Have you been keeping up with me so far this year? We’re just halfway through 2016 and what a wonderfully lucky year it’s been. It all kicked off with a trip to the busy metropolis of Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and Hong Kong. Being so close to home, I couldn’t resist nipping back to beautiful Russia for a quick visit – kind of like when I was young, and travelling with my family between home and Asia. Then I set my compass for Germany and France, before flying off to Tulum, Mexico, to decompress and prepare for an unforgettable week in NYC. This time, we’re in Las Vegas in honour of one of the biggest jewellery fairs in the US – JCK LUXURY.
Not many people think of Las Vegas and think, jewellery trade show, but every year the world’s top designers and diamond dealers meet for an impressive fair. I got a sneak peek of this year’s designers and can’t wait to share my Top 10 with you.
If you haven’t seen my social media takeover, check out @JCKevents. You can also read about my jewellery talk here.
My flight was delayed by three hours, so all the passengers were stuck at the boarding gate. The group was a clash of personalities, jewellery buyers, designers and a randy bunch of guys eager to taste the pleasures of Vegas! It was the largest group of men in shorts I’ve ever seen! All headed for Las Vegas and an unforgettable stag do to rival The Hangover. Despite their chat-up lines, we managed to stay on topic and for the sake of all the women in their lives, we taught these men a thing or two about jewellery! Ten hours’ worth, in fact!
SHOP THE LOOK:
BALENCIAGA Gold-tone faux pearl necklace
CAROLINA BUCCI 18K gold multi-stone cuff
VENYX 18K gold multi-stone ring
CHAN LUU Tasseled suede and pearl necklace
Leyla Abdollahi Ombre Sapphire Diamond Drop Earrings
MIZUKI 14K Gold pearl and diamond earrings
DANIELA VILLEGAS 18K gold, pearl and diamond phalanx ring
DELFINA DELETTREZ 18K white gold, pearl and diamond ring
DANIELA VILLEGAS Asteria 18K Rose Gold necklace
MELISSA JOY MANNING 14K gold pearl earrings
JENNIFER BEHR Pearl and enamel headband
MELISSA JOY MANNING 14K gold, Herkimer diamond and pearl ring
YVONNE LÉON Set of five 18K gold multi-stone rings
MIZUKI 14-karat gold, pearl and diamond cuff
Baer Jewels Pentagonal Amethyst Necklace
MIZUKI 14-karat gold, pearl and diamond ring
ROSANTICA feather and pearl necklace
MIZUKI 14K gold, leather and pearl wrap bracelet
MIZUKI 14K gold pearl earrings
ROSANTICA Chimera pearl body chain
MIZUKI 14K gold, pearl and diamond cuff
VENYX Theiya 18K gold multi-stone earrings
ROSANTICA Giovanna palladium-tone, pearl and feather glove
SOPHIE BILLE BRAHE + Sacai 14K gold pearl earring
YUNOTME Lyra beaded faux pearl headband
Then the familiar bump and screech of the plane’s tires and it’s ‘bye-bye, Boys!’ – Hallo Las Vegas! Time to freshen up and put on my pearl headpiece. Just call me the Queen of the Desert! I’m headed to JCK LUXURY at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, and I intend to make an entrance!
If you’re a blogger or work in the trade, you’ll know that these events often host (by invite only) an event for the organizers, exhibitors and designers to meet and mingle. It’s a rare chance to get a sneak peek and take photos, before the doors open to the public. Besides, it was fun chatting with so many jewellery editors and journalists over breakfast and lunch in the JCK press room.
Click here to learn more about my #JeweloftheDay and my Vegas Pearl Headpiece.
I feel very safe here, with all these security guards around! If you get lost or need help, there’s always an ASK ME! Guide willing to help. So well organised and a great atmosphere. If you’re ever lucky enough to attend the JCK LUXURY in Vegas, just remember that it’s illegal to hail a taxi cab. You have to head straight to the designated area where the taxis line up and go to the front of the queue or you could be arrested!
JCK LUXURY is all about fine jewellery and of course, diamonds. My mission, however, is to find something special that I’ve not seen before. So sit back and enjoy the ride. I’m about to show you my Top 10 designer picks.
1. TARA & SONS
I don’t know if it was my magnificent pearl headpiece or my natural instincts, but I homed in on these beautiful baroque earrings and crocodile brooch from Tara & Sons.
This family of designers has been creating splendid pieces like this since 1974. They are known for their unsurpassed artisan craftsmanship and I admire their commitment to working with the finest Tahitian & South Sea cultured pearls, diamonds, and metals.
Follow Tara & Sons on Instagram
2. RINA LIMOR
There’s something about New York designers that makes my heart skip a beat and Rina Limor is no exception. She’s a follower of La Dolce Vita and the belief that life should be lived to the fullest, in pursuit of all its pleasures. Her inspiration comes from this world, the same place where Fellini found his muse for the legendary film of the same name.
I fell in love with these cabochon rings and hand carved citrine and tanzanite floral earring in 18k gold accentuated with diamonds.
Follow Rina Limor on Instagram
3. J.STELLA
Have you seen these beautiful one of a kind pearl brooches on GEMOLOGUE Instagram! J.Stella has been designing and manufacturing jewellery for over 50 years now.
WE SHOULD CONSIDER EVERY DAY LOST ON WHICH WE HAVE NOT DANCED AT LEAST ONCE. ― Friedrich Nietzsche
4. UNEEK FINE JEWELRY
Hard to believe, but this next designer goes by the name of Jeweler! Seriously! His first name is Benjamin and his last name is Javaheri, the Farsi word for ‘jeweler’! It stands to reason, as his family has a history with jewellery spanning over four generations, on both sides of his family. Benjamin’s grandfather and great-grandfather were metalsmiths, and his mother’s family were also experts in jewelry-making and retailing.
Uneek is my first encounter with an LA-based jewellery brand and I wasn’t disappointed. You can see why they have built a reputation in fine diamond jewellery, and why so many brides insist on Uneek!
Follow Uneek Jewelry on Instagram
5. CHRISTOPHER DESIGNS
Diamonds, diamonds, diamonds everywhere! So many to choose from, but my eye caught one special cut that is so unique, it’s been patented. It’s called the Crisscut® after founder and designer, Christopher Slowinski.
His patented cut renders each stone 40 to 50 per cent larger than a classic emerald cut. How did he learn such craftsmanship? Under the careful tutelage of master jewellers in both his native Poland and the US.
Today, he combines his classic jewelry training with modern technology to create exclusive designs that include his patented Crisscut stones.
To show you the effect of this incredible cut, the L’Amour ring I’m trying on above is 10 carats but looks like an astonishing 18 carats.
When it comes to engagement rings, Art Deco or that classic Victorian style will always be a favourite and forever trendy. Christopher Designs offers an impressive collection, as you can see above.
What’s your favourite?
“THERE ISN’T A STONE THAT IS CUT OR A SETTING THAT IS CAST IN OUR NEW YORK CITY FACTORY THAT I DON’T PERSONALLY INSPECT. WE ARE PROUD OF OUR WORK AND STAND BY EVERY PIECE THAT LEAVES OUR WORKSHOP.”
Follow Christopher Designs on Instagram
6. FOREVERMARK
Some of you might remember my Master Class with Forevermark Diamonds. I tried on some of the most beautiful diamonds and learned more about diamonds than ever before, including the secret to a Forevermark Diamond. Each diamond is inscribed with a traceable number that proves it origin and accountability to ethically sourced diamonds.
Forevermark Diamonds is part of The De Beers family of companies, with over 125 years of diamond expertise.
Follow Forevermark Diamonds on Instagram
7. DOG FEVER
Giving shape to the emotions that dogs bring, these rings are adorable. I couldn’t resist. They’re made of enameled silver and would make an incredibly sweet gift. Some things just fill your heart without even trying. Just pick your favourite breed!
WITH A BIT OF MADNESS AND ITALIAN CREATIVITY, DOG FEVER WINS HEARTS.
FOLLOW Dog Fever on Instagram
8. ERICA COURTNEY
Erica Courtney’s designs remain true to their Drop Dead Gorgeous label. It’s impossible not to fall in love with these stunning creations. With 30 years of experience defining style and luxury with her artisan jewellery, Erica’s pieces are vivid, statement pieces, bursting with charm and femininity.
The second LA-based designer that I’ve fallen in love with today. I must come back to this fabulous city one day. Just take a look at this edgy coin collection from Erica Courtney.
Always pushing the boundaries, Erica’s jewellery is guaranteed to make a statement. Perfect for today’s most stylish women.
After talking to Erica and getting to know her story a bit (more to come on that in a later post), I learned that it all started when she was in Mexico on the run from the FBI!
Follow Erica Courtney on Instagram
9. ZORAB CREATION
These stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces are from the collected works of Zorab – a showcase of some of the finest jewellery you can find.
Founders Zohrab and Arsine Istamb