like the intimate environment where we can present our collections, discuss new lines, learn more about our customers’ businesses and share information about ours in the three-days of the event."

Consumer insights were abundant at the keynote breakfast presentations each morning. The purchasing potential of millennium generation brides was presented by Amy Wilkins, Sr. VP and Publisher, Martha Stewart Weddings . Brands, traditional tastes, personalization and customization are some of the many key motivators for this emerging customer base. Technology also plays a huge part in the wedding planning process and many brides begin planning their weddings up to 14 months out from the wedding date.

The state-of-the-luxury goods marketplace was the topic presented by W Magazine. After confirming an uptick in the economy, particularly for luxury goods, John Clarkin, National Sales Director, revealed the results of W’ s five-year study on the luxury jewelry marketplace. Women, particularly the ‘passionate affluencers,’ remain as the single most important influence in luxury goods purchasing. Luxury brand watch purchases are also gaining momentum with 80 percent of respondents expressing the intention of purchasing a watch this year. Other key motivations for luxury purchases haven’t changed much, according to the survey. Brands are still important to this customer, as are quality, original design, customer service, authenticity, and brand reputation, Clarkin said.

Other news announced at LUXURY by JCK was the re-imagined JCK Magazine . With a larger size, new features and columns, and a common theme for helping retailers grow their businesses; JCK Magazine will reveal the new June issue at a reception at JCK Las Vegas. After a brief absence, Mark Smelzer returns as publisher.

LUXURY by JCK offered numerous networking events in the evening. Dinner was hosted at the new Haze nightclub at the Aria Hotel and Casino and then LUXURY attendees were treated to a performance of Viva: Elvis, a cirque du soleil presentation saluting the king of rock and roll, Elvis Presley and an exciting reception at Tao Beach delighted LUXURY attendees and suppliers and live art was created featuring cirque-style performances mixed with body-paint models on display.

"I love LUXURY by JCK ," said Sharon Aharoni from GN Diamonds. "It is the best show organized throughout the industry and it’s not just about selling merchandise, it’s also about building relationships with customers and a real family environment. I saw many of my existing customers, but I also met with many new stores and customers."

An update of JCK Events 2011 move to Mandalay Bay was also presented. A Welcome Reception, inviting the entire industry to discover the new venue, takes place on Friday, June 4th at the Mandalay Beach and cabanas. Initial responses to the move have been overwhelmingly supportive and the 2011 event is nearly sold-out. 

Elegance, sophistication and refinement are hallmarks of LUXURY by JCK, anexclusive and unique event for the luxury jewelry industry. This elite, by invitation only, event brings together the finest retailers and manufacturers each year for an unparalleled business and networking experience and is truly - Jewelry’s Finest Occasion.

In 2011, LUXURY by JCK moves, along with JCK Events, to a new venue – Mandalay Bay and will be held May 31-June 2, 2011.

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