Understudy. Fill-in. Cover.
Whatever you call it, that’s me at the moment—pinch-hitting for editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky, who’s enjoying the last moments of her maternity leave. She’ll be back on this page next issue, just in time for our fall fashion spectacular and Las Vegas run-up.
That’s right: Las Vegas run-up. As I write this, Vegas jewelry week is a mere three months away. And since I’ve only been to JCK at Mandalay Bay, I’m superexcited to see the show in its new-old home, the Sands Expo and the Venetian…and to try the push-button Champagne service at Rosina in the Palazzo hotel. To help you plan your JCK Las Vegas trip, JCK contributor Matt Villano, our resident Vegas expert, rounded up the hottest bars, restaurants, and recreational spots (in case you need to do some ax throwing) in “Strip Planner.”
Of course, Vegas isn’t all about cocktails and casinos. We know you’ll be shopping for jewelry—lots and lots of jewelry—and our two product-packed features will definitely help jump-start your shopping list. “Silver Findings Playbook” collects some of the boldest, most graphic white-metal pieces of the season. (Remember: You can never go wrong with chunky chain link.) Plus, in our annual JCK Jewelers’ Choice Awards Winners portfolio (page 78), you’ll find 46 pieces beloved by retailers in categories such as bridal, gold, and colored stones. Need an under-$2,500 bracelet? We’ve got it. A $1,000 price-point piece? Check. And congratulations to our grand prize winner, Mizrahi of Beverly Hills, for its pink and white diamond statement ring, which you saw on our cover model.
Because you need a way to show off all that jewelry, we put together a two-part Decor Special. In “All About That Case,” photographed by Patricia Heal, stylist Beverley Hyde conceived three outrageously cool display cases to give you ideas and inspiration. And in “Inside Plan,” contributor Martha C. White spoke to artists and retailers about their style and store-design secrets.
And if you’re ever in need of some serious style inspo, might I suggest a trip to Italy? After spending a few days at VicenzaOro in January—my first (and hopefully not last!) time at the show—I’m convinced that Italians are the most effortlessly stylish people in the world. The vibe at the fair is chic but not snobby, and innovation is everywhere you look. I only wish I could have spent more time wandering the halls. One idea I’d like to steal from VO: the end-of-day Aperol Spritz. Surely we can manage to re-create that at the Venetian in Vegas. Who’s in?
Top: This Picchiotti necklace—with a 53.41 ct. kunzite, 8.1 cts. t.w. tsavorite, and 2.67 cts. t.w. diamonds in 18k white gold—was the star of VicenzaOro.
(Portrait: Bruce Glikas)
