Jewels on Set Today for the February 2016 Issue

While Thanksgiving has yet to touch down, JCK is already thinking about February. That’s because today we’re shooting model photography for the February 2016 issue in lower Manhattan. Among our snaps will be a bride—for the cover—as well as inside shots of fashion-forward big three stones (ruby, emerald, and sapphire) for the opening spread of my feature story on the state of the market for that evergreen trio of rocks.

We’ve pulled dozens of rings, necklaces, earrings, and more, to build different bridal jewelry looks, including emerald engagement rings and heart-shape center stones. Some of these trends may spill over into tomorrow’s still-life shoot, where we’ll also cast a spotlight on cabochon cuts, funky minerals, and other on-trend jewels. Here’s a peek at what’s happening now in the studio, which is staffed with nearly a dozen folks—hair stylist, makeup artist, stylist, art director, photo editor, jewelry market editor (me!), photographer, nail artist, and more—who work as a team to make the editorial photos aspirational and oh so pretty.

Hair artist Gusléne Bubak plays with model Alla Grigorjeva’s golden locks.

Takat loaned us several tony pieces, including a very “Titanic-like” sapphire necklace, according to our stylist, Catherine Peridis.

So glamorous—not! This is how we pack our jewels for transit, in Ziploc bags with designer names and numbers of pieces inked in Sharpie. This allows me to quickly see what and whom we have in inventory. Shown are diamond jewels from Leo Ingwer.