Global Jewelry and Gem Shows ~ December 2025

There are only a few global jewelry and gem shows taking place during December 2025, no doubt to the holiday season and onset of winter in the northern hemisphere. Here is a list of shows by region followed by some history of the jewelry industry and the origin of jewelry fairs.

Some of the shows that are open to the public (as opposed to strictly trade fairs) often have demonstrations or workshops where you can try your hand at cutting gemstones or designing and making jewelry. So be sure to check out their programs in advance as you may need to book or take some particular items with you.

New Horizon Mall Rock n' Gem Show, Canada

Dates: December 4-7, 2025

Location: New Horizon Mall, Calgary, Canada

Website: Rock 'n Gem Shows Canada

Our Rock N' Gem Shows & CanGems Gem & Mineral Shows operate throughout BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario bringing the best variety in Canada directly to you! Family friendly, affordable, and great for all ages.

History of the Jewelry Industry and Jewelry Shows

Ancient History

The history of the jewelry industry spans thousands of years, with evidence of humans adorning themselves with precious metals, stones, and symbolic objects dating back to the earliest known civilizations. Jewelry was initially used not only as a form of decoration but also for spiritual and social significance. Early examples of jewelry include beads made from shells, bones, and stones found in prehistoric burial sites, with gold and silver emerging as materials of choice by the time of the ancient Egyptians. The Egyptians, with their sophisticated knowledge of metallurgy and gemstone cutting, were among the first to create intricately designed jewelry that conveyed wealth, status, and religious devotion. Over the centuries, ancient cultures such as the Greeks, Romans, and Mesopotamians expanded the use of precious stones, pearls, and metals in jewelry, often turning them into symbols of power, love, and protection.

Middle Ages

During the Middle Ages, jewelry was closely tied to the church and the monarchy, with rulers and the clergy wearing elaborate pieces made from gold, precious stones, and enamel. The Renaissance period marked a major shift, as jewelry became a symbol of personal wealth and social status. This era saw the rise of gemstones like diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds in ornate settings, and the beginnings of what we consider modern jewelry design. As exploration and trade routes expanded in the 16th and 17th centuries, new gemstones and materials flooded European markets, and craftsmanship reached new heights.

19th Century

In the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution changed the landscape of jewelry production. Mass production techniques, alongside the discovery of new mining sources for diamonds and gemstones, made jewelry more accessible to the middle class. At the same time, the rise of iconic jewelry houses such as Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef & Arpels introduced a new era of luxury, and the craft of jewelry design became an art form, with house signatures and intricate design processes becoming prized features.

20th Century

As global trade expanded and luxury items became sought after by an increasingly affluent class, the concept of jewelry fairs and shows began to take shape in the 20th century. Early jewelry exhibitions were small-scale affairs, often held within the confines of major trade hubs like Paris, London, and New York. These events were intended as marketplaces for wholesalers and retailers, allowing jewelry manufacturers to showcase their designs to buyers and trade partners. However, as the demand for jewelry grew, especially in the post-World War II economic boom, larger and more elaborate jewelry fairs emerged to meet the growing global interest.

First Jewelry Trade Fair

The first international jewelry trade fair is often credited to the Baselworld show, which began in Switzerland in 1917. Originally focused on watches, it expanded over the years to include fine jewelry and gemstones, becoming one of the most prestigious events in the industry. By the mid-20th century, cities like Hong Kong, Las Vegas, and Dubai had become major centers for jewelry exhibitions, each hosting global events that attracted buyers, designers, and collectors from around the world. These shows allowed for an exchange of ideas, materials, and techniques that fostered innovation within the jewelry industry.

Current Day Jewlery Shows

Today, jewelry fairs are integral to the global jewelry market. Events like the Hong Kong International Jewelry Show, JCK Las Vegas, and the VicenzaOro fairs in Italy draw thousands of participants from across the world, making them essential for both established luxury brands and emerging designers. These fairs not only serve as commercial hubs but have become vital cultural moments for the industry, showcasing the latest trends, technological innovations, and artisanal craftsmanship that define the jewelry world. Whether focused on high-end luxury pieces, fine gemstones, or sustainable and ethical practices, these fairs reflect the ever-evolving nature of the jewelry industry, providing an essential space for networking, discovery, and growth.