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| Irene Neuwirth one-of-a-kind colorful jewelry necklace made of a variety of gems |
It’s Las Vegas Jewelry Week and this year my participation will be limited to three days so I decided to focus my attention to The Couture Show, the most exclusive of the many jewelry tradeshows being held in Las Vegas this week. The five-day event beginning May 28 is a showcase for major jewelry and watch brands, and designer and couture jewelers.
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| Lagos’s Keep Memory Alive Sterling Silver Signature Caviar Collection supports, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the research, management and treatment of memory disorders. Designs are inspired by the intricate curvature of Keep Memory Alive’s architectural masterpiece in Las Vegas, designed by world-renowned architect, Frank Gehry. The company’s founder, Steven Lagos, is a long time supporter of the organization |
In recent years it has expanded its footprint internationally among exhibitors, buyers and press. More than 4,000 buyers are expected to view the offerings of more than 350 exhibitors at the Wynn Las Vegas, which include Roberto Coin, David Yurman, Pomellato, Lagos and Stephen Webster. Established jewelers exhibiting for the first time include Omi Privé, Gumuchian and London-based art jeweler, Completedworks
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| Omi Privé Opal and Diamond 3-Stone Ring augmented with sapphires and diamonds set in 18k yellow gold |
In addition to jewelry, the show has been attracting more luxury watch brands. Expect this trend to continue as Couture recently announced that it is partnering with advising and consulting company, Kaiser Time Inc., to develop the watch category for the show. Among the watch brands exhibiting for the first time are Baume & Mercier, Hermes, Gucci and Tudor.
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| Gurhan Gold and Opal Pendant in 24k gold with irregular-shaped opals and round diamonds |
In addition to Couture, there are no fewer than six other jewelry, gem and watch shows at hotels along “The Strip,” making up what has become informally known as “Las Vegas Jewelry Week.” The biggest is the JCK Show (May 26 – June 1), located at the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Conference Center, a jewelry tradeshow that provides a showcase for the entire breadth of jewelry available in the US, as well as jewelry making technology, machinery, jewelry packaging, and support services.
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| Hermès Cape Cod Zebra Pegasus Watch employed Grand Feu enameling for the miniature painting of the zebra and the cloisonné technique for the wings. The dial’s base is made of a 22k gold plate crafted into three different layers. Limited to four pieces |
For estate and collectible jewelry and watches, there’s the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show (May 28 -31), the largest such event catering to those in the jewelry trade. AGTA GemFair, also at Mandalay Bay (May 28 –June), features gem dealers from around the world.
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| Stefan Hafner Jasmine Bracelet in white gold embellished with diamonds inspired by the inspired by the rich decoration of ancient Moroccan palaces, enveloped by the citrus scent of the royal gardens |
The other tradeshows include American Craft Retailers Expo at South Point Hotel Casino & Spa (May 28 – 30), for American and Canadian artists, many just entering into the marketplace; the Gem & Lapidary Association show at the Mirage Resort & Casino Hotel (May 25 – 28); and the International Watch and Jewelry Guild Show (May 25 – 26).
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| Completedworks Pillar inspired by ruined architecture, the brand’s signature collection draws together the elegant, elongated, sometimes elaborate, architectural language of the classical column |
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| Temple St. Clair 18k Small Flower Necklace with Royal Blue Moonstone (61.92cts) and diamonds (0.90cts) |
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| Ornella Iannuzzi Rock It! Pendant Cage with an opal bead inside an 18k yellow gold geometric cage |
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| Moritz Glik’s Kaleidoscope combines tiny gold star motifs with his signature diamonds, shaking between two sapphire crystals |