What is JCK Online?

The First of Its Kind Virtual Jewelry Show

The current extraordinary times due to the COVID-19 Pandemic have brought along many challenges for the Jewelry Industry – speeding up the adoption of technology in the sector.

JCK has planned a virtual event from the 10^th to the 14^th of August 2020 to help the jewelry industry reset, and restart business.

What should retailers and manufacturers expect from JCK 2020 – the first large virtual jewelry exhibition?

Table of Contents:

How the Coronavirus has affected the jewelry industry and JCK 2020?
What to Expect from JCK 2020?
How has JCK 2020 embraced technology to streamline their Virtual Exhibition?
What about Luxury by JCK?
Keeping up the JCK Tradition
Paving the Way for the Future
Will Smart Arts Jewellery attend JCK 2020?
What Steps should Jewelry Manufacturers and Designers take in 2020?

1- How the Coronavirus has affected the jewelry industry and JCK 2020?

Due to the unprecedented situation around the world caused by the coronavirus pandemic, all jewelry exhibitions have been cancelled or postponed to late in the year.

This has removed the main mode of interaction for retailers and manufacturers in the jewelry industry.

Due to travel restrictions and widespread health concerns, JCK 2020, the largest gems and jewelry exhibition in USA – attracting over 3500 exhibitors around the world, was cancelled.

The organizers of JCK 2020 have leveraged technology and taken proactive action by setting up a virtual exhibition from the 11^th to the 14^th of August 2020.

2- What to expect from JCK 2020?

JCK online will be the first major jewelry exhibition to host a virtual show – with more than 3,500 participants and a large list of invited retailers.

It will also be reaching out to buyers and retailers outside of the United States to help its exhibitors broaden their audience and minimize the impact of the cancellation of Basel World 2020 because of the coronavirus.

Each Exhibitor will be provided a “Virtual Showroom” where they can display their products, marketing materials.

“Visitors” will be given to option to inquire about the products on display via scheduling a conference call or sending a direct message to the exhibitor.

Furthermore, each visitor to the virtual showroom will be listed as a lead for the exhibitor – allowing them to get in touch and reach out for appointments.

JCK has integrated the capability to host online conference calls into the portal of their virtual exhibition.

3- How has JCK 2020 embraced technology to streamline their Virtual Exhibition?

JCK Online has incorporated many different technologies to create a streamlined experience to help both exhibitors and retailers optimize their time.

JCK has invested in developing algorithms to help guide retailers to jewelry manufacturers who fit their requirements – this series of algorithms is the basis for their “matchmaking” system.

The matchmaking system offers a wide variety of filters and categories, allowing manufacturers to target their product at specific requirements.

The matchmaking system creates a dashboard for the buyers/visitors based on the type of items they have previously searched, and the preferences and requirements they have specified.

This system also provides a CRM system for exhibitors, allowing them to keep track of leads and appointments.

As previously mentioned, each visitor to an exhibitor’s showroom will be listed as a lead. This will allow the exhibitor to reach out to the visitor and request an appointment with them.

4- What about Luxury by JCK?

Historically JCK has always hosted a separate, exclusive section of the show; Luxury by JCK. This section is reserved for premium brands, and manufacturers to showcase their products.

Only companies invited by Luxury may exhibit in this area.

Similarly, for the online event, the JCK 2020 Jewelry Show will be divided into two segments:

Luxury by JCK
JCK 2020

The Luxury by JCK show will begin one day early, on the 10^th of August, allowing visitors and buyers more time to view the products from the invited exhibitors.

5- Keeping up the JCK Tradition

JCK has always hosted events during the exhibition to allow retailers and manufacturers get to know each other in a less formal environment, and to shine light on the outlook of the industry. JCK 2020 will be no different.

Informational webinars have been organized for each day, helping both exhibitors and retailers understand the outlook for the industry during, and after the coronavirus pandemic.

Each year, JCK hosts a grand dinner with world class chefs. For the virtual show, they are bringing in some of the best chefs in the USA to host a “cook along” session.

A movie night and games night have also been organized to provide the opportunity for Buyers and Exhibitors to interact in a conducive, casual environment.

6- Paving the Way for the Future

JCK 2020 aims to make up for the lost meeting opportunities for both manufacturers and retailers through their virtual jewelry exhibition.

They have taken the first steps to embrace technology in difficult times for the industry.

With no sign of respite in the situation around the world, Jewellery and Gem World Hong Kong (Previously known as the September Hong Kong Gems and Jewellery Show) has been cancelled.

The organizers of the exhibition, Informa Markets, are looking to follow suite and organize an online exhibition in October.

Details of the event have not yet been disclosed by Informa Markets. An official announcement is expected from them in late August/early September.

7- Will Smart Arts Jewellery attend Luxury by JCK?

Historically, Smart Arts Jewellery has been exhibiting at the Couture Show Las Vegas. This is a highly exclusive show where only invited exhibitors, and invited buyers are allowed to attend. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, the Couture Show 2020 has been cancelled.

Smart Arts Jewellery has been invited to participate in the Luxury by JCK online exhibition and is currently deciding their plan of action. We believe it is imperative to develop an online presence to decrease the dependency on exhibitions – a point that has been highlighted greatly by the coronavirus pandemic.

Smart Arts Jewellery is still actively working with its existing customers on developing new collections as well as welcoming new prospects through embracing the internet and attempting to maximize its effectiveness.

8- What Steps Should Jewelry Designers and Manufacturers take in 2020?

Start adapting to the changing business landscape around the world.

Jewelry has been an integral part of human societies for millennia and will continue to hold an important place. However, the jewelry industry is changing its approach to embrace technology and the internet – a transition that has been accelerated further by the immobility caused by the pandemic.

We would recommend taking this opportunity to learn and understand how you can transform your business through integrating technology and embracing the internet. This will allow your business to transition and thrive in the long term.

Located in one of the leading countries for producing fine jewelry, Smart Arts Jewellery is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of superior fine jewelry. As a family-owned enterprise, it specializes in producing hand-joined flexible jewelry with authentic, high-quality gems that are perfectly matched for color and brilliance.

Smart Arts Jewellery was established in Bangkok in 1999 by Pradeep (Jolly) Lodha, who has been trading and manufacturing diamonds since 1987. With associate offices in New York, Hong Kong, Dubai, and Mumbai, Smart Arts Jewellery delivers sparkling gems to clients in over 30 countries worldwide.

Contact Us now
to start searching for additions to your fine jewelry collection

Bruno Radegonde – Contributor – I’m a French Business Developer based out of Bangkok since 2010. Smart Arts Jewellery has been my beloved home since 2019 where I handle both Marketing & Sales.

Centurion Excellence in Design Award

Who won the Centurion Excellence in Design Awards in 2020?

We are proud to announce that Smart Arts Jewellery Limited received the Excellence in Design Award for the Ventus Earrings at the Centurion Exhibition held at the J.W. Marriot Desert Ridge and Spa in Phoenix. The award received was in the premier category: Jewelry Retailing Above US$7500.

The Ventus Earrings:

The Ventus earring is inspired by the uchiwa (traditional Japanese fans), and the outstretched wings of an eagle.

Each baguette has been precision recut to blend into the curves of the earring. As homage to the wind, each round diamond on the tip of the Ventus moves fluidly.

This earring showcases Smart Arts Jewellery’s strength in innovative design and exclusive craftsmanship.

About the Show and The Award:

Over the past 19 years, the Centurion Jewelry Show has been an exhibition where the best fine jewelry retailers, stores, manufacturers, and designers in the USA come together.

It is and has always been an invite only show; each exhibitor and visitor are vetted for their quality and reliability before receiving and invitation to participate.

Each year the Centurion Jewelry Show hosts a design competition between its exhibitors – with the retailers and stores as the judges. The most out of the box, and unique designs from top designers and manufacturers are displayed for the discerning eyes of the judges.

The winners of the awards are announced during the Gala Dinner of the show.

A lot of businesses claim that they do high jewelry. However, most of them simply cast gold and set stones. What makes authentic fine jewelry shops stand out is their meticulous attention to details, especially the filing, polishing, and cleaning of each piece. They make sure that all of the stones in a jewelry piece match in luster and color, particularly colored stones, to create a truly magnificent piece – both in value and aesthetics.

Other category winners were:

Classic Engagement Rings, Hearts On Fire
Modern Engagement Rings, Omi Privé
Casual Fashion Under $1,500 Retail, Asher Jewelry
Casual Fashion $1,501 – $5,000 Retail, Lika Behar
Casual Fashion Over $1,500 Retail: Gumuchian
Classic Jewelry Under $3,000 Retail, Doves By Doron Paloma
Classic Jewelry $3,001 – $7,500 Retail, Willow Diamonds
Red Carpet Jewelry, A&D Gem/Dvani
Men’s Jewelry: Tie between Coles of London and King Baby
Watches: Marco Moore

About Smart Arts Jewellery Limited:

Smart Arts Jewellery Limited has been designing and manufacturing fine and high jewellery for brands and top retailers around the world since 1999. Located in Bangkok – one of the leading countries for producing fine jewelery, we specialize in producing flexible, hand-joined jewelry with authentic high-quality gems that are perfectly matched for colour and brilliance.

Smart Arts Jewellery Limited was established in Bangkok in 1999 by Pradeep Lodha – who has been trading and manufacturing diamonds since 1987.

Contact us Now to start searching for additions to your fine jewelry collection.

Bruno Radegonde – Contributor – I’m a French Business Developer based out of Bangkok since 2010. Smart Arts Jewellery has been my beloved home since 2019 where I handle both Marketing & Sales.

How to Find the Best Fine Jewelry Suppliers?

Why finding the Best Fine Jewelry Supplier is a tedious and systemic process involving numerous criteria?

Well, the designs, the quantity required, the materials, the pricing, the sourcing locations as well as other factors have to be taken into account.

Here is a non-exhaustive listing of important information to be considered on how to search and select your new fine jewellery partner.

Table of Contents:

What type of jewellery are you looking for?
What are the credentials of the Best Fine Jewelry Supplier?
How long has the fine jewelry supplier been in business?
How large is the fine jewelry suppliers workforce?
What is the quality of material used and where is it sourced?
How to judge the quality of craftsmanship?
Where to find the best fine jewelry suppliers?
How about their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility)?

1- What Type of Jewelry are you looking for?

Make sure to clearly identify your needs. This is an essential question but if you are searching for the best fine jewelry supplier – your ideas, and tastes must match their expertise.

We can still list the main categories as followed:

Fine Jewelry made of gold or platinum set with precious stones or semi-precious stones,
High Jewelry true art using exceptional stones with a very high degree of craftsmanship and outstanding design prowess,
Designer Jewelry (could also be from both definitions listed above) made by the world-famous houses as well as more local labels,
Vintage Jewelry at least 20 years old showing the design movement of the corresponding era,
Antique Jewelry at least 100 years old with big influence from the Gregorian, Art Nouveau or Art Deco era,
Semi-fine jewelry similar quality than fine jewelry but using more affordable materials such as Silver gold plated with hard or semi-precious stones,
Silver jewelry as its name suggest, main component will be silver,
Fashion jewelry the entry level of jewelry found in clothes stores or supermarkets. Usually uses brass, cheap beads or crystals.

As David Allen said, “You can do anything, but not everything”. Exercise caution with jewelry manufacturers telling you they can do everything from silver all the way to high jewelry.

It is like going to a restaurant advertising that the chef masters Chinese cuisine as well as Indian, French, Mexican… Wouldn’t you raise eyebrows? No one can do everything with the highest level of expertise.

Identify the strengths of the supplier, and make sure it adheres to your vision. A SWOT analysis could become handy in order to fine tune your research.

2- What are the credentials of the Best Fine Jewelry Suppliers?

Memberships with each country’s National Jewelry Association along with the RJC (Responsible Jewelry Council) assert the reliability of a fine jewelry supplier.

You can review this list of Associations compiled by the GIA (Gemological Institute of America)

Why is it becoming the norm for fine jewelry suppliers to become accredited by the RJC (Responsible Jewelry Council)?

Because RJC’s Code of Practices is a landmark standard for the jewellery supply chain and addresses a wide range of supply chain issues, including business ethics, human rights, social and environmental performance.

How to perform a background check via google to focus your search on a particular name?

Using inverted comma’s to ensure the results include the name you are looking for.
- For example: “company name” then analyze the results and look for articles and publications.

LinkedIn also comes handy as a powerful tool to find the information on the fine jewelry supplier, and assess their credentials and professionalism.

3- How long has the fine jewelry supplier been in business?

The age of a business does not necessarily equate to skill, and professionalism – but it can be a good indicator. A rule of thumb would be to look at fine jewelry suppliers with at least 15 years of experience because those businesses are able to constantly adapt to shifts in the market, and onboard new technology to keep up with the times.

A supplier who has been operating for a long time also shows signs of having built long lasting partnerships with their clients – supporting them for all their needs (we are evolving in a traditional crafting industry in the end).

4- How large is the fine jewelry suppliers workforce?

Why does this detail matter? It can indicate the ability for the supplier to deliver orders in a timely manner, along with the volume of orders than can be undertaken.

When a medium size manufacturing company has at least 20 to 30 employees on the production side alone, it will most likely ensure that every step of the jewelry making is performed in-house (thus not outsourced which is better for intellectual property protection).

Ideally, the fine jewelry supplier should also have its dedicated in-house designing team to create and adjust “on the go” 2d and 3d renderings to reduce lead-time.

Finally, the admin and account management team will be an essential point of contact for you to ensure your needs and the shipments are conscientiously handled with care in a timely manner.

5- What is the quality of material used and where is it sourced?

Today’s end-buyers are more conscious of the quality and source of their product. Hence, the speed and amount of information available for prospects buyers can increase your competitiveness.

The conscious consumerism movement is an important decision making factor that no company should ignore. Thus, the fine jewelry supplier you work with must be transparent and provide you as much information as needed upon request.

If your supplier is RJC approved, they would be audited on their supply chain practices. This audit would include, but is not limited to:

purchasing Gold from reliable sources such as PAMP in Switzerland.
purchasing Diamond where the supply follows the Kimberley Process (the Kimberley Process unites administrations, civil societies, and industry in reducing the flow of conflict diamonds – ‘rough diamonds used to finance wars against governments’ – around the world.).

6- How to judge the quality of craftsmanship?

Why are clear pictures in decent resolution now mandatory? Because it would be the best way for you to first understand:

the flair for design
the manufacturing quality (filing, polishing, lapidary, setting…)

Make sure the photos are proprietary of the fine jewelry supplier, it is usually easy to check from credible sources such as trade show websites or the corporate website.

Some fine jewelry suppliers even have their own Youtube channel where you can appreciate quality as if it was before your eyes

It would also be advised to visit the fine jewelry supplier, understand their process, and their way of working.

If time is an issue, make sure to at least visit your potential new fine jewelry supplier at one of the numerous jewellery trade shows being held worldwide.

This will lead us to the next topic, is your supplier experienced with export and open to the world?

7- Where to find the Best Fine Jewelry Suppliers?

Another way to judge on a fine jewelry supplier’s openness to the world is to identify to which jewelry trade show it is attending.

Most reputed fine jewelry manufacturers would be present at the following exhibitions:

Centurion, Couture, JCK for the USA.
Hong Kong March and September for Asia.
Vicenzaoro and Baselworld for Europe.

Serious and diligent fine jewelry suppliers will always attend at least 2 or 3 of the shows listed above. It is their best way to carry large quantities of designs to be displayed to the industry professionals in a safe & secure environment.

Smart Arts Jewellery Trade shows and fairs

Don’t be afraid to do business with a company on the other side of the globe. Communication tools and logistic supply chains have never been so optimized.

8- How about CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility)?

Even though it is not compulsory, to know that your fine jewelry supplier is giving back to improve the life of a community is an important factor to consider.

If you had to choose between 2 exact same fine jewelry suppliers but only one had a CSR program, which one would you choose?

Contact Us now
to start searching for additions to your fine jewelry collection

The Best Countries for Fine Jewelry Manufacturing

Get to Know The Best Countries for Fine Jewelry Manufacturing

The leading countries for fine jewelry manufacturing are worth knowing for various reasons. People who run a jewelry business will know where to source their products or even raw materials. It can also help investors who want to have special pieces made that have the chance to potentially appreciate in value after some time. Lastly, guys might want to know where to get one-of-a-kind engagement rings to go with their marriage proposal – without breaking the bank.

What is Fine Jewelry

How would you define high jewelry?

Although there’s no standard definition for this term, most jewelers agree that fine jewelry is made of precious metals like gold or platinum and could also contain precious gemstones.

However, it is important to understand that fine jewelry is not only defined by the materials it uses – it is characterized by the superior quality of metal work, artistic design, quality of the setting of precious stones, and flexibility.

Historically precious stones are more important due to their rarity and hence command a higher value: diamond, emerald, ruby, and sapphire. Stones like Paraiba have been defined as semi-precious stones, but also as coveted and as expensive as diamonds due to their breathtaking color.

Creating hand-joined jewelry is considered a traditional art, providing the flow, softness, and flexibility of high jewelry – an art that is the pinnacle of high jewelry.

Why You Should Buy Fine Jewelry

By now, you would have a pretty clear idea of what constitutes fine jewelry. In spite of its high cost and the fact that most people wear it only on special occasions, fine jewelry is considered a smart purchase. Here are some of the reasons why:

Great investment. A fine jewelry piece can stand the test of time, even outliving its original owner. It’s common to see it being passed down from generation to generation as an heirloom. That might also be the reason why it’s used for wedding rings to symbolize everlasting love. Last but not the least, the value of fine jewelry typically increases over time, making it an ideal passive investment. For instance, the value of gold has steadily increased over the past decades. In 1975, one ounce of gold costs $79. By 2020, it is averaging $1589!

Fashionable. Fine and high jewelry continuously evolves over time, pushing the boundaries of design. Jewelers push the boundaries of design in fine jewelry using modern technology such as 3D printing and casting. This enables fine jewelry manufacturers to create special shapes that are simply too complex – even impossible – to be done by hand. High jewelry is and always will be a romantic endeavor with exquisite beauty.

Status symbol. A fine type of jewelry serves more than just a possible long-term investment. Wearing it in public is also a quick way to boost your social status. You don’t even need luxury clothes or other accessories. A single, elegant piece of fine jewelry might be all you need to make a good impression and attract the right crowd.

Special. Fine Jewelry is not mass produced. Each piece is unique – unlike any other piece of jewelry. Often you see fine and high jewelry worn exclusively at formal events and special occasions. With the developments in fashion, where casual outfits are percolating into formal events, high jewelry is also evolving – becoming more versatile whilst maintaining its grace, elegance, and exquisiteness.

Those are just some of the reasons why buying fine jewelry is a smart course of action for anyone who can afford it. In 2018, the jewelry industry was valued at 279 Billion United States Dollars. It’s expected to grow to $480 billion in annual global sales by the end of the year 2025.

Best Countries for Fine Jewelry Manufacturing

Whether you personally want some pieces to invest in, or are looking for the top countries that make fine jewelry pieces for your business, we’ve got the answer. Below, we rounded up the leading countries when it comes to producing high jewelry.

United States

It should come as no surprise that the U.S. is one of the top countries that make fine jewelry. Based on jewelry-industry analyst Edahn Golan’s calculations, fine jewelry retail sales in 2017 reached $63.8 billion. The market involves roughly 1,922 businesses and employs about 21,883 people.

The United States is home to large and highly popular retailers like Tiffany & Co. Harry Winston, and David Yurman. Tiffany & Co. guarantees superior quality for all products – from the simplest items to designer necklaces. Harry Winston is known as the innovator of Jewelry dominated by pear shape and marquise shaped diamonds. David Yurman has recently been expanding into fine jewelry with intricately designed pieces with a touch of personality.

Germany

Germany is renowned for its gold working. It is home to some of the world’s best fine jewelry manufacturers like Wempe, Wellendorff, and Bucherer.

Wempe is a family-run business founded in 1878. It offers the trademarked Wempe-Cut® diamond, a secret cut that makes each diamond have a groundbreaking 137 light-catching facets (compared to the usual 57 facets or so) — giving each stone incomparable sparkle. Meanwhile, Wellendorff is known for Wellendorff Rope, a necklace woven in 18-carat gold that’s considered the softest necklace in the world. Bucherer Fine Jewellery, on the other hand, boasts the world’s largest watch and jewelry store (located in Paris).

Idar Oberstein is regarded as the best in precision cutting of stones. In addition, Pforzheim town, located in the state of Baden-Württemberg, has a thriving jewelry and watchmaking industry that made it earn its moniker “Goldstadt” (Golden City). You can find the world’s only museum devoted to the history of jewelry in this town, as well as the internationally renowned School of Design and the Institute of Jewellery Technology at Pforzheim University.

Italy

Italy was regarded as the world’s largest manufacturer and exporter of crafted fine jewelry for many years. Superior design and manufacturing have naturally been associated with products – including jewelry – that are “Made in Italy”. The country is also credited as a trendsetter in jewelry design, constantly pushing the boundaries of design using the latest manufacturing methods. Italian luxury brands like Bulgari, Damiani, and Roberto Coin are known worldwide for their abundant use of gold and precious gemstones, as well as their cutting-edge designs.

Most of Italy’s fine jewelry manufacturing companies are located in Vicenza, Valenza, Arezzo, and Bassano del Grappa. Family-run goldsmith workshops with small workforces are the main contributors to the country’s jewelry production.

France

No list of the best countries for fine jewelry manufacturing would be complete without France. French craftsmanship is undeniably one of the world’s best: large pieces of Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and other similar names are produced in France’s highly specialized workshops.

Besides those, the country is home to many other fine jewelry houses like Chaumet, Boucheron, Bulgari, Chanel, and Dior. Even Louis Vuitton – known for its iconic luggages and accessories – has a successful luxury jewelry market.

France is still home to a wide array of workshops specializing in one of a kind pieces, which produce for the top French brands.

Thailand

Thailand is known for highly skilled workers, with meticulous attention to detail. A large portion of the fine and high jewellery manufacturing had moved to Thailand approximately 25 years ago. It is renowned to produce European quality to the exacting standards of the best of brands, whilst providing a significant price and scalability advantage.

Thailand is also a hub for color stone and diamond trading, and charges no VAT on gold – making it an ideal place for manufacturers as all the resources they require are one phone call away.

Smart Arts Jewellery was established in Bangkok in 1999 by Pradeep Lodha, who has been trading and manufacturing diamonds since 1987. With offices in New York, Hong Kong, Dubai, and Mumbai, Smart Arts Jewellery delivers sparkling gems to clients in over 30 countries worldwide.

Contact us Now to start searching for additions to your fine jewelry collection.