The 18th annual JCK Las Vegas event ended with a comforting feeling for retailers and exhibitors, that despite participating with least or no expectations for sales, the event did see some sales taking place. This edition of JCK Las Vegas presented a lot many opportunities to attract buyers, inspite the market still looming with economic slowdown - there were 2700 international and domestic manufacturers and all retail categories, special events and educational programmes.

The current times have seen the resurgence of diamond prices, which look strong again. Manufacturers were holding onto goods at the show, and buyers being uncertain about prices, were hunting for cheap goods. With the mining segment reducing its supply, the inflow of good quality stones has reduced, which has resulted in their prices jumping back from the bottom. Market reports suggest that diamond prices have bounced back by about 10-15 percent in certain qualities from its bottom which was seen early this year. Retailers at the show were looking for innovation and cost effective prices in products, to lure consumers. Standard and commercial goods were not much in demand.

Gemstones also saw slow sales at the AGTA show and considering jewellery manufacturing activity is being focused in Asia, the demand for loose stones have reduced in the US. The AGTA show also saw some demand for innovative products by designers, which would not typically boost the generic diamond industry in the U.S. Sale of Tanzanite was also comparatively slow, but saw some growth since tanzanite is the only stone available in desired sizes and large quantities. The show was small in size compared to last year, with a deduction of few hundereds of exhibitors, which attracted mixed views of the industry. Those looking on the positive side saw the downturn as an opportunity for consolidating the market, by which, only healthy players would remain.