The JCK show is one of the world's largest and most highly regarded jewellery industry trade events. It has been hosted for over 30 years in Las Vegas, Nevada, the city that embodies the concept of "work hard, play hard". This is exactly what JCK is all about. Brands and suppliers get together to share ideas, discover cutting-edge technologies and educate one another through hosted talks and panel discussions on their respective fields and specialities. All of this happens whilst keeping a social and festive air to the event encouraging participants to socialise and network.
At this year's event, we were lucky enough to meet some unique designers whose creations delighted our eyes and stirred emotions. The pieces that stood out most were colourful gem-centric jewels with interesting design elements… let's take a closer look!
Alishan Jewelry Studio
A contribution by California-based brand Alishan Jewelry Studio, the "Riot of Spring" cuff was a floral delight full of interesting textures and materials. The surface is created using a mix of precious metals, including patinated silver, gold and platinum. These metals are textured and oxidised to create a modern, eye-catching aesthetic. The oxidised background is a perfect setting for coloured gemstones. Multicoloured sapphires, tsavorites and rubies burst with colour to create the focal point of each flower.
Lauren K.
Bohemian chic NYC brand Lauren K. uses coloured gemstones to create cocktail rings that are bold and sweet at the same time. Pictured here are just a few of the ones we fell in love with at this year's event. Whether it's a fancy-cut morganite, heart-shaped spinels or oval tanzanite, her juicy ring designs are different from the majority and are seamlessly stackable to create a powerfully daring aesthetic. Also, who doesn't love a bicoloured watermelon tourmaline ring?
Sloane Street by Gadbois Jewelry
This mesmerising opal necklace from Sloane Street by Gadbois Jewelry is particularly intriguing due to the unexpected juxtaposition of its various design elements. The simple yellow gold exaggerated loop chain strongly contrasts with the ornate glowing 22-carat Ethiopian opal pendant. Set in a frame of Paraiba tourmalines and diamonds with the brand's signature strié texturing, this epic gemstone is set perfectly, making it a stand-out piece.
Omi Privé
Omi Privé's work is all about honouring coloured gemstones as nature's finest works of art. This ring epitomises that mission statement. The impressively coloured 10-carat cushion-cut ruby is set in two diamond and platinum frames. The inner frame consists of round brilliant-cut diamonds and the outer layer of perfectly matched oval diamonds weighing in at almost three carats. This ornate setting is the perfect way to let the red ruby sing.