Nov–Dec 2017

For the Love of Gold Jewelry

For the Love of Gold Jewelry

Male and female shoppers alike are falling for the warm yellow metal. For proof, look no further than these glowy photos.    Photography by Kenneth Willardt  Styling by Solange Franklin / Jewelry direction by Randi Molofsky Indorussian pavé hoop earrings in 18k yellow gold with 1.6 cts. t.w. diamonds, $4,800, Sanjay Kasliwal, 212-988-1511, sanjaykasliwal.com; choker in 14k gold with diamonds,…

Gilded Rage: 5 Jewelry Designers Who Are Lighting Up the Gold Scene

When it comes to precious metals, gold is king. It’s not for nothing that the word is shorthand for top of the tops: gold standard, go for the gold, heart of gold, and so on. Many jewelry designers, including the ones here, begin with silver but eventually build their way up to gold. “It’s so…

8 Topics, Trends & Innovations Driving the Jewelry Industry in 2018

1 / Generation Next We’re living in a millennial world. But how long until the following generation takes hold? America’s newest demographic, Gen Z, comes with its own set of peculiarities—and challenges. Although these youngsters—the oldest of the bunch are just 21—may not have spending power quite yet, they’re already wielding influence in the marketplace.…

The Ultimate Retail Wish List

Boost your business, spruce up your store, and even stock the supply closet with these 25 store-centric holiday gifts. Sure, you want customers to fill your store during the holiday season and buy, buy, buy. But let’s not forget that as a retailer, you too deserve a few nice holiday gifts. And while another pair…

How to Meet (and Exceed) Customer Service Expectations

Today, the best service experience anywhere becomes the expectation everywhere. Providing a superior customer experience is no longer optional; it’s obligatory.   When consumers can buy any product at any time—from a multitude of competing retailers—it’s the buying experience that separates the leaders from the rest of the retail pack. The ability to earn and…

Get All the Details on JCK’s November–December 2017 Cover Look

We’ve been beating the yellow-gold drum for a while now. But if you’re still not convinced of the metal’s universal, ­skin-flattering appeal, check out our feature “For the Love of Gold Jewelry,” featuring swoon-worthy looks for both your male and female clients. Signature Box Chain necklace in 18k yellow gold with peridot, rhodolite garnet, blue topaz, and…

5 Things Rocking the Industry, November–December 2017

COLORED STONES #TourmalineTuesday went to a new level on Aug. 8, when the American Gem Trade Association revealed the winners of its Spectrum Awards. This year’s Best of Show: a pair of 53.56 cts. t.w. ­neon-blue tourmalines by ­Mikola Kukharuk of ­Nomad’s. Blue was all over the annual colored-gem contest: Bright zircons, royal sapphires, rich…

From the Editor, November–December 2017

We’re not psychics. But after reading “8 Hot Topics for 2018,” you might wonder where we get our intel. It’s not that the eight buzzworthy issues and trends we’ve noted as conversation starters in the upcoming year are shockingly new: Beads, for one, go back to the ancients. It’s that the jewelry and watch market is…

Staff Picks, November–December 2017: Perfect Holiday Presents

What JCK magazine’s Melissa Rose Bernardo is loving this month   “Whether you want to save or splurge, these earthy, organic jewels are sure-fire holiday hits.” —Melissa Rose Bernardo, JCK managing editor (Above) Mikado Flamenco bracelet with ocean jasper in 18k rose gold; $33,130; Tamara Comolli; ls@tamaracomolli.com; tamaracomolli.com Alteration ring with 7 cts. t.w. clear…

From the Publisher, November–December 2017

Happy holidays! Here’s hoping your holiday selling has begun in earnest and things are going well! Despite the craziness of these past few months in the nation and the world, the economy seems to be chugging along. Most surveys show jewelry retailers are bullish heading into the holidays, so fingers crossed for a fantastic season. Speaking…

Why @christiesjewels Is Our Favorite Instagram Feed of the Month

Looking to up your antique jewelry IQ? You’d do well to follow Christie’s Jewelry (@christiesjewels). Ostensibly a platform for promoting its upcoming sales, the feed also features stunning, era-defining pieces from previous auctions that go way beyond your average gobstopper diamond ring. Modern art–meets–statement necklace in this Alexander Calder silver design, made in 1942. Boules…

The Social Network: Inside WJA’s Fifth Annual Jewelry Night Out

On Sept. 14, Women’s Jewelry Association chapters across the country staged a networking bonanza during the fifth annual Jewelry Night Out   (Above) In Denver, Facets Jewelry Consulting’s Nan Palmer (president of WJA Colorado), Abby Sparks of Abby Sparks Fine Jewelry, and Metamark’s Samantha Larkins   Line + Hue designer Nicki Gluckman and Luxury Brand…

How Do You Hue? Our Spring 2018 NYFW Wrap-Up

Guests filing into the spring Calvin Klein show this year were treated to another overhead installation by artist Sterling Ruby—but this time, there were actual axes dangling from the ceiling. For the front-row guests ­teetering to their seats in vertiginous heels, it was unsettling. But also intriguing. And that was precisely the point. Heeere’s Johnny!…

3 Questions for…Charles & Colvard President-CEO Suzanne Miglucci

Suzanne Miglucci ­became president and CEO of moissanite manufacturer and marketer Charles & Colvard in November 2015. She tells JCK why the North Carolina–based company has staked its future on ­millennials. How do lab-grown diamonds affect your business? It helps to have lab-created diamond companies talking about the value of lab-created diamonds. Five years ago…

Innovative Retailer: Jen Hankin of Joint Venture Jewelry

North Carolina’s bustling Research Triangle region is jammed with fantastic jewelry stores. But for brides and grooms in the market for a well-curated selection of unique rings, Joint Venture Jewelry in Cary, N.C., has become something of a mecca. The family-owned consignment store, which Donna and Lee Hankin founded in 1998, is stocked with 30…

How Do You Attract the Male Self-Purchaser?

Rolex is probably No. 1 on that list. It’s like a magnet for guys. They just kind of float over to the Rolex section no matter what their significant other is doing. We also have an unbelievable selection of men’s jewelry—William Henry is one of our top brands. Guys become intrigued by it because of…

Industry and People, November–December 2017

HONORED Jewelers of America announced that Will & Grace star—and jeweler’s daughter—Debra Messing (pictured) will receive the GEM Award for Jewelry Style at the 16th annual GEM Awards gala on Jan. 19, 2018. COMINGS AND GOINGS Antonio Seward (pictured) has been ­appointed North American CEO of watch brand Audemars Piguet, effective Aug. 1. Most recently, he served…

Store We Adore: Consider the Wldflwrs

1807 Ninth Ave. N., Nashville, Tenn. A 26-year-old jewelry designer takes a chance on Nashville’s growing fashion scene to open her own showroom   Eight years ago, Emily Eggebrecht moved from St. Louis to Nashville to pursue a career in music, an all too familiar story—but one with a different happy ending. During her senior…

Padlock and Locket Jewelry You’ll Get Hooked On

These gem-encrusted contemporary twists on the portable picture holder are part charm, part statement. You’re bound to become attached!   (Above) Padlock necklace in 18k yellow gold with multicolored sapphires; $23,500; Polly Wales; 646-745-6831; pollywales.com   Quinn blue sapphire locket in 14k recycled yellow gold; $2,560; Ila; 713-780-2828; ilacollection.com Diamond padlock in sterling silver and 18k…

The Big Jewelry Wins From the 2017 Emmy Awards

Nicole Kidman Always a knockout on the red carpet, Kidman certainly didn’t disappoint at the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards. For Big Little Lies’ big night, the series’ star—and best actress winner—stunned in a silk halter-style Calvin Klein by Appointment gown with a fitted bodice and flared tea-length skirt. (Not pictured: her playful pink crystal-studded strappy…

JCK Asks…Eva Zuckerman of Eva Fehren Jewelry

If you know the X ring, you know Eva Fehren. The oft-­imitated design was (and still is) at the forefront of the minimalist, geometric fine jewelry trend, where Fehren’s styles reign supreme. A few years ago, the brand moved into bridal with Eva Fehren White, a collection of edgy alternative engagement and wedding rings. The…

A Mighty Tanzanite Heart

The Georgian-era fashion trend of women adorning themselves with fresh flowers was the inspiration for this wildly romantic convertible necklace by Simone Jewels. The deep-blue tanzanite heart—which doubles as the front of a locket—also detaches to become a brooch and pendant. Designer Simone Ng says she’s thrilled that its wearer “can enjoy the exposed back…

Colored Stones, November–December 2017: Birthstone Jewelry & More

CAN’T-MISS COLLECTION Talking Story In November 2013, Timeless Fine Jewelry’s Jackie Cohen adopted a baby girl, just eight days after connecting with the birth mother. In search of a piece to commemorate her long journey to motherhood, the New York City–based jeweler created a 14k yellow gold ring set with a baguette-cut citrine and named…

Gold, November–December 2017: New Hoops, Classic Chains & More

BACK TO BASICS Royal Treatment Third-generation jewelry manufacturer and distributor Royal Chain is celebrating a very special birthday next year: the big 4-0. While the company plans to release new designs in time for JCK Las Vegas 2018, for now, it’s focusing on going back to basics—and that means gold, gold, and more gold. “Consumers…

Global Swarming: We’re on Our Way to VicenzaOro 2017

Famed for its architecture, its Carnival celebrations, and the powerful Venetian republic that ruled its namesake city between the seventh and 18th centuries, the Italian region of Veneto boasts yet another distinction: Italy’s largest concentration of high-end gold jewelry manufacturers. Owing to its location at the nexus of the region, the January VicenzaOro show, taking…

Coastal Charm: Wrapping Up the October 2017 JIS Show

Retailers and exhibitors were in a Sunshine State of mind at the October JIS show in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.   For its annual October show—which is always held in Miami—JIS successfully made lemonade out of a heap of lemons. Mere weeks before the Oct. 8–11 show, organizers heard from the just-renovated Miami Beach Convention Center…

How to Skype With Your Customers (Hint: Wear Pants!)

As custom jewelry becomes more and more popular, smart retailers are expanding their client base beyond their geographical region by connecting with consumers over video—with Skype leading the charge. Paul Bierker, a custom jewelry designer based in Lawrenceville, Pa., uses Skype (along with mobile video chat apps) to connect with clients in more than 20…

Tool Time, The Goods: The Kronaby Apex Smartwatch & More

WHO, WHAT, WEARABLE Kronaby Apex Swedish wearable brand Kronaby’s first-ever collection is composed of four men’s smartwatch styles that pair the handsome hallmarks of a luxury analog timepiece with of-the-moment wearable technology. The Apex, arguably the most casual of the four models, is loaded with useful tools that jibe with what Kronaby calls “human technology”…

1970s It Girl Marisa Berenson Is Bold and Beautiful in Bulgari Gold

Marisa Berenson—dubbed “the girl of the ’70s” by Yves Saint Laurent—proves that yellow gold never goes out of style   Can there be a more glamorous time for fashion and jewelry than the late ’60s/early ’70s? Fashion was subversive, skintight, and bursting with exotic flourishes like turbans, colorful maquillage, and piles of yellow gold. In…

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