By Okon Ekpenyong
Central Ohio played host to the International Gem and Jewelry Show for the 10th time at the Ohio Expo Center and State Fair, Columbus between November 5 and 6, 2021. Everybody loves jewelry, and in some cultures, jewelry is part of the Holiday traditional celebration, especially in countries like Nepal, Poland, and India.
Gem and Jewelry Show started on Friday, November 5, 2021, from 12 pm to 6 pm, and 10 am to 6 pm on Saturday. It concluded from 11:00 am to 5 pm on Sunday, November 7, 2021, at the Celeste Center, 717 E. 17th Avenue in Columbus.
Herbert Duke Sr is the founder of Intergem and the dream of selling Jewelry directly to the public came alive in 1967. In a retail setting, consumers do not get the opportunity to engage with the designers of fun fashion jewelry, fiery gemstones, beads, crystals, pearls, estate jewelry, watch accessories, and much more, however, since May of 1967, jewelry lovers across America can interact and learn a bit more history of what they will be buying from the makers themselves.
Brandy Swanson, the show manager and GLDA coordinator for the International Gem and Jewelry Show, has been proud to work for America’s longest-running direct-to-consumer jewelry shows in the nation because of its diversity and inclusion approach. Swanson spoke to the New American Magazine about the event and what attendees can expect:
Brandy Swanson
All culture comes because jewelry sells itself, and everybody loves it whether it is a high end or bling. It is a massive holiday for the Indian and the Nepalese community, and that is why you are seeing a significant East Asian presence here.
Covid-19 has brought individuals back to their spiritual path, so expect to see jewelry as part of that journey. Attendees can expect to see jewelry, fossils, and other things. It is a little different at each show; like in California- we’ve crystals and meditation (it is huge).
Preparation
Columbus has 50 booths, but it is a bigger market for Chantilly, Virginia, and the San Fransico area because we end up setting up more than 200 booths. We are the sales representative; therefore, we set up the booth, but each exhibitor or supplier owns all merchandise.
Covid-19 protocol
In California, everybody must wear a mask, but proof of vaccination is required if they have a high covid case. The state government prohibits the mandatory mask requirement in Texas. Ultimately since each county has its restriction depending on if the number of covid cases goes up or down, we will then make that announcement whether to mandate a mask or not.
Swanson said the international Gem and Jewelry show is on the road 46 out of 52 weeks, going from the east coast to the west coast. Last week, they were in Boston, and after this weekend in Columbus, Denver is the next stop. The Denver show will be from November 12-14, 2021, at the Crowne Plaza Denver Airport (Salon AE)., 15500 E. 40th Avenue.