The daily temperatures, which soared past the 100-degree mark each day, weren’t the only thing sizzling in Sin City last week.
Las Vegas Jewelry Week wrapped up Monday night, and The Zing Report team flew home exhausted but energized by the avalanche of fresh-feeling jewelry we saw (and pawed) at both the Couture Show and JCK Las Vegas—and by the steady stream of good news we heard from retailers, designers, and manufacturers at the shows. The consensus among exhibitors and attendees this week was that demand for jewelry is still high, and that sales are good—very good.
The uptick in jewelry sales that began early in the COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t abated, say many in the industry. And the strong sales have seemingly freed up designers to move beyond simply iterating on classic jewelry styles. Perusing the hundreds of booths, it’s clear that the industry’s creatives are experimenting, and even playing.
And though many foresee a “correction” (a.k.a. softening) in the market, today’s healthy bottom lines could shield retailers and manufacturers from future hardship (presuming they’re spending wisely, picking partners judiciously, etc.).
Alas, without a trusty crystal ball, it’s hard to predict what the future holds. But in the meantime, let’s look at some extraordinary jewelry! Below, see ten of our very favorite finds from the Las Vegas shows:
Chris Ploof X Anthony Lent pendant necklace (Ploof is now a solar-powered brand, and the chain is from another solar-powered New England manufacturer, Garlan)
New and gorgeous 3-stone Sylvie engagement rings
Artistry Ltd. morganite cabochon and diamond pendants (company president Susan Klempt noted that morganite cabs aren’t widely used—but are beautiful!)
Delicate Stuller zodiac pendant necklaces
Crushed jade-and-agate Cameo and pearl necklace with pearls from Cameo Italiano
Square diamond and gold ring from Dorian & Rose
A beautiful engagement ring setting fit for a 2 ct.-plus center stone from Kirk Kara
The witty and cool Missy ring from Adore Adorn
Diamond and enamel floral rings from Jaipur Atelier
Unusual opal and diamond necklace from Uniform Object
Custom diamond brooch with a vintage feel from Mateo New York
Lauren Harwell Godfrey’s stunning new one-of-a-kind Owl Cuff
Turquoise and gold bracelet from Emily P. Wheeler
Metal-as-gems pendants from Suzy Landa New York
Gem-y hearts from M. Spalten’s new “Dolly” collection, named for Dolly Parton
ARK Fine Jewelry amethyst necklace
Assael pearl and watermelon tourmaline earrings
Assael modern lapis and coral earrings
A new cuff from Parisian jeweler Lydia Courteille, who bought the ancient scroll stamp at the cuff’s center at auction
Pearl, gold, and diamond earrings from State Property
A very glam aquaprase and diamond necklace from Le Vian
Neon and iridescent intaglio rings from Raymond Mazza
Gold band with a single diamond from Lena Ogilive
Citrine, diamond and black enamel bracelet from 18 Carat House
Top photo: Rings from Uniform Object
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