“With the recent resurgence of the Covid-19 Delta variant and its concerning spread rate in the state of Louisiana and beyond, we believe that we should limit the risk of exposure for both our associates and our customers at this time,” Stuller president Danny Clark stated in a message to the trade.

Reactions to the announcement were mixed on industry Facebook group Jewelers Helping Jewelers, with some calling the company out.

“It’s like Stuller is making a continuous and focused effort to push their customers somewhere else,” one poster wrote.

However, others were supportive, with many noting it was a “difficult” call.

“It makes sense,” another posted. “Health needs to come first.”

Travel restrictions have already prevented many foreign members of the trade from being able to attend. The Belgian diamond industry will not run a pavilion at JCK, while India’s section will only house exhibitors’ local representatives