However, by mid-afternoon the buyers were filling the Mandalay Bay Convention Center and the hubbub generated by this event was very much in evidence.
Before the recession, it was routine to see long queues of buyers eagerly waiting for JCK Las Vegas to begin. But times have changed for the US jewellery industry.
Other Vegas trade fairs over a four-day period were JCK Luxury and JCK Swiss Watch (both invitation-only events and held at Mandalay Bay) and the Couture Show at the Wynn Las Vegas.
Informally known as Las Vegas Jewellery Week, In home display this grouping of fairs is easily the largest gathering of the international jewellery industry in North America.
Exhibitors, as always, were mostly either upbeat or tight-lipped about business. Independent retailers, who are more willing to discuss their difficulties, say the first three months of the year have been very strong. But they are not ready to pop the corks on the champagne bottles just yet.
There is a lot of reason for optimism as buyers make their purchases for the all-important Christmas shopping season, and, to a lesser extent, summer.
Independent retailers and large chains in all market categories reported strong growth in sales for the first quarter.
In addition, the World Gold Council reported that, for the first time since 2005, there was a year-on-year increase in gold jewellery demand in the US, fuelled by the economic recovery and a substantial drop in the cost of the precious metal.
“It would be better if we were back already from the recession,” says Paul Lubetsky, chief executive of the revitalised Marina B jewellery brand, at the Couture Show, which showcases luxury jewellery designer brands. “But the economy is coming back.”
The brand, founded by Marina Bulgari, Home electricity monitor the granddaughter of the founder of the eponymous Italian jeweller, was purchased by Mr Lubetsky and is known for big, bold pieces that were popular in the 1980s and 1990s. He is now creating new pieces of her jewellery based on her original drawings.
“America is definitely getting better,” says Tarang Arora of Amrapali, a luxury jewellery designer based in India. “Things are reviving and that is very good news”.
Mr Arora says this year’s JCK Luxury fair was a “large improvement” over 2012, with more appointments lined up.
However, he adds that the company is still creating its elaborate Indian jewellery with value and affordability in mind.
“Things are getting better, but people are still sticking to what they know,” he says.
“We are focusing on providing a bigger look at a better price”.
Among the more popular items in the $800-$2,000 range are turquoise pieces for summer and colourful tassels as earrings and necklaces, he says.
Since the recession, colour has been popular with designers as a way of creating more affordable jewellery. This trend seems to have reached a new level of acceptance.
Danhov, the bridal jewellery manufacturer, introduced its first engagement ring collection with coloured gemstones that it calls “Pop of Color”.
Yael, the jewellery manufacturer, owon-smart presented a collection of untreated sliced emeralds with a rose-cut top.
Yehouda Saketkhou, chief designer of the San Francisco-based company, says it took two-and-a-half years to locate the emeralds, find a cutter willing to slice such valuable gems and then create the pieces. The stones are set on 18k white and yellow gold and framed by a mix of white and yellow diamonds.