Much of the country is currently experiencing a dreaded polar vortex (to those waking up to record low temperatures, stay safe and hang in there!), so it makes sense to be yearning for a trip to the desert. Even when it’s chilly, there’s something about its arid climate and beautiful scenery that warms you from the inside out. So it’s pretty convenient for many of you reading this that JCK Tucson is happening very soon.
From February 6–9, at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa, some of my very favorite jewelry designers and brands will be bringing their best jewels and gemstones to the show floor, which just happens to be located in a place much warmer than where I am now.
Agnes cuff bracelet in black rhodium–plated sterling silver and 14k yellow gold with Australian boulder opal, $3,495; 925SuneeraRing in yellow gold with yellow amber, tsavorite, and diamonds, price on request; A2 JewelleryTeardrop earrings in 18k recycled yellow gold with diamonds, $1,850; Christina MalleAmaryllis earrings in 14k yellow gold with blue and pink sapphire and diamonds, $2,495; Jewelyrie by Huan WangPinnacle bracelet in 14k white gold with 9 mm trillion chrome diopside and 0.44 ct. t.w. diamonds, $6,550; John AtencioFlower ring in 18k yellow gold and sterling silver with 2.45 ct. turquoise and 0.15 ct. t.w. rubies, $1,680; Margisa
Imagine a morning hike through the desert, a day spent discovering impressive designs and rare rocks, and an evening under the stars. I must be a glutton for punishment, as I myself won’t be heading to Tucson, so I am apparently either setting a scene that’s helping you to anticipate your arrival or driving you mad with longing (I sympathize!).
Carved pendant in 18k yellow gold with aquamarine, sapphire beads, and diamonds, $7,800; Adel ChefridiRing in 18k rose gold with 9.29 ct. zircon and diamonds, price on request; Alex ŠepkusNecklace in sterling silver and rose gold vermeil with blue topaz, $250; AnatoliDark Night coin earrings in 18k yellow gold and black rhodium–plated sterling silver with black, white, and gray rose-cut diamonds, $2,925; Dana BronfmanEsther pendant in 18k recycled yellow gold with 11 ct. orange tourmaline and 0.25 ct. t.w. diamonds, $3,750; Debra NavarroRing in yellow gold with aquamarine, price on request; Dorian & RoseLagos earrings in 14k yellow and white gold with 37.2 cts. t.w. amazonite, 0.1 ct. t.w. blue sapphires, and 0.09 ct. t.w. green garnets, $1,960; K.MitaAcacia earrings in 14k white gold with sapphires, $1,375; Kaali DesignsBrooch in oxidized silver and 22k and 24k gold with azurite and powder coating, price on request; So Young Park
The good news is that JCK Tucson and its surrounding gem shows are just a finger’s swipe away (the climate isn’t, but iPhones are only so advanced these days). I’m excited to see what the big finds are this year as my colleagues and industry friends readily share their discoveries. For now, enjoy this sizzling preview of JCK Tucson—these are some of my favorite pieces sent in from the sparkling list of talented jewelers that will be on hand at the show this year.
Empress ring in sterling silver and 18k yellow gold with black jade cabochon and 0.1 ct. t.w. diamonds, $2,750; Belle Brooke DesignsPetal ring in 18k yellow gold with Boulder and Ethiopian opals and diamonds, $11,550; Brooke GregsonFabia earrings in 14k recycled rose gold with fair-trade ruby slices and Montana sapphires, $1,985; Enji StudioRing in sterling silver with opal and raw diamond, price on request; Eva StoneBubbles necklace in 18k yellow gold with aquamarine, price on request; L. KleinMolten Muzo earrings in 18k yellow gold with 16.22 cts. t.w. Muzo emeralds, £4,900 ($6,400); The Rock Hound