Seeing These Jewels In Person Was A (JCK) Luxury

By Amy Elliott | August 25, 2021

I think JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky speaks for all of us editors when she noted on her Instagram that covering the Las Vegas jewelry shows is “like riding a bike.”

I have found my sea legs after being a little bewildered (in a good way) upon arrival. After all this time, I’d somehow forgotten what it feels like to handle well-made gold jewelry—the sheer weight of it, the ineffable luxury radiating from within. I’d forgotten what it was like to stare into the depths of something like a blue zircon from Cambodia or how, as long as I’ve been covering jewelry, there are always tidbits to learn from the pros (e.g., mint green garnets fluoresce to orangey-pink in direct light—who knew?).

Below, a peek at some of my favorite finds from the Luxury show floor (so far—it’s early as I write this from my Vegas hotel room). I know that every buyer who came out to the shows is serious about placing orders so I, too, tried to zero in on the smart buys, the irresistible novelties, or holiday-gift home runs. Otherwise this post would be a frenzied, hedonistic smorgasbord of everything that caught my eye, from diamond bracelets to fire opal rings.

First stop of the day, saying hi to our friend Julie Romanenko. Because I have loved these opal charms featured here and here for so long. I did not come away empty-handed (and turns out, several of my JCK colleagues had the same idea).

Just Jules charms — *Gemstone charms at Just Jules, booth Lux 400A. Prices start at around $275 wholesale.*

There were diamond bracelets and necklaces for days at Shy Creation, but I was taken with its ear game—all boxes ticked: opals (popular as ever), huggies, hearts (trending hard), with a sprinkling of diamonds and pearls. And perfectly priced for gifting or self-purchases.

KC Designs is leaning into a new tarot card–inspired locket collection. It nails the talismanic, symbolic, and protective quality that consumers want built into their jewelry. Bonus: The backs can be engraved.

Kc Designs Tarot collection — *Tarot lockets at KC Designs, booth Lux 827. Every style is priced well under $3,000, with lots of options under $2,000.*

The current issue of JCK magazine (copies are all over the show—grab one) has a fantastic article highlighting the award-winning Idaho-based jeweler Parlé. Everyone seems to be surfacing with mens’ and unisex jewelry and this was their take—the most beguiling collection of gender-neutral gemstone lapel pins. Imagine finding one of these in the toe of your Christmas stocking!

Parle gems mens lapel pins — *Gold and gemstone lapel pins at Parlé, booth Lux 730*

What a cluster! The mixing of gem colors and types is a trend we’re tracking. Think of it as like tossing confetti in the air. Celebratory and chic. Yael Designs had lots of color stories to that end, including some very pretty studs, but I fell for the pink/lilac/violet sapphires.

Yael Designs cluster sapphire jewelry — *Think pink at Yael Designs, which also has a lovely fire opal series; booth Lux 412.*

Top: Ciao bella! Saw Italian jeweler Evanueva for the first time (booth Lux 629), and it did not disappoint. Lots of glamorous coral and turquoise—all very sophisticated-Italian-lady. But I fell for these giant cocktail rings set with sapphires, longtime best sellers for the brand. They matched my dress perfectly! (All photos: Amy Elliott)

Follow me on Instagram: @aelliott718