JCK Luxury 2019 Preview: Say “Yes” to Yael Designs’ Yaelita Collection



Those who plan to make a beeline for the Yael Designs booth at JCK Luxury 2019 will be greeted with new additions to designer Yehouda Saketkhou’s well-known Toi & Moi collection (an opal bangle from this series was one of the editor picks highlighted in the 2019 JCK Jewelers’ Choice awards—my pick, actually).

Yael Designs Toi Moi bangle
Toi & Moi bangle with 6.21 ct. emerald, 2.94 ct. black diamond, and round diamonds in 18k white gold, $21,810

There will also be a number of designs that incorporate on-trend opals, marvelous aquamarines, and perfect-for-summer turquoise designs.

Yael Designs turquoise necklace
Necklace with Sleeping Beauty turquoise and baguette diamonds in 18k white gold, $35,613

But amid the mountains of colored gemstones is something completely unexpected from the designer: a diamond fashion line called Yaelita targeting modern, self-purchasing women. But with absolutely no skimping on quality—all the Yaelitas are made in 18k gold, yet attractively priced from $1,086 to $13,725.

Saketkhou developed the collection with emerging designer Carolyn Simon. Both are based in San Francisco and met at a local art show where the young designer was showing her first collection. Over the next few years they kept in touch, and as Saketkhou saw Simon’s talent and business grow, he asked her to work a JCK show with him.

That’s when the two began to speak about collaborating on a collection that combined their aesthetics. Simon has a passion for metalsmithing, favoring light, delicate openwork patterns that embrace the intricacies of architecture, butterfly wings, cherry blossoms, and lace.

Yael Designs openwork drop earrings
Yaelita openwork drop earrings with 0.6 ct. t.w. diamonds in 18k white gold, $3,183
Yael Designs navette ring
Yaelita openwork navette ring with 0.22 ct. t.w. diamonds in 18k white gold, $1,989
Yael Designs diamond statement pendant
Yaelita statement pendant with 1.59 cts. t.w. diamonds in 18k white gold. $7,069

From concept to production, the collaboration took about a year and a half to complete. Saketkhou and Simon share a love of travel, discovering the design potential of various architectural details, and an appreciation for fine art and nature. They wanted  Yaelita to embody these elements.

As such, the 154-piece line is populated by an array of stylized botanical, floral, and geometric motifs, along with stars and quatrefoils, with lots of negative space to create a light, airy feeling.
From delicate and dainty to larger eye-catching statement pieces, here are a few more designs to give you an idea of what you can expect to see at the show.
Yael Designs moon and star ring
Yaelita moon and star ring with 0.26 ct. t.w. diamonds in 18k white gold, $1,947
Yael Designs star and moon necklace
Yaelita asymmetrical station necklace with star and moon silhouettes with 0.41 ct. t.w. diamonds in 18k white gold, $2,559
Yael Designs diamond and garnet earrings
Yaelita tiered dangle earrings with 0.28 ct. t.w diamonds and 1.77 cts. t.w. color-change garnets in 18k white gold, $4,973
Yael Designs diamond chain bracelet
Yaelita chain bracelet with 0.31 ct. t.w. diamonds in 18k rose gold, $1,816
Yael Designs layered station necklace
Yaelita double-strand station necklace with 1.17 cts. t.w. diamonds in 18k white gold, $7,023

 

Top: Must-see pieces that Yael Designs will be exhibiting at JCK Luxury 2019, booth LUX412, clockwise from left: ring with 29.76 ct. aquamarine and diamonds in 18k white gold, $28,787; Toi & Moi ring with 1.6 ct. blue sapphire and diamonds in 18k white gold, $9,012; cuff with Ethiopian white opals, Santa Maria aquamarines, and diamonds in 18k rose gold, $74,034; Yaelita ring with diamonds in 18k white gold, $2,453.

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Amy Elliott

JCK Contributing Editor

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