Depending on how you count there are approximately nine jewelry and watch tradeshows in Las Vegas being held during the first week of June (and end of May). Several of these fairs have changed and a new show has been added to the mix.
The largest fine jewelry show in North America, JCK Las Vegas (May 31 – June 4), is returning to its original home, the Sands Expo Convention Center and the adjacent Venetian Resort Las Vegas. In 2011 it moved three miles down the strip to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, which received mixed reviews primarily because of its distance from the other trade fairs.
In another development there’s a new jewelry trade fair in town called Premier being held at the Las Vegas Convention Center May 31 – June 4. This new showed was created for independent jewelry designers and established small- to mid-size jewelry brands and manufacturers. This show won’t be alone in the massive convention center. Joining Premier is an established trade fair, The Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show, which first to moved to the Convention Center from the Paris Resort last year. In addition, two established trade organizations that had long-time relationships with JCK Las Vegas—The American Gem Trade Association and the Italian Exhibition Group—have also decided to exhibit at the convention center. The combined shows are being called “The Collective,” by the Emerald Exhibitions Group, which owns the antiques show and Premier.
This leaves The Couture jewelry show (May 30 – June 3), the one major jewelry tradefair in Las Vegas that has experienced little change over the years. The show held at the Wynn Las Vegas Resort provides an exclusive and intimate environment for the approximate 4,000 invited buyers who will view the products from about 200 luxury jewelry designers and brands and luxury watch companies. Many of the names, such David Yurman, Irene Neuwirth, Stephen Webster, Montblanc and Bell & Ross, are familiar throughout the world.
In addition to the big name brands, there are many well-established and highly praised independent jewelry designers and some newcomers who have been invited by the show because of their potential to make an impact on jewelry art and design. Among those exhibiting are the following:
Aisha Baker, a Dubai-based jewelry brand, is barely two years old and focuses on jewelry with fantasy themes from childhood.
The Alessa Jewelry brand was created by a young married couple, Alessandra Robles of Guatemala, and Yuvraj Pahuja, a native of India. The brand focuses on contemporary designs based on geometric shapes that can be easily stacked and matched.
Ananya is based in Chennai and Delhi, India, and creates jewels specializing in modern interpretations of traditional Indian themes.
After spending years in Switzerland doing high-level artisan work for luxury watch brands, Anna Maccieri Rossi returned to Italy to create jewels that combine the shapes and artisan crafts of high watchmaking with Italian creativity.
Ana Katarina jewels reflect her personal experiences and relationships. She is very much on the front line when it to producing jewels from sustainable sources.
New York-base jewelry designer, Ara Vartanian, is making quite a name for himself for his innovative jewelry settings and his collaborations with international artists.
Anthony Lent, a master goldsmith, has earned a fine reputation for his hand-crafted jewels from his suburban Philadelphia workshop. His pieces have common themes, such as his moonface jewels.
Arman Sarkisyan works with 22k gold, oxidized silver, diamonds, and bright gemstones, to produce hand-crafted jewels using artisan techniques. He’s another jeweler who has developed a strong following for his designs.
Assael works with the fruits of the sea, using some of the world’s finest pearls, coral and other sustainably sourced marine materials. For Couture, the brand has expanded its Japanese Akoya pearl assortment with the launch of a new two-part program, “Always Akoya.” The collection offers the fine Japanese Akoya pearls in classic and custom options for both strands and studs, as well as an all-new “Silk” collection featuring pearls on silky gold chains at moderate prices.
Colette jewels are based on the travels of the company’s founder, Colette Steckel. Her hauntingly elegant pieces are created for women who have their own sense of style.
Dana Bronfman specializes in a modern style of jewels that balances soft, sculptural structure with open space. Perhaps her most recognizable design elements are her convex and concave shapes, as well as her “oculus” shaped pieces.
Harakh is the creative child of Harakh Mehta, a veteran jeweler and diamantaire. His jewels are deeply rooted to his native Indian culture. He says his creations represents “luxury with a soul.”
Jade Trau, a fifth generation diamantaire as well as a jewelry designer will be presenting Forevermark Alchemy Collection by Jade Trau, among other collections, including a bridal line with Forevermark.
Theresa Bruno, the founder of Jordan Alexander Jewelry, creates pieces that are delicate and incorporate a rainbow of fancy colored gems. The brand produces signature collections and Bruno does bespoke work for a number of regular clients.
The jewelry brand, Lito, is unveiling its Animalia Collection inspired by the purifying properties of water. The collection provides figurative interpretation of mythical sea creatures that lived in the wildest of oceans. These jewels are available in 18k yellow or white gold, white brilliant and shield-cut diamonds and crowns of blue Topaz.
Loree Rodkin, who designs jewelry for rock stars and first ladies, is coming to Couture for the first time, bringing her high jewelry bling that ranges from goth to romance.
New York based high jewelry artist, Maria Canale, is donating 10% of the proceeds from sales of her Drop and Wave collections to water.org in 2019 in a campaign titled, “Every Drop Counts.”
Maya Gemstones specializes in delicately crafted, streamline gold and gem-set jewels. The company was founded by Olga Pekarevskaia in 2016 and its signature statement is triangular cut diamonds that she says “offers a unique blend of color and shine matching or surpassing more traditional rounds cuts.”
Nadine Aysoy is an Antwerp native who comes from a family of esteemed diamond dealers. After plenty of moves she is now based in London. Aysoy specializes not only in diamonds but in all types of gemstones for her luscious, colorful jewels.
Picchiotti, the company that specializes in sourcing outstanding gems combined with Italian designs is introducing a number of classic designs using fancy colored gems and white diamonds.
Prounis specializes in hand-crafted jewels made from recycled 22k gold set with colored gems. Each piece is created using classic goldsmith techniques and responsibly sourced materials to produce pieces with an antique quality.
London-base Robinson Pelham specializes in producing bespoke pieces but is now working on commercially viable collections with a rainbow of fancy colored gems mounted in yellow gold.
Spinelli Kilcollin is bringing its Black Gold Stack Rings to Couture, featuring wavy rings of different colored gold in some cases paved with diamonds linked together with more gold rings.
Sydney Evan, founded by Rosanne Karmes in Los Angeles in 2001, specializes in fashion jewelry made with 14k gold with a mix of colorful gems. One of her better-known styles is the fine beaded bracelet that can be updated with personal and spiritual charms. Her script Love collection is also a favorite.
Suzanne Kalan will debut Inlay, a collection of baguette diamonds, that is a continuation of Kalan’s Fireworks collection with signature baguette-cut and princess-cut stones that are randomly paved, protected with a gold bezel, and secured by thin prongs for a contemporary feel. The collection will include a number of pieces, including some with large and rare baguette-cut diamonds with a mix of sapphires and emeralds.
Tabbah specializes in high jewelry made with high-quality precious materials in classic designs that showcase the gems.
Vram, based in Los Angeles, is a jewelry design and production house founded in 1985 and helmed by Beirut-born Vram Minassian. After 30 years working behind-the-scenes as a private-label designer, the birth of his daughter in 2015 inspired the launch of his eponymous brand. His works feature sculptural forms, close pavé settings, and movement.
