The JCK Tucson Exhibitor Diary

As you brace yourself for the holidays, know that they’ll be here and gone in a flash. (Is that what you want to hear after all that planning? Perhaps not.) Still, there’s much to look forward to in the new year, and the annual JCK Tucson jewelry show is no exception. If you’re a jewelry designer or manufacturer, you may be familiar with the show already as either an exhibitor or attendee. If not, I’ve got some stories that may make you want to be one of those things.

I live in Washington, D.C., where the winters get pretty cold and the skies are often gray through March—maybe even later. So a trip to sunny Tucson sounds really darn good in February—and that’s my excuse to want to be there. (Well, that coupled with the jewelry, obviously.) There’s a long list of jewelry brands that have experienced the show and continue to go back (the ones you’ll read about are returning exhibitors for 2018), and I wanted to know why. So, I asked—and they answered! Their responses helped me to craft this diary of sorts, a retelling of the best moments, memories, and success stories of those who have journeyed to Tucson and back. (I mean they must go for more than great weather and vistas, right?!) Without further ado, here they are.

Dana Bronfman, Dana Bronfman Jewelry
“There are so many reasons I love Tucson and exhibiting at the JCK show. The trip is worth it for the breathtaking views from the JW Marriott alone. From beginning the day hiking amongst the Saguaro cacti and watching the sunrise to a morning sage ceremony, to exhibiting amongst a small, curated group of exceptional designers, to firelight evenings surrounded by my jewelry people, the passionate energy of Tucson is unparalleled. The desert spirit and landscape energizes and inspires me, as do all of the amazing people I have gotten to know through Tucson, where I have forged both business and true friendships.”

“Tucson is the only show I have done where I feel like my brand does not get lost. Exhibiting there allowed me to pick up many accounts, including some of the first-ever stores at my first Tucson in 2015. This felt like my break into the industry, and it has been an instrumental jumping off point for where my business is today.”

(Courtesy Dana Bronfman)