Diamonds and Rubies and Gold, Oh My!

                                          What does the Studio D team DO at yearly industry tradeshows? Read Lynn’s account to find out more about the good,                                                                                                                            the shiny, and (sometimes) the blistery... 
      

Traveling to the annual gem and jewelry shows requires comfortable walking shoes and, possibly, sunglasses. Comfortable shoes to cover the acres or maybe miles of ground in large convention settings. And sunglasses for two reasons. One, because the shows are usually held in warm sunny places such as Tucson and Las Vegas (an especially nice perk for shows in January and February) and two, because they may help when looking at the mountains of dazzling gems sparkling under glowing lights!  

At first, it can be overwhelming to realize you are walking by millions and millions of dollars' worth of stones and gold jewelry. From classic styles to the most modern and unique, vendors from all over the world come to showcase their culture and creativity. You wander by gold animal figures adorned with rubies and emeralds. You see magnificent multi-layered pendants dangling from elaborate chains. And booth after booth is overflowing with every gem imaginable in every size and shape and cut. It's truly a technicolor experience on steroids.  



                                                                       


Studio D Store Manager Mateusz Wielomek had this to say about his first trip to the JCK Show in Las Vegas a few years ago: "How do I describe something that feels indescribable? Holding pieces in my hands that cost a number that I still can't always wrap my head around. Seeing the creativity, the beauty, the excitement of the industry all packed into one building...it truly was an experience by all definitions of the word.” 

He continued: “At the same time, it allowed me to feel truly connected to the industry in a way I hadn't before. I look forward to making future trips, building and strengthening relationships, and continuing to acquire knowledge of all things jewelry."    



                                                                                                            



While a lot of work, the shows are truly a fun opportunity to catch up, in person, with our trusted vendor partners as we look through thousands of rings, bracelets, and necklaces, and select the pieces that are the best fit for our customers (admittedly, sometimes it is hard to resist picking one for the store and then “one for me!”) And in between appointments we have a chance to look for fresh ideas... maybe a new line of watches to bring in-store, a new sterling silver line, or even a new or upgraded tool for our in-house jewelers to use in their creation and production process!  

All in all, it is a privilege to visit the Emerald City every year and add some of its magic to our store. 



Lynn Mueffelmann is Studio D’s Director of Special Projects and part of the Ownership Group.  
She can be reached at Studio D!