Shows

A new date pattern isn’t the only thing different about this year’s JCK Las ­Vegas. The show, which opens June 5, a few days later than usual due to Shavuot, boasts several new neighborhoods, and the annual Rocks the Beach concert is now a Rocks the Bowl night. What remains the same is the show’s reputation for easy trendspotting. If you’re #JCKBound, keep your eyes peeled for heart-shape designs, geometric cuts, lapis-and-turquoise combos, and—say it with us—jewels in shades of Pantone’s Greenery. Turn to page 158 for a day-by-day guide to JCK’s best attractions.

(Above) Earrings with blue and aqua malachite chrysocolla, opals, and white diamonds in 18k gold; $4,200; GuitaM; 917-496-6072; guitam.com

 

Fashion

In April, after 27 years, Jenna Lyons, J. Crew’s high-profile president and creative director, stepped down from her dual role. Lyons (pictured) is widely credited with transforming a sleepy prep-school brand into a vibrant “it” fashion label. The influential Lyons look—heavy on acid-bright hues and high-low contrasts—also influenced jewelry design, nudging the entire industry into bolder, more creative territory.

 

Designers

Singer/CFDA icon/fashionista Rihanna already has an apparel, footwear, and accessories line (Fenty Puma by Rihanna); it was only a matter of time before she moved into jewelry. Not surprisingly, she turned to one of her red-carpet faves to do it: Rihanna  Chopard debuted in April as a nine-piece capsule collection of cube-filled geometric styles in the brand’s Fairmined rose gold with ceramic accents in Jungle Green (Rihanna picked the trendy shade). Fittingly, there’s also haute joaillerie, which RiRi previewed on the Grammys red carpet in February. Next, may we suggest Rihanna  Jacquie Aiche body chains?

 

Auctions

In April, Sotheby’s sold the Pink Star diamond for $71.2 million, making it the world’s most valuable jewel. At press time, the auctioneer’s Geneva arm was poised for a May 16 sale at which “the world’s most valuable earrings” would be offered. The mismatched, pear-shape colored diamonds—named after the twin Greek deities—are the Apollo Blue, a 14.54 ct. fancy vivid internally flawless blue, and the ­Artemis Pink, a 16 ct. VVS2 fancy intense pink. Despite billing them as earrings, Sotheby’s is selling them separately. Someone can buy them both, but that could cost as much as $70 million.

It’s all Greek to us: the Apollo Blue and the Artemis Pink diamonds (above)

 

 

Watches

For the second year in a row, Rolex topped the Global RepTrak 100 ranking of the world’s most reputable companies. The renowned Swiss timepiece maker drew kudos from survey respondents for “offering high-quality products and services,” “stand[ing] behind its products and services,” and “meet[ing] customer needs.” That has earned the brand quite a halo effect: Respondents hailed it as a “profitable company,” even though the privately owned business does not report financials.

(Above) Cellini Moonphase in 39 mm Everose gold case; $26,750; Rolex; 800-36-ROLEX; rolex.com

(Lyons: Photo Image Press/Newscom)