Instore Magazine • May 2025 • AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO VEGAS

Trade shows are a vital part of the jewelry industry’s lifeblood. It’s the place to see what’s new and what’s next. But it’s also a great place for networking, meeting old friends and even making new ones; getting caught up on industry news; and perhaps most importantly, learning from other jewelers about how to make your jewelry business better.

This June’s Las Vegas shows promise to deliver all of this and more. For one week, all the happenings happen in Vegas. And unlike that town’s captivating slogan, what happens in Vegas (during Jewelry Week) doesn’t stay in Vegas — the relationships, learning and buying that takes place there spreads out to businesses throughout the country.

Read on to discover our expert strategies for maximizing your Jewelry Week experience — from planning your show schedule and booth visits to leveraging networking opportunities and uncovering hidden gems that others might miss. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned veteran, these insider tips will help you return home with valuable connections, fresh inspiration, and a competitive edge that will benefit your business long after the bright lights of Vegas fade.

RESEARCH TRENDS AND BUYING OPPORTUNITIES: Beyond identifying exhibitors, research current jewelry trends, emerging designers and anticipated bestsellers. Look for new gemstone varieties, innovative setting techniques and technology advancements that could set your store apart.

PRO TIP: Create a digital trend board with screenshots from designer websites, social media and, of course, INSTORE Magazine. Include style numbers and price points that match your customer base. Share with your team pre-show and reference during appointments to efficiently communicate your vision to vendors.

MASTER THE DIGITAL APPOINTMENT GAME: Pre-book 15-30 minute slots with key vendors through their online scheduling systems. This guarantees face time with decision-makers and allows them to prepare customized presentations for your store. Many offer appointment-only access to premier collections and exclusive show specials.

PRO TIP: Block your appointments in themed clusters (bridal, colored stones, fashion) and by pavilion location to minimize crisscrossing the vast show floors. Leave 10-15 minute buffers between meetings, and don’t overbook — quality interactions matter more than quantity.

SET STRATEGIC BUYING GOALS: Determine specific inventory gaps you need to fill, whether it’s bridal, everyday fashion pieces or high-end statement jewelry. Establish a concrete budget for each category to avoid impulse purchases.

PRO TIP: Analyze last year’s Vegas purchases against your sales data before setting this year’s budget. Identify which categories yielded the highest ROI and which items sat in showcases. This performance-based approach ensures your buying strategy targets proven winners rather than hopeful gambles.

CREATE A MULTI-LEVEL SCHEDULE: Plan your days with priority appointments in the morning when you’re fresh, discovery time in the afternoon, and networking events in the evening. Schedule breaks to prevent decision fatigue — a common pitfall that leads to poor buying choices.

PRO TIP: Create a 3-tier morning-afternoon-evening schedule with planned breaks. Tackle priorities when fresh, explore midday, and network later. Prevent decision fatigue by deciding in advance.

REVIEW THE FLOOR PLAN BY CATEGORY: Map your route according to your merchandise categories rather than just booth numbers. Group similar vendors together to better compare offerings and negotiate effectively.

PRO TIP: Create a category route map prioritizing your core merchandise first. Compare similar vendors before making decisions. Take breaks between categories to prevent impulse buys when fatigued.

PREPARE YOUR MERCHANDISING QUESTIONS: Draft specific questions about delivery, payment options, merchandising support, display options and sales training resources that vendors provide. The best suppliers won’t just sell you product — they’ll help you sell it.

PRO TIP: Create a vendor questionnaire covering delivery, payment, display options, and training. Focus on asking about sell-through metrics — successful vendors can share which products achieve the highest turnover rates in stores like yours, saving you inventory mistakes.

DOCUMENT EVERYTHING VISUALLY: Take photos of pieces that interest you (with permission) and include a reference item for scale. Create a consistent system for organizing these images by vendor and category.

PRO TIP: Use a tiered photo system — snap wide shots of booths first, then collections, then individual pieces. Add voice notes with each photo describing initial impressions and price points to overcome “show blindness” when reviewing later.

EVALUATE CRAFTSMAN-SHIP UP CLOSE: Examine pieces for quality of gemstone setting, finishing details, and clasp functionality. These craftsman-ship indicators often separate successful inventory from future clearance items.

PRO TIP: Test hinges and clasps repeatedly — quality pieces maintain smooth operation after multiple uses. Examine solder joints under your loupe, as these are the first failure points in poorly constructed jewelry.

NETWORK STRATEGICALLY: Connect with jewelers who don’t compete directly with your market. These relationships can lead to invaluable buying group opportunities, inventory exchanges and problem-solving partnerships.

PRO TIP: Exchange business cards with a specific follow-up note written on each. Organize a small dinner with three to four non-competing jewelers to build deeper relationships than possible on the show floor.

ATTEND CATEGORY-SPECIFIC EDUCATION: Prioritize sessions on your growth categories. Whether it’s lab-grown diamonds, estate jewelry, or custom design technology, focused learning will yield better ROI than general seminars.

PRO TIP: Arrive 15 minutes early to session rooms to connect with presenters beforehand. Their insider perspective on upcoming trends can be more valuable than the formal presentation content.

VERIFY VENDOR CRE-DENTIALS: For new suppliers, inquire about their production capabilities, return policies and delivery timelines. Request references from other retailers and check industry reputation.

PRO TIP: Request production timeline guarantees in writing, especially for high-season delivery dates. Check if they’ve had any industry arbitration cases — reliable vendors will be transparent about past issues.

BRING A LOUPE AND DIAMOND TESTER: These tools will help you quickly assess gemstone and diamond quality during appointments, saving time and preventing potential disappointments.

PRO TIP: Create a 30-second quality check routine you perform consistently at each booth. Include testing metal stamping accuracy because many show samples are incorrectly marked.

HYDRATE AND PACE YOURSELF: Vegas is notoriously dry, and dehydration affects decision-making. Schedule regular breaks, stay hydrated and protect your buying power by maintaining your energy levels.

PRO TIP: Schedule decision-making appointments before 2 p.m. when mental acuity is highest. Save relationship-building and trendspotting for later hours when fatigue sets in but critical buying decisions are complete.

CATEGORIZE YOUR FINDS: Sort your discoveries by delivery timeline, season and promotional opportunity. This organization will help you build a cohesive buying strategy that extends beyond the show floor excitement.

PRO TIP: Create a “90-30-7” priority system for your discoveries — items needed within 90 days, 30 days and seven days. This prevents seasonal merchandise from being delayed while focusing on immediate cash flow needs first.

SHARE KNOWLEDGE WITH YOUR TEAM: Schedule a post-show meeting with your staff to share what you learned, introduce new lines and strategize how to market your new acquisitions.

PRO TIP: Record a five-minute video walkthrough of your top 10 show discoveries while impressions are fresh. Share this with staff before your formal meeting to generate excitement and give them time to prepare informed questions.

EVALUATE VENDOR RELATIONSHIPS: Assess which vendor interactions were most productive and which fell short. This analysis will streamline your appointments for future shows and maximize buying efficiency.

PRO TIP: Use a simple red-yellow-green scoring system for each vendor interaction across three categories: product quality, terms flexibility and support resources.

CREATE A FOLLOW-UP CALENDAR: Establish a time-line for vendor follow-ups based on seasonal needs and delivery promises. This proactive approach ensures you stay top-of-mind with your most valuable suppliers.

PRO TIP: Implement a 72-hour rule: Send your most important follow-ups within 72 hours of the show’s end when you’re still top-of-mind with vendors. Schedule these messages before you even leave the show to ensure they happen despite post-show fatigue.

The true value of Jewelry Week extends far beyond the immediate purchases. It’s an investment in your business’s future, an opportunity to position yourself ahead of market trends, and a chance to build the relationships that will support your growth for years to come.

By approaching the shows with intention and strategy, you’ll return home not just with new inventory, but with renewed inspiration, industry insights, and connections that will enhance your business long after the bright lights of Vegas fade into the rear-view mirror.

After hours on your feet exploring the world’s most exquisite jewelry collections, every buyer, designer and hardworking salesperson deserves a moment to refuel and indulge. These restaurants offer the perfect blend of convenience and culinary excellence to recharge your creative spirit — wherever your buying adventure may take you.

⏵ A Thomas Keller classic offering authentic French bistro cuisine in an elegant setting. Their roast chicken and fresh seafood selections are particularly noteworthy.

⏵ Emeril Lagasse’s sophisticated steakhouse serving prime cuts and New Orleans-inspired dishes, featuring an impressive wine list with more than 2,300 selections.

⏵ Upscale Chinese cuisine focusing on Cantonese specialties with Beijing and Szechuan influences. Their applewood-roasted Peking duck requires 48-hour advance ordering.

⏵ A sleek, contemporary steakhouse offering exceptional prime beef, Japanese Wagyu and innovative side dishes in an elegant atmosphere.

⏵ Famous for their 27-hour brined Southern fried chicken and classic Southern comfort dishes with modern twists.

⏵ David Chang’s inventive restaurant features a diverse menu of meat and seafood preparations, wood-fired cooking and Asian-influenced dishes.

⏵ Mediterranean seafood restaurant where fish is flown in daily from Greece, featuring a market-style display where guests can select their catch.

⏵ Authentic Italian cuisine in a charming setting reminiscent of an Italian piazza, specializing in handmade pastas and wood-fired pizzas.

⏵ Pan-Asian restaurant and nightclub serves Chinese, Japanese and Thai dishes in a dramatic setting with a 20-foot Buddha statue.

⏵ “Cake Boss” Buddy Valastro’s casual Italian-American restaurant featuring family recipes and signature desserts with views of the Strip.

⏵ Celebrity Chef Lorena Garcia’s vibrant restaurant showcasing the flavors of Latin American cuisine with modern presentation and craft cocktails.

⏵ Chef Tetsuya Wakuda’s refined Japanese dining experience offering pristine sushi, seasonal seafood and a curated sake selection in an artful setting.

⏵ Elegant steakhouse overlooking the Lake of Dreams with prime steaks, seafood and tableside presentations. Their Chilean sea bass and bone-in ribeye are standout selections.

⏵ Japanese fine dining with authentic sushi, robatayaki and teppanyaki in a stunning setting with waterfall views. Their A5 Wagyu beef and omakase offerings are exceptional.

⏵ The first Chinese restaurant in North America to earn a Michelin star, serving refined Cantonese, Shanghai and Szechuan dishes in an opulent gold and white dining room.

⏵ Sophisticated Italian dining from the renowned international restaurant group, featuring classic Venetian specialties, tableside preparations and their signature Bellini cocktails.

⏵ Glamorous supper club with Art Deco design offering upscale American cuisine and live entertainment in a throwback to the roaring twenties atmosphere.

⏵ Bright, elegant restaurant serving refined American breakfast and lunch items using seasonal ingredients in a conservatory-like setting overlooking the pool.

⏵ Wine bar and small plates restaurant with indoor and outdoor garden seating, offering charcuterie, flatbreads and international tapas-style dishes.

⏵ Seafood-focused waterfront restaurant with tables overlooking the Lake of Dreams show. Known for their Hawaiian fish program featuring fresh catches flown in daily.

⏵ Mediterranean-inspired restaurant featuring fresh seafood displayed in a market-style setting, coastal Italian dishes and an extensive wine list showcasing Southern Italian selections.

⏵ World-renowned Japanese restaurant by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa offering innovative fusion cuisine, signature black cod with miso and an elegant lounge atmosphere with expert sake service.

⏵ Themed after the hit TV show with red and blue kitchens, serving Chef Ramsay’s classics including beef Wellington, sticky toffee pudding and the famous lobster risotto.

⏵ Miami Beach institution known for Florida stone crabs, prime steaks and seafood classics in a refined setting with attentive service and nostalgic atmosphere.

⏵ Lisa Vanderpump’s lavish lounge with garden-inspired decor serving craft cocktails, wine and sophisticated small plates in an Instagram-worthy setting.

⏵ Award-winning upscale buffet experience with nine distinct kitchen areas featuring global cuisine, interactive cooking stations and over 100 dishes prepared by specialized chefs.