JCK Tucson 2017 Delivers Fresh Talent & New Initiatives



This year’s JCK Tucson show, open Feb. 1–4 at the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa, promises to be a haven for design lovers.

Not only has JCK Events invited 1,000 of the country’s top retailers—including 90 premier design-focused stores, such as California’s Talisman Collection—but organizers also have attracted nearly 100 exhibitors, many on the bleeding edge of the jewelry design scene. Think major names like Alex Sepkus, Atelier Zobel, and Todd Reed, plus industry rising stars including Dana Bronfman, who is back for a second time with her 3-year-old line.

Bronfman says she expects her Oculus collection and one-of-a-kind styles to draw customers this year. “JCKTucson is a great destination for people looking for unique quality pieces,” she says. “It’s a fun show, and I love the energy of it and the networking opportunities there.”

Meanwhile, Nina Nguyen of Nina Nguyen Designs is optimistic but aware that 2016 was challenging for many retailers. “It was a really slow summer for them,” she says. Still, she’s hopeful that attendees will spring for her 18k gold, tourmaline, and lapis pieces—especially her hinged bangles. “There is such a big demand for those,” Nguyen says. “My line is for self-purchasers, with lots of bangles and rings.”

JCK Events also has several fresh initiatives on tap, including a series of daily “fireside chats” to foster intimate conversations between retailers and designers, and a specially curated supplier pavilion of MJSAmembers, giving retailers “the chance to touch and feel and start creating pieces on-site at the Starr Pass,” says JCK industry vice president Katie Dominesey.

Finally, look for a small contingent of firms from Myanmar exhibiting Burmese rubies at the show—the first time they will legally do so since the embargo on Burmese jade and rubies was lifted in September.

Ring in reclaimed 18k gold with 0.025 ct. t.w. diamonds; $2,900; Dana Bronfman, NYC; 212-252-8881; danabronfman.com

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