What Retailers Want: The 2023 Vegas Jewelry Week Edition

At this year’s JCK Las Vegas and Luxury shows, retailers were seeking jewels that have performed well for the past few seasons, and especially during the 2022 holiday. They also went big for products that fall into a trending category—think enamel, genderless design, and Montana sapphire engagement rings.
Overall, alternative bridal was still a priority for buyers, especially those hoping to draw in Gen Z customers, who strenuously try to avoid anything cookie-cutter. One increasingly popular choice, according to a retailer we spoke with: rings with a center gemstone, from moss agate to tourmaline.
Exceptional loose stones for custom projects were on almost everyone’s shopping agenda. In terms of color, emeralds and sapphires appeared among the most desirable. As JCK reported this spring, green—especially brighter and mistier hues such as peridot and chrysoprase—is still going strong.
More must-haves for fall and holiday 2023 are updated diamond classics and the eternal “unicorn” buy: an attractively priced diamond fashion line that feels fresh and current, that no other store carries, and that is ethically and sustainably produced.
And many retailers were shopping with certain price points in mind. “I believe it’s important to introduce lines that can fit within many price ranges right now, ultimately allowing the language of each designer to sway the client’s purchase,” says Brianne Chiavari, a buyer at Robbins Brothers, which has multiple locations in Arizona, California, Texas, and Washington.
More on that below, plus other trends and styles retailers are looking at this year.