Solitaires, sapphires, and statement earrings top jewelers’ Vegas shopping lists. Plus: Prepare for a chain reaction, and get ready to drop some serious coin. Photography by Joel Stans Prop stylist Alex Brannian Jewelry editor Rima Suqi Fine jewelers headed to JCK Las Vegas at the end of May can feel heartened by a strong economy, an upswing in sales for 2018, and the continuing trend toward self-purchasing. Keeping one eye on the U.S. trade tiff with China, jewelry buyers are ­nevertheless optimistic about this year’s prospects and report that they are poised to write orders. But what will they buy? Branded jewelry is on the rise but still represents only 30 to 40 percent of global sales, with unbranded jewelry accounting for 60 to 70 percent, according to McKinsey & Co. No wonder buyers see an opportunity in discovering smaller artisans and emerging talents who provide un