JCK Las Vegas A Showcase For Independent Jewelry Designers

The “Breeze Brooch” by Baiyang Jewelry

There were plenty of high quality designers at the JCK Las Vegas trade show, held earlier this month. JCK is the biggest show in North America and some of these designers can get lost among the masses that attend the event. But if you look carefully and invest the time you can find something worthwhile. I chose a dozen designs that exhibited superior artistry or craftsmanship but it could have easily been 30 or 40. 

They are listed as follows:

Graceful curves, light and airy 18k yellow gold, red gold and platinum for this “Breeze Brooch” (top picture) by Baiyang Jewelry

The sliced and hollowed freshwater soufflé pearls serve as baskets for seed pearls and reclaimed rubies for these earrings by Little h.

A 2.1-carat oval-shaped black opal serves as a center stone of this 18k yellow gold ring in a sunburst design by Audrius Krulis, finished with seven white diamond.

Etienne Perret is well-known for his ceramic jewels with diamond embellishments. The Daisy Rings pictured are an example of this work. A white ceramic band centered with a blue colored enhanced natural diamonds surrounded by white diamonds; and a black ceramic band centered with a natural color cognac diamond surrounded by a white diamonds. 

A simple tube shape turns elegant in 18k yellow gold with round openings and a sprinkling of diamonds. The “Holly Pendant” by Dana Bronfman can be worn horizontally or vertically. 

Well-crafted 14k yellow gold ring by Dilamani with three rows of round diamonds.

The “Sleeping Vishnu Mala” necklace by Asbury Adams uses labradorite, turquoise and ebony wood on violet silk cord with labradorite and amethyst beads. 

Scroll cuff (22mm) in 14k yellow gold with diamond by H Weiss.

A bangle with sweeping curves made of brushed 18k yellow gold set with round diamonds by Jyes International.

A golden snake with emerald cabochon eyes slithers around this oxidized silver cuff by Lika Behar.

A textured sterling silver multi-stone cuff by Michou.

18k Royal Couture Collar Peacock Necklace with emeralds and diamonds by Tanya Farah. 

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Two Young Italian Jewelry Brands Bring Bold New Designs to the US

Italian Design Ltd. Snow White Red Apple Ring

Even the Italian jewelry industry needs new blood to bring innovative ideas to its storied design and craftsmanship tradition. Two new companies have heeded the call and more recently brought their new designs to the US by way of Las Vegas jewelry week.

Italian Design Ltd. and Qayten J.E.T. have little in common except a desire to bring a modern approach to the great tradition of Italian jewelry craftsmanship and design.

Italian Design Ltd. Snow White Red Apple Ring opened to reveal Snow White.

Silvia and Alberto Prandoni, the sibling founders of Italian Design Ltd. are proud of their Italian design heritage. However, they are equally influenced by traditional bespoke and limited editions jewelry created by international luxury jewelry houses, such as Bulgari, Van Cleef & Arpels and Tiffany & Co. The four-year-old company produces jewelry with innovative designs and precious materials (particularly colored gems) that tell intimate stories.

Italian Design Ltd. Lava Earrings made with irregular-shaped fire opals.

“We want to go back to haute jewelry design choosing stones and materials of absolute quality, interpreted with an original design that will adapt to and reflect individual personalities,” said Alberto Prandoni, the company’s CEO. “We create unique pieces or a limited number of up to eight pieces. We propose color variations and modifications to perfectly satisfy the desires of those who turn to us for our customization capabilities.”

There's also a good bit of whimsy and versatility incorporated into their jewelry. Some pieces are designed to be worn several ways. For example, the top of the “Snow White Red Apple Ring” opens to reveal Snow White. The ring can then be converted to a necklace and other uses. 

Italian Design Ltd.  Circus Ring can be worn multiple ways.

“We design rings, bracelets or necklaces as if they were living objects with their own personal stories,” he added.

“Our approach enables us to reach the individual and to interpret his or her requests,” Silvia Prandoni said. “It is certainly a less direct path but one that gives great satisfaction.” 

Qayten Paisley Collection earrings

Qayten is a company I have written about previously. I first met the founders at Baselworld 2013. It specializes in using modern technology to create contemporary three-dimensional pieces that are both beautiful and easy to wear. In fact the name defines the company. Qayten, is Sanskrit meaning “origin” and the abbreviation J.E.T., stands for “Jewellery Estetica Technology.”

Maddalena Allegretti, marketing and sales manager, says this means its creations “fuse aesthetics, technical innovation and forward-thinking design while honoring the traditional techniques at the heart of jewelry making.”

Qayten TT Bracelet made with rare, ethically sourced Indonesian wood.

The Bologna-based jewelry brand uses all types of materials, from 18k gold and platinum, diamonds and colored gems, natural Akoya and South Seas pearls; and even with rare woods that are ethically sourced.

“Our jewelry is modern now and for years to come,” she says. “It’s sophisticated with high perceived value, high quality of materials, including rare collectible materials.”

Qayten diamond Bologna necklace.

Founded in 2012 the firm’s first trip to the US turned out to be quite fruitful in terms of exposure. Its Bologna necklace received two honors at the Couture Jewelry Show in Las Vegas: First Place in the “Diamonds above $20,000 Retail” category and First Runner Up in the “Debuting” category.

“The calling cards of this brand are invisible connections, en tremblant settings, she says. “This is jewelry that demands to be touched, turned over in the hands and admired as much for its technical mastery as it’s visual.”

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AGA and NCDIA To Host Discussions on Lab-Grown Diamonds

A 2.02-carat round lab-grown diamond with J color and VS 1 clarity by Gemesis. It sells for $16,927.60.

Lab-grown diamonds are a hot topic right now. There are two issues dominating the industry.

The most important is what to call these diamonds. The industry has been pretty successful pushing the word “synthetic” as a way to identify them for consumers but it has always been controversial as these gems are real diamonds grown in a lab and the word “synthetic” means fake. “Lab-grown” is the term I use to identify these diamonds because I think it is more accurate. This goes against the every diamond and gem organization that has written rules for the industry to follow as they prefer using “synthetic.”

The other issue is that some diamond dealers are mixing less costly lab-grown diamonds with mined diamonds. Both the Gemological Institute of America and De Beers, and probably others, have built machines that they say are capable of detecting these diamonds.

Regardless of the controversies and the fact that many in the traditional diamond industry see them as a threat, lab-grown diamonds are here to stay and will continue to be a greater part of the diamond and gem mix, as laboratory techniques become more accessible and less expensive.

There will be at least two organizations that will address the issues of these diamonds for the trade during the Las Vegas jewelry shows, which begins Tuesday and runs through June 2.

The Accredited Gemologists Association will host a four-hour panel discussion beginning 1 p.m. on May 29 at Platinum Hotel. Speakers are James Shigley, research fellow of the Gemological Institute of America, Tom Chatham, president, Chatham Created Gems; Dusan Simic, president of Analytical Gemology and Jewelry Laboratory, and Ronnie VanderLinden, president of the Diamond Manufacturer's and Importers Association (DMIA) and Diamex, Inc. For more information got to www.accreditedgemologists.org.

Shigley will provide information on identification techniques for lab-created diamonds, and Dusan Simic will present breaking news on affordable options now available for identifying mounted as well loose diamonds, including melee sizes. Tom Chatham, a respected grower, will give a producer's insights into current and projected production estimates, while diamond dealer Ronnie Vanderlinden will share his thoughts on why he, a well known natural diamond dealer, decided to sell lab-grown diamonds as well as natural. In addition, the Q&A session will be extended to allow attendees to play a more interactive role in creating an in-depth discussion and understanding of the market and where it is headed.

Meanwhile, the Natural Color Diamond Association will host its own panel discussion on lab-grown diamonds and discuss how they affect the trade as part of the education program at the JCK Las Vegas jewelry tradeshow at Mandalay Bay. The session will be held May 30 at 1 p.m. The panelists will discuss policies regarding synthetic diamonds, whether they are relative today and potential solutions to any outstanding issues.

The panel will include Cecilia Gardner, president, CEO and general counsel of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, Charles Stanley, president of Forevermark US, Ronnie Vanderlinden, president of the Diamond Manufacturers & Importers Association, James Shigley, Gemological Institute of America Research Fellow, and Thomas Gelb, NCDIA education director.

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Gumuchian’s Jewelry is for the Bees

B collection hoop earrings 

Luxury jewelry brand Gumuchian has created a set of 18k gold jewelry in support of the declining honeybee population. The “B” collection is a line of link and cuff bracelets, earrings, pendants, rings and five different bee-related charms. The shapes of the links are hexagonal, similar to the shape of a honeycomb. The gold is offset with diamond pavé accents. 

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the collection will be donated to the non-profit, HoneyLove.org, which supports urban beekeeping and home gardens. Citing recent studies, including those by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the family owned jewelry firm says that one in every three bites of food consumed in the United States is either directly or indirectly pollinated by bees.

The collection will be unveiled at the JCK Las Vegas jewelry tradeshow, which runs May 30 – June 2. 

“Many of our collections are inspired by nature” said Myriam Gumuchian, Gumuchian VP of sales. “But this aspect of nature didn’t just inspire the designs it also inspired us to be part of something bigger.”

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The Vicenzaoro ‘Italian Club’ Brings 130 Companies to JCK Las Vegas

The Vicenzaoro ‘Italian Club’ Pavilion at JCK Las Vegas.

Italian jewelry, as always, was showing its strength at the JCK Las Vegas jewelry tradeshow, led by Vicenzaoro with its section of 130 manufacturers and designers. The companies came from the jewelry production centers of Vicenza, Valenza, Arezzo, Naples, Marcianise, Torre del Greco and Milan, with 20 percent of vendors exhibiting at North America’s largest tradeshow for the first time.

Presented by Fiera di Vicenza, Vicenza, Italy, where the collection of Vicenzaoro jewelry tradeshows are held each year, the exhibitors presented high jewelry collections and more accessible items in Las Vegas. It’s the eight year that the organization had its "Italian Club" pavilion at the Las Vegas tradeshow. 

Models wearing jewelry from the Vicenzaoro exhibitors.

About 30 exhibitors were represented during fashions show held throughout the four-day tradeshow. In addition, Trend Area's "Inspirations 2014 – MUTATIONS” - made its debut at JCK Luxury, the showcase for exclusive brands, which took place prior to the JCK Show. With its own exhibition area that explored the directions in which style, materials, working methods and consumer behavior are heading and its significance on the luxury industry. 

The TrendVision stand during JCK Luxury.

Jewelry industry pros were able to preview the new trends for 2014 that the TrendVision Jewellery + Forecasting team, Fiera di Vicenza's independent international forecasting center, has identified. The four moods of jewellery trends for the coming 2014 season—“Experimental Nature,” “Shadow Reality,” “Ethno Pop,” “Visionary Structures”—were unveiled at a keynote breakfast.

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Rare Gems, Fine Diamonds and Shimmering Gold on Display at JCK Las Vegas

Outside the entrance of JCK Las Vegas on opening day.

The first day of JCK Las Vegas, the largest of the nine jewelry tradeshows that set up camp at Sin City, started off slow on May 31 but quickly picked up as buyers filled the aisles of the Mandalay Bay Convention Center during the next two days.

On display was everything under the sun for the jewelry industry, from jewelry-making equipment to finished jewelry from well-known brands and less-familiar names whose pieces fill jewelry store shelves throughout the country.

Below are several examples of some of the jewelry that was available at five-day event. The first nine examples were from a grouping of exhibitors known as the Prestige Promenade—international designers and manufacturers who mostly specialize in high-end jewelry and deal directly with the trade. You may not know their names but you have seen their jewelry. The remaining companies consist of more familiar brand names.

Alexandrite and diamond ring handcrafted with a 2.69 carat oval alexandrite center stone accented with 0.52 carats of round alexandrites and 0.62 carats of brilliant diamond rounds set in platinum by Omi Prive.

A cross of a peacock feather and a fishbone in 18k White gold earrings with round brilliant-cut diamonds and ruby stone studded in and engraved yellow gold by Bapalal Keshavlal.
 

Blue sapphire pave drop and blue sapphire tassel earrings by Mariani 1878.

18k yellow gold link necklace by Old World Chain.

Emerald hoop earrings in 18k white gold and diamonds by Facet Barcelona.

Earrings featuring a central round diamond surrounded by emeralds and diamond-covered petals in 18k gold by Picchiotti.

Diamonds and white gold petal earrings and ring by Universal Jewellery Design Centre.

Yellow 14k hand-crafted pendant necklace by I. Reiss.

 
Yellow gold ring covered in colored gemstones by Ramon.

Le Vian Chocolate Cravings ring in rose gold with its trademarked “chocolate” and “vanilla” diamonds set in “strawberry” gold. 

From Galatea’s new "Pearlfection" collection, a hand-carved, tear-drop shaped Tahitian pearl set in 14k yellow gold. This piece is one of 20 new styles created by Chi Huynh, founder of Galatea. The pearls take the form of acorns, lotus buds and tulips.

An elaborate yellow and white diamond necklace and matching earrings by L’Dezen.

The iconic Effy Panther in diamonds and emeralds set in 14k rose gold from the brand’s Signature collection.

Love Beads bracelet made of Swarovski crystals by Chamilia.

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Lilian Raji Agency to Launch Prestige Promenade Social Media Program

The entrance to the Prestige Promenade pavilion at the 2012 JCK Las Vegas Show.

Prestige Promenade, a collective of high-end jewelry designers and manufacturers, has retained strategic marketing and public relations group, The Lilian Raji Agency, to manage its social media program.

The new program "will give a voice to Prestige Promenade across multiple social media platforms, providing jewelry industry commentary and regular updates on member activities," said Lilian Raji, president of The Lilian Raji Agency. Its aim is to “develop customer brand preference for Prestige Promenade members and retail partners.”

Calling it the “Prestige Social Media Program,” it will serve as a continuation of programs that already serve its retail partners, including its “Prestige Promenade Online Marketplace,” which allows jewelers to augment their websites with updates and exclusive selections from Prestige Promenade members.

“The Prestige Social Media Program will now allow these same customers to engage a more meaningful relationship with their favorite retailer and Prestige Promenade jeweler as they follow and join the conversation,” Raj said.

The jewelry designers and manufacturers that make up the Prestige Promenade exhibit together in the exclusive Prestige Promenade Pavilion at JCK, part of the annual JCK Las Vegas jewelry tradeshow. Beyond the destination, the organization exists to promote its members through cooperative marketing efforts and  retailer partner relationships.

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Yael Turns to the Cosmos for Inspiration

Three strands of diamond pave hug a 6.06-carat fire opal set in 18k rose gold.

Fine jewelry design house, Yael Designs, introduced its summer 2012 Lyra Collection during the JCK Luxury tradeshow (May 29 - May 31). 

Green tourmaline earringss with a total weight of  7.13 carats highlighted by diamond pave and white gold.

The collection showcases gemstones wrapped in elegant diamond threads set in 18k white and rose gold. The cocktail rings, earrings and pendants use tourmalines, morganites, rubellites and opals that bring plenty of color to the collection. Color and diamond threads overlapping large gems were two prominent themes at this year’s tradeshows in Las Vegas.

Diamond pave white gold sparkle as it surrounds an 8.87-carat opal.

The inspiration and the name for the collection came from the cosmos, more specifically, the small constellation named Lyra, which contains one the brightest stars in the sky.

Although the full collection made its first appearance at a tradeshow, individual pieces from the collection have been worn by celebrities—including ice skating champion Kristi Yamaguchi and actress Kerry Washington—and received a prestigious 2012 AGTA Spectrum Award.

The Jewelry Industry is Better Prepared to Handle a Downturn

The opening day crowd during the 2011 JCK Las Vegas tradeshow held at Mandalay Bay. Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

Not since 2009 has the global economy and the jewelry industry’s place in it been so unstable. This comes as the international jewelry industry descends on Las Vegas for a series of tradeshows beginning Monday (led by JCK Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay and The Couture Show at the Wynn Las Vegas) where retailers will purchase their inventory for the all-important holiday season. It’s one of the largest jewelry trade events on the global calendar and it will be a real test on whether the U.S. jewelry industry can withstand the latest onslaught of mixed economic news.

I think the jewelry industry will prevail. The industry itself has done little to exacerbate the fragile global economic situation. In fact, it has performed admirably during these difficult economic times—outside of the diamond industry with its mishandling of the Zimbabwe human rights issue and now diamond grading scandals at two labs. 

After the contraction of the U.S. jewelry industry in 2009, it has been posting mostly positive numbers and showing consistent, incremental growth. Unlike the banking industry, it has learned from its mistakes. The jewelry industry is not as leveraged as it was in 2008. It is doing better at using the Internet and social media instead of treating it as the enemy. Creativity has taken over as well. As the cost of materials increased, designers and manufacturers have created objects of adornment using more color, a variety of materials and high-quality craftsmanship. The jewelry industry as a whole is a smarter and more humble industry than it was prior to 2008.

However, it must get past an economic situation that is again rising to a boil led by two factors that just won’t go away: Wall Street’s reckless behavior and its defiant stance against any regulation; and the Euro crisis.

The Facebook IPO debacle managed by Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan Chase’s $2 billion-plus trading loss by taking large positions in credit default swaps show that Wall Street has learned nothing from the 2008 financial crisis that nearly took down the world economy.

Meanwhile, the end of the Euro or at least a serious contraction of the European Union now seems a possibility. Greece is on the brink of outright rejecting the monetary union and other countries are saddled with outrageous debt that member countries seem unable or unwilling to resolve. There are an endless number of theories as to what will happen if the Union disbands or shrinks, which tells me that no one really knows what will happen. But everyone in Europe seems to be scared.

The jewelry industry has its own challenges and victories, some of which were revealed this week. Among them:

* Tiffany & Co., the luxury retailer jeweler that has performed like a juggernaut throughout this recession, downgraded its outlook Thursday based on a softening of sales in the U.S. and abroad.

* Meanwhile, it’s the mid-market jewelers that are showing resiliency. Signet Jewelers, the largest specialty retail jeweler in the U.S. and U.K., whose brands include Kay and Jared, reported modest growth in the first quarter Thursday (sales up 1.4 and comps up 1.2 percent). Zale Corp., the long-struggling North American specialty retail jeweler, showed significant growth in its first quarter report Wednesday (8 percent increase in sales and comps).

* Online jewelry and diamond retailer, Blue Nile, reported a 3.6 percent first quarter increase in sales. However, lower markups led to a 9.7 percent decline in gross profits.

* The Swiss watch industry, which appeared invincible throughout the recession, is reporting that its phenomenal growth is slowing to just robust levels. Watch exports increased 9 percent in April, down from 16.1 percent for the first four months of the year, according to the Swiss Federal Customs Office.

* However, the large luxury conglomerates are still poised for strong growth throughout the world. For example, LVMH reported that its Watch & Jewellery division sales increased by 141 percent increase, year-over-year, to $826.6 million. This is misleading as LVMH acquired Italian luxury jewelry house, Bulgari, in March 2011. Excluding the Bulgari acquisition, sales increased 17 percent. Richemont, reported that jewelry and watch sales rose 32 percent for the year, with overall sales in the Americas up 26 percent.

Despite the uncertainty, I expect to see a positive environment and exciting new jewelry designs at the tradeshows. Most importantly, I anticipate business to be strong. Unlike 2008, the industry is better prepared today to meet these challenges.

Las Vegas Jewelry Week

Mandalay Bay, the new home of JCK Las Vegas

The upcoming week in Las Vegas is going to be one of the most important for the U.S. jewelry industry in some time. The performance of jewelry trade shows for the next several days will help determine whether the industry is returning to a period of sustained growth following the single event of the economic meltdown of 2008, or if it is the victim of something bigger and more widespread—a cultural and technological change that is steamrolling traditional ways of assessing luxury, beauty and fashion; while providing new ways of delivering messages and products that are beyond the reach of an aging industry.

Of course the big news is that one of the largest and most successful shows in the international jewelry industry—JCK Las Vegas and its affiliate shows, Luxury at JCK and Swiss Watch at JCK—will be held for the first time at Mandalay Bay.

The change is the result of some downsizing and rightsizing due to recent economic realities and competition within the industry. Celebrating its 20th year, JCK Las Vegas has always been held at the Sands Expo & Convention Center, one of the largest conventions facilities in the country, which along with the adjacent Venetian Las Vegas offers approximately 1.8 million square-feet of space. The show was so successful that even in this space there was an annual waiting list of hundreds of companies.

Things changed dramatically during the 2008 global economic meltdown, which resulted in a dramatic shrinkage of the jewelry industry. No more waiting lists. More empty spaces. Fewer buyers. So now the show will be held at the newer, nicer although smaller space. Still, at 1 million square feet, it is huge by normal expo space standards.

Things have been changing for some time as other jewelry shows have opened and taken away some JCK exhibitors. The most notable change is that what has been termed JCK Las Vegas for years by the industry is now known in the industry as “Las Vegas Jewelry Week” or “Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week.”

The week begins with JCK at Luxury (May 31 – June 6). The first three days of the show is an invitation only gathering of luxury jewelry retailers and consumer press, which the show has been since its inception. The next four days, the show is open for all of those attending JCK Las Vegas. This is in no doubt in recognition of the only segment of the jewelry industry that continues to grow during this sluggish recovery. Autore, Breuning, Carl Messler and Danhov are among the approximate 230 luxury exhibitors at the show.

Swiss Watch at JCK (June 2 - 6) remains an appointment only event. There is no desire and seemingly no need for the luxury Swiss watch industry to change the way it does business as it continues to experience exceptional sales growth and consumer passion for its timepieces. Exhibitors run from Breitling to Zenith who will be seeing buyers in suites at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and the Four Seasons Hotel in the same building.

Wynn Las Vegas, home of the Couture Show.  Photo Credit: Destination360

The Couture Show, over in the Wynn Las Vegas (June 2 – 6), features some of the best-known high-end jewelry brands in the world, including Damiani, John Hardy, David Yurman, Judith Ripka, Kwiat, Mikimoto, Roberto Coin and Stephen Webster. These are among the companies that broke off with JCK Las Vegas to form a show that is specific to their niche in the industry. In the past, the show lived off its close proximity to the Sands Convention Center. The question this year is whether enough buyers will want to make the trip from the south end of the strip to the Wynn. There are certainly enough destination brands for buyers to make the trip.

The American Gem Trade Association attached itself to JCK Las Vegas a number of years ago with its own show, AGTA GemFair Las Vegas. The collection of gem and pearl dealers from all over the world will continue its successful association with JCK at Mandalay Bay (June 2 – 7).

Then there’s JCK Las Vegas (June 3 – 6), still the dominate jewelry trade show on “The Strip” even if its status is slightly tarnished. This show contains all aspects of the jewelry industry from bridal to manufacturing equipment and technology suppliers. Low-, mid-, and high-end tiers of the market are resented as well as international jewelry manufacturers.

Planet Hollywood is the location for Niche: The Show

Finally there’s Niche: The Show at Planet Hollywood (June 4 – 6). This is show dedicated for designers of handcrafted jewelry and other materials and mediums, such as glass, ceramic and wood. This event is an answer to the long-term struggle small jewelry designers had at JCK. The show was just too big and attracted too many buyers from large-scale operations with orders that these types small businesses couldn’t fill.

There are other shows as well, specializing in antiques, dedicated for watch dealers and for bead makers that round out the festivities. But it’s the major trade shows that will determine the shape and scope of what the U.S. jewelry industry will look like in the coming years.

Many in the industry will be crossing their fingers.

Royal Asscher to Display Original Cullinan Diamond Tools at JCK Las Vegas

Even in the rarefied world of statement diamonds and jewels, the venerable Royal Asscher Diamond Company has few peers. In an effort to showcase its heritage and history, the Dutch company will have on display at this year’s JCK Las Vegas shows the original tools used to cleave the world-famous Cullinan diamond. Also on display will be a replica of the Imperial State Crown, one of Great Britain’s Crown Jewels, containing one of the two largest stones cut from the Cullinan.

The Cullinan diamond is the largest rough gem-quality diamond ever found, at 3,105 cts. The diamond was presented to Great Britain’s King Edward VII entrusted the cutting of the gem to the Asscher brothers. In 1908, Joseph Asscher cut the stone into 9 large stones and 42 small ones.

In honor of this legacy, Royal Asscher is releasing a special vintage-inspired engagement ring. Royal Asscher invited Toronto-based designer Reena Ahluwalia to visit the headquarters in Amsterdam and recreate the romance, with a look back at some of its most celebrated pieces.

“Legacy,” a vintage-inspired platinum engagement ring by Ahluwalia, takes its inspiration from the fabled jewelry vault of the Royal Asscher Diamond Company from the 1920s-1930s, conjuring the old Hollywood glamour and romanticism.

“The 1920-30s are a reminder of stylized and warmly organic forms,” Ahluwalia says. “Traces of this style can be seen in the Legacy collection. Buds form the shank of the ring, with a centrally mounted Royal Asscher Cut diamond representing a bloom with promise of a new future and creation of a lasting legacy together.”

Joseph Asscher

The company, founded in 1854, is known for its craftsmanship and signature diamond, the Royal Asscher Cut.

The Cullinan diamond tools, as well as Royal Asscher’s new Legacy and “Shining Stars of Africa” collections will make their debut at the Luxury at JCK and JCK Las Vegas, Booth 1120. All are welcome to view the collections and celebrate alongside Royal Asscher with a glass of champagne on June 3 or June 4, from 4 to 6 p.m.