While retailers have adjusted sales forecasts, and consumers have reined in spending, JCK Luxury has trimmed some pages from its editorial portfolio and hitched a ride inside this issue of JCK. Belt-tightening is a sign of the times, but it doesn’t mean that hopes, desires—or, in JCK Luxury‘s case, content—are anemic.

For proof, turn to the À La Mode section (beginning on page 57) of stunning still-life photography that shows a carefully edited selection of on-trend jewelry, which, in this issue, is polished rough diamonds—a great value compared with colorless Ideal cuts. Retail Soundoff (page 66) has tips from retailers on how to keep customers coming into the store during a tough economy, and At Last (page 68) offers insight into how high-end shoppers decide what jewelry to buy—and from whom. For fun, turn to Festivities (page 64) and see some of the hottest parties in the industry. Finally, check out “The Foodie” (page 53), JCK Luxury‘s exclusive interview with Top Chef‘s Padma Lakshmi. She launched her first jewelry collection this spring, and JCK is the only trade book she opened up to on her design inspirations.

People are finally talking about and planning for a brighter second half. Here’s to a robust comeback and to the optimism that eases the bumpy ride along the way.