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Focused on giving retailers tools to stay competitive in an evolving marketplace

(ATLANTA) – The Atlanta Jewelry Show reported thousands of satisfied buyers and hundreds of exhibitors were thrilled with the latest edition of the AJS which offered something for everyone. “While staying true to our roots by providing exceptional products and resources for the independent jewelers, we were proud to introduce new routes, including concepts and feature areas throughout the show that were extremely well-received by all attendees,” said executive director Libby Brown.

The vast array of vendors, including many regulars plus newcomers to AJS, played a huge role in the success of the show. Chi Huynh, founder and creative force behind exhibitor Galatea, says the Atlanta Jewelry Show is “amazing and the people here are very supportive.” Huynh is looking forward to expanding his offerings at the August show.  The upbeat atmosphere and reports of steady order-writing and growing retail attendance from outside the show’s traditional region had exhibitors talking.

AJS is known for offering much more than expanded merchandise and product lines. With an outstanding pre-show conference, which began on Friday, March 1, along with e-commerce experts and interactive Learning Lab sessions continuing through the last day of the show on March 4, the Show provided an exceptional package of educational opportunities for every sector of the industry. Powered by the support of Diamond Producers Association, Instore Marketing, Silver Promotion Service, Stuller and Synchrony Financial, nearly 40 educational seminars and panels, plus an onsite GIA Diamond Grading Session, were presented. A record number of attendees took advantage of the pre-show education, which included a lunch and learn session sponsored by Stuller, Inc.

When asked about the success of the event, Director of Education Cindy Chandler stated: “Education is certainly an integral part of the Atlanta Jewelry Show. We are entrusted to provide our attendees with presentations created to offer insights and solutions to take back to their store, and we take that very seriously. It would not be possible without the generosity of our sponsors and exhibitor members. I want to thank all of the speakers who donated their time and expertise to the AJS education program.  I couldn’t have done it without them! We are already building the program for the fall show, and it’s going to be epic,” Cindy added.

The Atlanta Jewelry Show Kids Jewelry Camp returned, cementing a solid connection with the children who attended, as well as their parents and grandparents who appreciate the unique experience the camp provides. The camp is open to children of AJS exhibitors and retail buyers and is designed to help foster excitement in the jewelry industry among our next generation. Camp attendees, ages 7 and up, participated in a number of jewelry, gem and safety related programs, which included several creative projects, mining for gemstones, jewelry industry mentor talks and an opportunity to explore the show floor. AJS is excited to take this one-of-a-kind program to new heights and is accepting camp registrations for August.

Occasions, a brand new pavilion for AJS was successfully launched at the spring show. Magnificent geodes, lighting, luxury gift items and high-end display units were displayed and featured to retailers as a new way to spruce up their stores and offer their customers something exciting and different.

Another popular AJS CAD-CAM Challenge was held. Congratulations to Inae Choi, Designer at Green Lake Jewelry Works, Seattle, Washington, the Challenge winner. This event was a huge attraction, as hosts Kate Peterson and Joel McFadden kept everyone updated and entertained during this intense, all-day competition.

Buyers and exhibitors alike enjoyed many special touches at the show, including the official AJS Mobile App, where connections were made by old friends and new, and social events were arranged. Mingle was another big success, further proving that the jewelry industry knows how to party. Surprise pop-up parties were sprinkled all over the show floor with tasty snacks and trendy drinks to enjoy. Livestreaming interviews, special guests and jewelry bloggers filled the aisles and the energy was high throughout the three days of the show. Even the AJS mascot Gemmy joined in the fun! Laurin and Brian Barnes from Barnes Jewelers in South Carolina were the first ones on the show floor and the last ones to leave each day, saying “We love this show, the jewelry, the energy, the people… we learn something new every show. There’s nothing like it anywhere else!”

Mark your calendars for the AJS Fall show, August 10-12, 2019.