Supplier News: Week of May 19

By Brittany Siminitz | May 19, 2025

Oroarezzo’s International Attendance Grows

Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) reported that foreign attendance at its 2025 Oroarezzo trade show, which closed May 13, increased 9%—an achievement considering uncertainty over tariff barriers to the U.S., the second-largest market for Italian gold and jewelry exports.

Visitors to the 44th edition of Oroarezzo, held in the Tuscan city of Arezzo, represented 100 countries. Around 40% of attendees came from Europe, 15% from the Middle East, 12% from Asia and the Far East, 11% from Africa, 10% from North America, and 7% from South America.

There were 58 participating companies in the show’s Premiere competition, conceived by art director Beppe Angiolini. Oroarezzo also included economic and industry outlooks and cultural events.

Rio Grande Expands JCK Vegas Presence

Rio Grande is increasing its footprint at the JCK show in Las Vegas this year, exhibiting in two distinct booth locations. On Level 1 (booth #56096), Rio Grande will feature its selection of tools, supplies, and production equipment, as well as raw materials essential for jewelry creation. An additional booth (#11093) on Level 2 will showcase Rio Grande’s expanding fine jewelry division, including diamonds and custom design solutions.

“We understand that volatility in gold, diamonds, and tariffs presents real challenges for jewelers,” said Rio Grande president Arien Gessner in a statement. “Our goal is to protect our customers by keeping pricing competitive and ensuring they have the materials and resources they need to succeed. With strong U.S. manufacturing and connections through our sister companies—Richline, Leach Garner, and J.C. Nordt—we are able to provide stability in an unpredictable market.”

To book an appointment with Rio Grande during JCK, June 6–9, visit this link. For more information about the company, see its website.

Chris Ploof Receives Luxury Lifestyle Award

Chris Ploof Designs was named Best Luxury Jewelry in the U.S. at the 17th annual Luxury Lifestyle Awards, which recognize the most exceptional experiences, products, and services that embody luxury in the global marketplace.

“I am extremely honored to be recognized by the Luxury Lifestyle Awards,” jewelry-blacksmith Chris Ploof said in a statement. “I love sharing my passion for creating beautiful wearable art with the world.

“Whether it’s making distinctive patterns in hand-forged Damascus steel or mokume gane, or turning meteorite and carbon fiber into luxury jewelry, my team and I enjoy the process of creation, especially when crafting really cool things from unexpected materials,” said Ploof. “And we do it all with sustainable business practices in our solar-powered Massachusetts studio.”

(Photo courtesy of Oroarezzo)