The benefits of presenting jewellery in Las Vegas are numerous; but in particular, this exhibit offers visibility to a range of important US buyers and members of the jewellery industry, from whom large orders are placed through consignment. Exposure within this desirable market is what drives jewellery brands to participate in the exhibition year after year since 1995, and every year we see new names joining long-standing participants. This year over 35 debutants will present their intriguing designs at the fair and a selection of my favourite COUTURE 2018 newcomers is below.
Nadine Aysoy only began her eponymous jewellery collection in 2016, and rapidly gained such accolades as being named ‘Editor’s Choice’ at IJL 2017, and even had the honour of her jewellery being included in Christie’s permanent collection. For COUTURE 2018 Nadine introduces the new ‘Dans Mon Jardin’ collection, which features floral motifs, cocktail rings and Nadine’s signature femininity.
V.A.K. jewellery is elaborate in its construction, but particularly focuses on exceptional and unusual diamond cuts and settings. Vishal Kothari’s family have 3 generations of experience in jewellery creation, and the designer himself garnered gem knowledge at New York’s Gemological Institute of America. His work is imbued with passion for picking the best stones. What makes his work unique is the references to both Indian handicraft techniques and ancient cultures, which combine V.A.K.’s contemporary style with the heritage.
A 50-year family legacy of jewellery making is behind the brand Moksh. The ‘TAANTVI’ line in particular has proved to be a tremendous success, having been created using miniature Japanese keshi pearls. The name ‘TAANTVI’ translates in Sanskrit to mean ‘weave’ - referring to the delicate weaving of the delicate white pearls in Moksh jewellery. Inspired by Indian aesthetics, Moksh has created beautiful pieces with the harmony and symmetry typical for jewellery of their native country.
Baenteli is a Swiss brand who will join COUTURE exhibitors for the first time to introduce their playful, voluminous and gem - embellished jewellery design. The illustrious history of the brand began with André Baenteli opening his first studio in Biel, Switzerland in 1968, and 1987, Andre’s son, Thierry Baenteli, presented his first collection at the prestigious Baselworld exhibition. Since then, the brand has also presented in VicenzaOro, and are now taking the stage in the USA.
Marina Belotserkovskaya is the creative director of Lithuanian brand Liza Belotserkovskaya, which she named after her daughter. Her jewellery has a bold signature style; and is inspired by gothic architecture, often incorporating vivid gemstones combined with dark metals and settings. Marina is a prolific designer, having created more than 1000 hand drawn jewellery design sketches before embarking on production of her jewellery line.
Graziela Kaufman from Graziela Gems is a GIA-certified designer who I met several years ago, and I instantly fell in love with the colourful and gem-focused designs that reflect her joyous personality. Graziela grew up in Brazil – famed for being the source of many vibrant gemstones - and travelled to different mining towns learning about the fascinating history behind every stone which would unltimately be the inspiration for her future creations. Jennifer Lawrence, Heidi Klum Karlie Kloss and Lupita Nyong’o have all been spotted wearing Graziela Gems.
Although this will be her first outing at COUTURE Las Vegas, Ruth Grieco has been creating fine jewellery since 1975. Her designs combine precious metals, a host of gemstones, pearls, carving techniques and natural motifs, which result in a warm and vibrant collection of jewellery that is clearly inspired by the colours and attitudes of the Brazilian designer's homeland. Ruth Grieco even has a book title to her name; in 2012, Didier Brodbeck wrote 'Romancing the stones', an ode to her jewellery creations.
Panchoo is a brand which is the brainchild of Mahak Kala, who comes from a family of gemstone dealers in India who specialise in tanzanite. The art of jewellery creation then led Mahak to design some incredibly colourful pieces which are gemstone focused, and this undeniably attention grabbing jewellery will work well for the brand’s debut at COUTURE 2018.
If you are visiting COUTURE Las Vegas 2018, be sure to visit the stalls of new designers and those who are first time visitors as well as the stalwarts of the exhibition. The variety of jewellery designers who join the fair every year are what keeps the event relevant, exciting and fresh with the luxury industry. I hope to see you there!
