The 2016 JCK Rising Star’s design is a showstopper

I haven’t exactly been subtle in expressing my favoritism with JCK’s Design Center in Las Vegas. The new discoveries! The creative work! The cool people! And, going on my fifth year with the show, why start now? I’m thrilled to visit the row of JCK Rising Stars each year, eager to gaze at new perspectives on jewelry design, to warm myself in the presence of new, friendly faces. It’s never disappointing, and it never will be. But one thing that is different about this year is the number of Rising Stars that we will encounter. With 21 (you read that correctly: 21) names on the list this year, there is no shortage of discovery-worthy space. One of the names on that list is responsible for this lovely creation here: Ayva. Priyanka Kedia, the designer behind Ayva, has mastered her aesthetic: the line is recognized for its use of angular-cut stones—mainly squares and marquises—saturated in luscious color. The style is modern but with a timeless feel that I can see appealing to a large variation of style preferences. My favorite from the sneak peek I was treated to, however, is this one: the reverse-style collar necklace dubbed Riya, with its angular layout of crisp white sapphires and juicy tourmalines. I particularly love its asymmetrical setup, with one side more heavenly adorned than the other. It takes the piece from pure luxury to playfully casual, a quality that makes it prime for daily wear—and who wouldn’t want to wear this daily? I’ll definitely be adding a stop at Ayva’s booth to my itinerary at JCK Las Vegas. Perhaps I’ll see you there?

Riya necklace in 18k yellow gold with 4.16 cts. t.w. white sapphires, 2.28 cts. t.w. tourmalines, and 0.1 ct. t.w. diamonds, $8,200

Brittany Siminitz

JCK Contributing Editor