Every year, our friends at the Jewelry Information Center host the Annual Editor Luncheon for the press. This year’s shindig recently took place at Vermilion restaurant in Manhattan. Officially, the event is a means of thanking jewelry journalists for their continued support of the industry, but it’s also a perfect opportunity for the New York-based jewelry writers to get together, gab, drink midday cocktails, and try on fabulous jewels.

 
JIC’s Amanda Gizzi and Myriam Gumuchian, Gumuchian, JIC’s Immediate Past Chair.

 

So some 60 consumer and trade editors descended upon the restaurant, which featured a well-curated display of new jewelry thanks to Team JIC’s Helena Krodel and Amanda Gizzi, who pull new pieces from JIC member-designers (30 participated this year) in order to help editors stay on top of the latest trends and styles. Additional yellow gold jewelry designs were supplied by members of the World Gold Council. 

All prices are suggested retail.

Jewels in back row, right to left: Ewa Solarska amethyst in sterling on rubber, $1,579; Robin Koffler 18k gold with aquas and rainbow moonstones, $5,200; Elyssa Bass peach moonstones, $800; Roberto Coin Ipanema necklace in 18k gold with colored stones, $12,000; Norma Wellington Violet Flute choker with amethysts in 14k gold, $1,200.
Front row, right to left: Etienne Perret African Ebony wood with platinum and diamonds, $13,275; Todd Reed choker in 18k gold, silver, rose-cut diamonds, and rough-cut diamond cubes, $30,000; Nava Zahavi tourmalines in 24k gold, $1,125; and Elizabeth Blair South Sea Pearls, $ available on request.
The drink: something fruity, and yes, it’s mine.

Pieces on display were selected based on “their ability to entice attendees to feature fine jewelry in their publications,” according to the JIC. Jewelers Mutual Insurance Co. representatives were also on hand to clean the personal jewelry of attendees. [Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company and World Gold Council co-sponsored the event.]

 

From front right, clockwise: Zapphire by Kanupriya Khurana teak cuff with onyx, quartz, and sterling, $175; Maya Jewels silver on blackened bronze, $1,500; Rarities by Carol Brodie for HSN, silver, diamonds, and onyx, $399; Jane Basch 14k bangles with gems and pearls, $675 each; K. Mita Design oxidized silver and 18k gold cuff from the Miore collection, $6,700.

From back right clockwise: Emanuela Duca Sand ring in silver, $600; Sevan hand-set ombre micro mosaic ring with sterling, 24k gold, inverse carved center quartz, rose-cut diamonds, green sapphires, $39,430; Christian Tse Knocker ring in 18k blackened white gold with carved emerald center and pave diamonds, $19,000; Tournaire Palais Roman ring in 18k gold, $7,736; Elena Krieger Sailaway ring in 18k gold and sail-shaped aqua, $6,885; Michael M. aqua and diamond pave ring in 18k gold, $8,400; Elyssa Bass 18k dome, $350; Nava Zahavi turquoise in sterling, $500. 

Close-up of Sevan ring.

Ariane Zurcher 18k gold and Mozambique Paraiba tourmaline choker, $30,000. 

Cynthia Gregg 18k gold Ball necklace with black coral spheres inside, $9,850.

Amrapali 18k gold and diamond flower cut-outs earrings, $4,540.

BFFs Duvall O’Steen, World Gold Council, and Shaye Strager, director, Studio PR.

Back: Lucie Heskett-Brem, The Gold Weaver of Lucerne, 18k gold Caress cuff with white topaz, $6,800.
Front: Alexandra Hart 18k gold Golden Sunburst necklace, $35,000.

Barbara Silverstein 14k gold wire magnetic brooch with Swarovski crystals, $1,175. 

The event truly is a help to editors, who see a lot of merchandise in market visits and at trade shows, but can’t possibly see everything. And, a couple of pieces did catch my eye for upcoming photo shoots and articles. Which ones? I can’t say just yet, but be sure to check future issues of JCK to discover which items I pulled. 

Bonus for day: attendees listened to the inspirational stories from the women who own ‘Jewelia’, the famous diamond necklace of the book, The Necklace. All 13 co-owners were present to address the group. And a special thanks goes out to firms who donated raffle items, particularly Ruff & Cut, whose sterling skull necklace was won by this editor. J

 

One of the 13 owners of the jewelry from The Necklace shares her story with attendees.

I won the sterling Enduring Skulls necklace by Ruff & Cut in the raffle. Cool!

Also check out “What The Necklace Can Teach the Jewelry Industry” in the July issue of JCK.

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JIC’s Helena Krodel and JCK’s Jennifer Heebner.

Don’t forget to:
* Follow me’ on Twitter to read helpful, one-sentence insights on the jewels, trends, and business commentaries I glean from walking the show floor. 
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