LAS VEGAS LUXURY JEWELRY SHOWS ROUND UP
Sin City sparkled a little brighter in early June as the Couture Show and JCK Las Vegas brought together more than 1,000 jewelry designers for the largest exhibition of fine jewelry and timepieces in the Americas. Navigator magazine’s Daniel Wade and Doug Gollan were on hand at this year’s events to uncover the most beautiful creations and newest designs. In order to add some shine to your day, we selected a few of our favorite pieces to share. Check out our “Best in Show” list below.
Alex Sepkus
The eccentric designer Alex Sepkus creates unique, beautiful pieces that are as timeless as they are “out,” as Sepkus would say. Unbothered by keeping up with the trends, this contradiction of a designer focuses on the big picture by working on the intricate details of his jewelry, as evidenced by these stunning rings. The Francoise ring features a green tourmaline in 18-karat gold with diamonds; the Norma ring also is adorned with a green tourmaline18-karat gold with diamonds; the centerpiece of the Turandot ring is an aquamarine stone encased in aline18-karat gold with diamonds. All are ideally suited for the summer season, but work well year-round.
Assael
The premier source for South Sea and Akoya pearls and gems in North America, Assael has expanded its award-winning Bubble Collection by Sean Gilson. The collection debuted at the
Couture Jewelry Show.
Tahitian pearls are a cornerstone of the New Bubble Collection. Rings and earrings set in 18-karat white and yellow gold are adorned with a variety of colored Tahitian pearls in hues ranging from eggplant and magenta to olive green and peacock. For those keen for a bit of extra sparkle, there is an option to add a sprinkling of white diamonds. Sardinian crimson coral also appears in the Bubble collection. Responsibly sourced, these pieces offer a fresh look and striking style. Earrings and rings are set in 18-karat yellow gold.
Charles Krypell
The Gold Collection from Charles Krypell ensures perfect diamond placement, meticulous angles and defined proportions to create alluring pieces that look stunning in any light. These rings feature brilliant white diamonds embellishing stylized 18-karat rose gold.
Eleuterio
Since 1925 Eleuterio has specialized in luxury filigree jewelry. The Portugal-based brand and workshop began three generations ago and remains in the Eleuterio family today. Dedicated to its heritage and to continuing a unique Portuguese tradition, Eleuterio artisans hand make every delicate lace-like detail of the brands pieces.
From the Blossom collection, which is inspired by nature, this delicate Blossom bracelet in yellow gold with 153 diamonds is young, elegant and adorned with beautiful diamonds. The beautiful Couture collection is inspired by the bohemian spirit of the 1930s. This stunning Couture collar in yellow gold and black ruthenium filigree with 510 diamonds is an immediate classic, well suited for any collection. The Heritage collection is a blending of two Portuguese traditions Fado and Filigree. Inspired by the lines of a Portuguese guitar with a fluid shape, the Heritage earrings in yellow gold adorned with 148 diamonds are delicate and striking, sure to add a touch of style to any ensemble.
Gurhan
Gurhan is known as the pioneer of the pure 24-karat gold jewelry revival. This award-winning jewelry designer is inspired by the women who wear the pieces. New for Fall 2018, Gurhan is upping the ante and adding some excellent new collections to its repertoire. The Dynasty collection features delicate diamond drop set in 22-karat gold. The Mango collection features must-have pieces, including striking statement cuffs and curvaceous hoops, ideally suited to take you from day to evening with ease. If you love layers, choose a piece from Gurhan’s Wheat collection, featuring multi-strand necklaces and sleek earrings, the perfect addition to your jewelry case.
Just Jules
Julie Romanenko is the mastermind behind Just Jules. Working with organic textures, shapes and themes, Romanenko is able to create gold and silver pieces that pay homage to the natural world.
The Just Jules fine jewelry 14-karat hand-fabricated “Dreamcatcher” cuff bracelet features 1.66 carats of diamond slices in the center and a .20 carats halo of round white diamond. The black opal necklace is surrounded by a rose-cut diamond enhancer. The opal pendant is striking, set on a grey diamond strand with 14-karat white gold and diamonds. Those ready to tie the knot might consider the white gold diamond engagement ring with a rectangle, rose-cut center stone and fancy kite-shaped diamonds.
Kwiat
Kwiat diamonds are renowned for their incredible brilliance and excellent quality. Since 1907, when Sam Kwiat began the company by turning his affinity for diamonds into precious artwork, the brand has been synonymous with sophisticated diamonds pieces that stand the test of time. Four generations after the company began, the same techniques are utilized to cut each diamond to the exclusively high standards set by Sam Kwiat himself. The Duet earrings and ring by Kwiat were inspired by the Art Deco style of the early 1900s. Round and baguette diamonds intermix to create a stunning aesthetic with beautiful movement.
Lisa Nik
Colorful, creative and artistic, Lisa Nik’s jewelry utilizes stunning gemstones, diamonds and bedazzling elements to create on-trend pieces that can be worn for any occasion. Set in 18-karat rose gold, these stud earrings feature marquise rubies. Also adorned in 18-karat rose gold, this marquise-shape pendent shines with morganite and diamonds; this piece is part of the Lisa Nik Rocks Collection. Marquise emeralds set in 18-karat yellow gold ensure this eye-catching pendant helps you sparkle day or night.
Leo Pizzo
Founded in 1971 by its namesake, Leo Pizzo is renowned for its collection of high-end diamond and precious jewelry. Completely designed and manufactured in Valenza, Italy, the brand is now in its second generation of the Pizzo family and is proud of its strong Italian heritage. The brand’s new Collezione Merletti collection was inspired by Italy’s impressive textile heritage, the art, beauty and refinement behind it.
Longines
Longines has expanded its HydroConquest collection with new USA Exclusive models whose design elements pay homage to the United States, from the red minute markers to the numeral 50 on their ceramic insert bezels, a luminous tribute to the 50 American States. On its case back, an engraved American flag motif continues the colorful theme. This 41 mm diameter model with a blue sunray dial features a self-winding mechanical movement, mounted on a stainless-steel bracelet or blue rubber NATO strap.
An iconic watch in the Swiss watchmaker’s Heritage line, The Longines Legend Diver Watch is a reimagined version of the 1960s diving watch. Its indexes, numerals and hands, adorned with Super LumiNova®, pop from the black lacquered dial for optimum legibility, which is further enhanced by the plain, clean typeface used for the numerals 6, 9 and 12. The steel case is coated with a 42 mm layer of black PVD, and contains an automatic mechanical movement exclusive to Longines, with the illustration of a diver engraved on the screw-down back. A Milanese-style black rubber strap equipped with a folding titanium clasp treated with black PVD and an integrated diving extension complete this model.
La Grande Classique de Longines has played a major role in forging the reputation of the winged hourglass brand, now adorned in the Swiss watchmaker’s blue color for its dials and straps. A symbol of the classic elegance of Longines, this line originally launched in 1992, has welcomed a number of new variations over the years. With its blue sunray dial, this 24 mm diameter steel model is adorned with diamonds and mounted on a steel bracelet.
Mastoloni
One of the world’s renowned pearl purveyors, Mastoloni is synonymous with cultured pearls. On hand at this year’s Las Vegas shows, the brand showed this stunning one-of-a-kind Baroque South Sea pearl strand necklace with two brilliant white diamond clasps set in 18-karat white gold — classic and perfectly suited for any occasion.
Oscar Heyman
For more than 100 years, Oscar Heyman as produced exceptional jewelry for women. The American-based brand uses local artisans who utilize techniques passed down through three generations of jewelry craftsmen, ensuring heirloom-quality pieces with striking gemstones and intricate designs. Showcased at this year’s Vegas shows were the invisibly set ruby-and-diamond necklace, a 20-carat yellow diamond entourage ring and this whimsical multi-colored necklace, among other beautiful items.
Picchiotti
Launched at Couture in spring 2018, Picchiotti introduced the expansion of its Xpandable collection. One of the most impressive pieces is the White and Yellow Gold Ring comprising a 4.80-carat fancy yellow diamond and 3.20-carats of radiant diamonds. Making its U.S. debut at Couture was Picchiotti’s 2018 Classics collection featuring a white gold necklace adorned with oval sapphires and diamonds, among other precious pieces. Also debuting at Couture was the Essentially Color Collection, which features 10 distinct designs for seasoned bauble aficionados. Pieces range from necklaces, like the 17.84-carat cushion-cut tanzanite pendant set in white gold, to rings and more.
Rosa Van Parys
Jewelry from Rosa Van Parys is found at the intersection of edgy and timeless. Creative, modern and artistic, pieces from Rosa Van Parys transcend cultures and generations. Key pieces of the collection include: The Mary Jane earrings feature 15-millimeter pink sapphire spheres of 18-karat black, white and yellow gold. White diamonds, gold, yellow and pink sapphires are used to complete the look; the Anaconda is a stylish snake-shaped ring in 18-karat yellow and black gold with tsavorites and pink sapphire eyes; and the Jewel Peacock necklace combines Tahitian pearls with an 18-karat yellow gold multi-colored diamond sphere, tsavorite spacers and an 18-karat white and black gold chain.
Serafino Consoli
Serafino Consoli is a new, must-have, brand from Italy that combines finely crafted precious jewelry, advanced technology and fashion. One of the three finalists for Innovation at the Couture Show Awards, Serafino’s eternity bands in 18-karat gold with diamonds and precious color stones, magically expand into a bracelet! The bands can be worn on any finger depending on your mood or look of the day or ultimately as a ring or bracelet. A world patented concept, they are 100-percent fine jewelry. They do not contain elastic or steel springs and fit up to 10 finger sizes.
Syna
Inspired by life’s little details, Syna offers unique, refreshing pieces that are able to transcend age and trend. Sophisticated, elegant and creative, this brand evokes ethereal aesthetics with its distinctive designs. Syna is renowned for the Mogul drop pendants, which are inspirited by the tradition red tilak — a Hindu symbol of victory, success and fortune. One of the most unique pieces is the oxidized silver Mogul sword pendant with emeralds and champagne diamonds. Another spectacular piece is the oxidized silver Mogul drop necklace with champagne diamonds and perfect to add to any collection is the oxidized silver Mogul peacock pendant with champagne diamonds.
Temple St.Clair
Since 1986, Temple St.Clair has collaborated with Florentine goldsmiths’ guild, the world’s finest goldsmiths; together they have created an exemplary fine jewelry collection that utilizes iconic rock crystal amulets, rare colored gemstones and distinct gold work to create a signature aesthetic. The one-of-a-kind 18-karat Seta Moon Necklace is one of these unique pieces. The 18-karat Vine Amulet features a natural rock crystal and diamond and intricate gold work and the 18-karat classic oval right with a royal blue moonstone and diamond adds a touch of class to any look.
Yael Sonia
The São Paulo-based fine jewelry brand Yael Sonia is widely regarded for its inimitably architectural design and the seeming motion of its pieces thanks to the movement of gems. The brand’s latest collection, Orbital, is futuristic, inspired by the circular form of an orbit center that plays with inner light and outer structure. In each piece, planet-like spheres and cabochons made of smooth gemstones, such as blue moonstone, dendritic quartz, and pearls, are embraced and encircled by a three-dimensional gold framework. The resulting designs exist in a style between the present and the future — a tension that hinges on that which is still and that which is in constant motion.
