New York Shows Canceled as Outbreak Spreads

RAPAPORT... Two additional industry events will not take place this month as fears of the coronavirus continue to escalate.Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America (MJSA) has postponed its Expo, while JA New York has canceled its upcoming show, both set to run in New York from March 15 to 17. Jewelers of America (JA) has not announced an alternative date for that event, but still expects to hold its summer show in August, it noted. Last week, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) called off its jewelry career fair, which was scheduled for March 13. Factors influencing the JA's decision include the state of emergency recently announced by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and governmental travel restrictions that affect participating companies, the trade organization noted. The JA was sharing the venue with both the MJSA and the GIA events, making it "impossible for us to produce this edition of JA New York," JA said Tuesday.Meanwhile, despite the state of emergency declared in New York, Christie's still plans to hold its Magnificent Jewels sale there in April. Its May jewelry sale in Geneva will also go ahead, it said. However, the auction house has postponed its Important Watches sale in Dubai from April to October."We are looking forward to holding our sales in New York and Geneva as planned," Christie's told Rapaport News Wednesday. "In case of any major developments or restrictions by the regional or federal governments, we would obviously revisit this decision."JCK Las Vegas and Luxury are still scheduled to take place in May and June.Image: A New York City transit worker sanitizing a subway car. (Flickr)