July–August 2017

Winning Streak

Winning Streak

We hit the jewelry jackpot at JCK Las Vegas with fancy colored diamonds, iridescent opals, and blues and greens as cool as a summer breeze Photography by Stephen Lewis Prop styling by Rachel Haas Link bracelet with mixed diamond clasp, $13,440, Shay, 424-777-0210, shayfinejewelry.com; ring in 18k gold with 3.01 ct. oval-cut diamond and 3.64…

The Cover Look: July–August 2017

Best in Show L.J. West calls the “impossibly rare” diamond at the center of its ring “fancy deep grayish bluish violet.” We just call it—and the dozen or so jewels in our post–JCK Las Vegas portfolio—spectacular. 2.83 ct. Argyle violet diamond with 0.67 ct. t.w. heart-shape and 0.83 ct. t.w. round vivid pink diamonds in…

From the Editor: July–August 2017

What a week! From the moment I pulled into the Mandalay Bay parking garage on Thursday, June 1—one day before the kickoff of ­LUXURY and four days before JCK Las Vegas opened its doors—I was running. I ran to my appointments, I ran to my seminars, I ran to my dinners. The only time I…

Staff Picks, July–August 2017: Ear Factor

“The JCK and JIS shows were full of innovative, colorful statement earring designs that mixed materials so masterfully!” —Emili Vesilind, JCK senior editor   (Above) Chrysocolla malachite and tourmaline earrings in 14k gold; $5,900; GuitaM; 917-496-6072; guitam.com Joyce earrings in 18k gold with sugilite and diamonds; $3,100; Lauren K; 212-719-2067; laurenk.com Cosmic Landscape earrings in…

From the Publisher: July–August 2017

Surprise! After a first half of the year that ­included some fairly depressing shows, I’m happy to report that JCK Las Vegas was hopping. There was electricity in the air, happy exhibitors, and even a round of applause as the lights dimmed at 4 p.m. on the final day! As always, it was the brands…

5 Things Rocking the Industry: July–August 2017

SHOWS Another JCK Las Vegas show has gone into the books. And though there was a one-time change in the date pattern—and it’s been a challenging time for retail—feedback generally came in “better than expected,” “good,” and, in some cases, even “great.” For instance, Adam Graham, director of sales and marketing for Omi Privé, called…

Why @kremkow Is Our Favorite Instagram Feed of the Month

It’s easy to spot self-professed gem-obsessed journalist Cheryl Kremkow (@kremkow) at a show. She’s the one setting up her own mini–photo shoots at designers’ booths—backdrops, lighting, and all, in mere minutes—and producing pics that the artists themselves call “awesome” and “magical.” (Above) Kremkow saw something Cleopatra-esque in this emerald bib necklace by ILA Collection. It’s…

Show Stoppers: On the Scene at JCK Las Vegas 2017

Between the Diamond Empowerment Fund’s gala, Forevermark’s annual breakfast, and countless seminars and shindigs, June’s JCK show was the hottest ticket on the Strip   Showgoers queued up for badges in the registration area of the 26th annual JCK Las Vegas. Angela, Kirk, Lucy, and Grace Karaguezian of Kirk Kara celebrated the brand’s 10th consecutive win…

De Beers Buys De Beers

De Beers has bought out longtime partner LVMH and now owns 100 percent of the De Beers Diamond Jewellers retail chain. De Beers Group CEO Bruce Cleaver tells JCK that the purchase was spurred by LVMH wanting to “clean up its portfolio.” The diamond giant and luxury goods group have been 50-50 partners in the…

3 Questions for…Matt Crimmin

The GIA’s new Mine to ­Market (M2M) program tracks select diamonds through the pipeline and provides expanded information about the stones for consumers. Vice president of laboratory operations Matt Crimmin explains how it works.  How does this program track ­diamonds? If you gave me a polished diamond, I couldn’t tell you what mine it came…

Industry & People: July–August 2017

COMINGS AND GOINGS The RealReal, a San ­Francisco–based online retailer specializing in ­authenticated, consigned luxury items, said it has received $50 million in growth equity financing from private equity firm Great Hill Partners. This brings the company’s total funding to $173 million. Blue Nile has named Jason Goldberger, former chief digital officer and president of Target.com, as…

Getting RealReal With Michael Groffenberger

The two fastest-growing categories on The RealReal, the popular online retailer of secondhand designer fashion, are preowned fine jewelry and luxury watches. The categories sell so solidly on the site, which was founded in 2011 by tech industry veteran Julie Wainwright, that the company recently opened six brick-and-mortar “valuation offices” across the United States (the…

Store We Adore: Anna Gray

3663 Bee Cave Rd., Austin, Texas “Life Is Beauty Full” reads a sign in Lora Pelto’s inviting boutique in Austin’s tony West Lake Hills neighborhood When Texas native Lora Pelto opened Anna Gray back in 2008, she named it after her mother, a modest woman who always put the needs of her seven children above…

Evil Eyes on the Prize

Talismans treasured since antiquity, contemporary evil eye jewels range from simple to sublime. Mascara optional. 1 / Evil Eye ear climber in enamel and 14k yellow gold; $375 (sold singly); Sydney Evan; 213-236-4444; sydneyevan.com 2 / Evil Eye diamond stud in 14k rose gold; $265 (sold singly); Kismet by Milka; 90-212-265-3032; kismetbymilka.com 3 / Cable Collectibles charm necklace…

Cannes-Do Attitude

Hollywood’s most stylish redheads hit the French Riviera in full fashion force   Julianne Moore The Oscar-winning actress arrived at the opening ceremony in a blaze of glory: a fiery feathered Givenchy Haute Couture gown—high-necked but still sexy thanks to the sleeveless cut and slightly sheer bodice—and wing-like ruby earrings by longtime Cannes sponsor Chopard.…

JCK Asks…Anthony Lent

The Philadelphia-based designer gives good face There’s something Victorian about Anthony Lent’s jewelry: the faces, the serpents, the leaves and scrolls. It’s no surprise that Lent, a former Fashion Institute of Technology jewelry department chair, names Fabergé as one of his influences. But the artist’s influences go far beyond that popular period. “Lalique has always…

Rock This Way

When the temperature’s rising, what better way to look cool than with a sleek, skin-baring diamond jewel? Plus, the lighter the style, the more pieces you can layer on.   Lace-Like Looks (Clockwise from top) Diamond Avesh ring in 19k white gold, $5,995, Anaconda, info@anacondamilano.com, anacondamilano.com; Lace Crown ring in 14k yellow gold with diamonds,…

Diamonds Through the Decades

We survey the 10 biggest diamond jewelry trends that have shaped the industry over the past 20 years A girl’s best friend, a stone that represents forever, the gem of kings, and the king of gems—the diamond will always be the most sought-after rock in the world. In recent decades, jewelry designers have found innumerable new…

Best of the West

The hottest trends, coolest events, and most noteworthy news to emerge from the 26th annual JCK Las Vegas     Best Brand Debut: Lovemonster by ALTR Created Diamonds While lab-grown diamond jewelers still face an uphill battle in the trade, the JCK show proved that style is the most effective way to silence debates about substance. Exhibit…

5 How-to Guides for Boosting Business

Up your retail game with these mini-manuals covering everything from staffing to getting an online education   We would never presume to tell you what to do. As a small business owner, you’re smart enough to know what works in your store and what doesn’t. But everyone can use a little advice—a fresh perspective—now and…

How to Find Retail Insights and Inspiration Online

Massive open online courses offer a compelling and accessible way to capture new business information, education, and inspiration If you’ve never heard of MOOCs—shorthand for massive open online courses—don’t let the funny name distract you from their potential business impact. These internet-enabled learning opportunities crafted for the masses represent an efficient, economical, and engaging way…

How to Write Better Job Descriptions

Encourage top-notch applicants by accurately describing the position for which you’re hiring The success of your business is often in the hands of your employees. Two-thirds of U.S. companies have been affected by a bad hire, resulting in lost revenue and productivity, according to the website CareerBuilder.com. Avoid making a mistake by taking the time…

How to Boost Employee Retention

Finding great team members is only half the battle—here’s what you need to do to keep them Finding the right employees takes a lot of time and resources. The last thing you want to do is accept a two-week notice from a valued member of the team. One-third of new hires quit their jobs within…

How to Prevent Theft

Some simple security procedures can protect your merchandise and employees In 2013, a thief came, as thieves will, in the dead of night and plundered $10,000 worth of merchandise from William Crow Jewelry in Denver. This situation was bad, but it could have been much worse. Prior to the break-in, the store had hired a company…

How to Debut New Products in Your Store

Your inventory doesn’t include wearables—so what? Follow these guidelines to feature smart jewels, or anything new, in your store. How many people are truly in the market for a wedding band made entirely of rubbery silicone? Jeff Dennis, owner of Jeff Dennis Jewelers in Gardendale, Ala., recently learned the answer to that question—and it’s a…

Shelf Help: 10 Jewelry Pros on Their Top Business Books

Amazon has some 300,000 titles on management and leadership in its online bookstore, and more than 100,000 on sales and marketing. That’s far too many for even the most ambitious of us to wade through, so JCK caught up with ­forward-thinking designers, retailers, marketers, and consultants across the jewelry industry to find out what books…

Margot McKinney’s Opal Fever

“The extraordinary opals from Ethiopia” were the chief inspiration for this dazzling gem-laden bracelet, says its creator, fine jewelry designer Margot ­McKinney. The opals, she explains, “have an energy that comes from within and at times look as though they have little twinkling lights inside them.” No batteries required. Luminous Links The 18k yellow gold…

Diamonds: July–August 2017

HOT STOCK TIP New Direction In celebration of its 125th anniversary, jewelry brand A. Jaffe has created an engagement ring that allows wearers to flip their diamond from a north-south setting to an east-west setting, using a simple twist mechanism. The aptly named Pirouette ring accommodates oval-, emerald-, and marquise-cut diamonds—and effectively turns the classic…

Silver: July–August 2017

HOT STOCK TIP Grain Spotting The demand for bohemian-esque silver jewelry that borrows motifs from nature is heating up (could a squash-blossom craze be far behind?). Spanish sterling silver brand Uno de 50 is right on trend with a handful of new pieces inspired by grain—yes, we’re talking buckwheat and barley. The gorgeous Sunrise necklace…

Previewing LUXURY Privé 2017

From July 23 to 25, LUXURY Privé takes Manhattan Fresh from a $180 million renovation, the InterContinental New York Barclay hotel is poised to show jewelers a good time come July 23, when LUXURY Privé takes up residence. The show, formerly located at the nearby ­Waldorf Astoria, runs through July 25 and coincides with New…

London Calling! Inside IJL 2017

International Jewellery London, the U.K.’s premier jewelry trade fair, runs Sept. 3–5 at Olympia London. Here’s a sampling of some pieces set to make their debut. 1 / Evermore ring in 18k white and rose gold with 0.3 ct. t.w. diamonds and pavé; $5,100; Anakao Jewellery; 44-203-011-2463; anakao-jewellery.com 2 / Satellite Diamond Vintage ring in platinum with…

Upwardly Mobile

If you want to keep up with Gen Y and Gen Z, make sure your website is responsive Once upon a time, developers ­created two separate, nearly identical websites for every URL—one for laptops and desktops, and a mobile site that was configured for the miniscule proportions of smartphone screens. Now, thanks to responsive design,…

Tool Time, The Goods: July–August 2017

WHO, WHAT, WEARABLE Fossil Q Accomplice The Fossil Group creates wearables for a portfolio of high-profile brands—Tory Burch, Skagen, Michael Kors, and Armani, for example. But its own wearables workshop has been investing in so-called hybrid watches: analog watches with smart insides. Fossil’s latest hybrid watch, the Q Accomplice, fuses classic analog styling with basic…

The Reel Deel: Bette Davis in Joseff of Hollywood

Before Tiffany or Cartier ruled the red carpet, a onetime ad exec held the title of Hollywood’s jeweler to the stars—on- and off-screen In the midst of the Great Depression, ad exec Eugene Joseff moved from Chicago to Hollywood, a place that hadn’t hit hard times. There, he told his costumer pal Walter Plunkett that…

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