JCK Las Vegas delivers promising outlook

The JCK Las Vegas Show delivered positive results, for the industry, keeping alive its optimism. Business was edged up with the optimistic tempo by the U.S. markets. American traders and retailers were seen accepting the new prices and the American buyer was ready to buy on cash basis, instead of credit. Also, suppliers have witnessed good demand from the Asian markets.

Big chain stores in the US are also witnessing better business, with jewellery sale at consumer level holding strong at same price levels of 299$ -599$ etc . Also, silver jewellery is increasing in its market share in the US and brands like Pandora , Chamilia are doing relatively well. The need to maintaining the price points is generating new trends in jewellery like use of silver with diamonds , other metals with diamonds or CZ stones to maintain price points, as also, using wood, leather in fashion jewellery.

Loose diamonds found increased interest and the continuing price hike is what seems to be attracting the dealers towards the trading in loose diamonds . Asian buyers showed interest also in buying old stock diamonds from American dealers. Also, fancy shapes like - pears , heart shapes, received favourable response as buyers considered the ‘price’ advantage over rounds of the same size .

The location of AGTA GemFair™, on a beach level this year, disappointed the exhibitors and affected the footfalls. But demand for gemstones was good, despite the increase in prices - tanzanite prices rose in previous three months . The Antique Jewellery show was also a hit, with much of the key merchandise sold with the first two days itself, as dealers sought finished jewellery at cheaper prices, rather than purchasing loose diamonds and metal at their current high prices. CBG was a success with retailers planning new programs with the manufacturers for the coming season .

The Couture Show delivered a good response not just for the high end category but also for the designer Jewellery.

But, there was also a slight downslide with the response of the show. the volatility of diamonds, gemstones and metals had narrowed the possibilities of manufacturers to make any long term commitments on long term programmes in jewellery or diamonds, which could strain the business activity especially of catalogue and tv channel business formats, which is popular in the U.S.