#JWLV Our First Walk Through Luxury #LuxuryByJCK

Quick walk through LUXURY by JCK - this is the first of several trips through this curated wonderland of over 200 luxury vendors...

LUXURY by JCK is made up of 220+ fine jewelry brands that are carefully curated for this invitation only event. From rows of the most dazzling diamonds in every color range to some of the rarest colored gems sitting next to modern high style pieces - there is a smattering of everything at Luxury by JCK.

First up Jack Kelege  LUX300 - if you can get up to the booth to see their goods - it is worth the wait - busy - but really beautiful goods - I am particularly excited to see that the long neck lines  are still trending!

Getana & Co. stopped me in my tracks with their gorgeous opal display right at the door to LUXURY  LUX100

The NEW from Supreme  LUX611 is a touch of old world glamour from fine engraved detailing to flirty earrings that sway with your movement...

A&D Gem Co/Davani LUX335 - what can I say - just one gorgeous piece after another - this from a company with roots in the Gem game - that is now ready to Brand as a Jewelry Design firm....(I will be doing a complete write up on Davani later)

I lost my heart when I saw this stunner from Tresor LUX701 - it is just a small part of a Tourmaline Suite...

Sylvie Collection LUX101 - has made such a huge mark on the Wedding market - rings for women designed by a woman - makes so much sense! ...and her latest vintage styling WOW!

...and for me - the show stopper Vianna Brasil  LUX1000! With lines that put you everywhere from the Mountains to the Beaches of Brazil - this line is a MUST SEE!  (expect a more detailed write up at a later date).

Next AGTA - and then more LUXURY!

#LuxurybyJCK Retailer of the Year Finalists Announced At LUXURY by JCK #JWLV

from Press Release LUXURY Announces Retailer of the Year Finalists

Shortly after opening its doors yesterday, JCK's LUXURY show announced the finalists for its prestigious Retailer of the Year Award. The finalists are: Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Gifts, Dianna Rae Jewelry, G. Thrapp Jewelers, JR Dunn Jewelers, and Roberson's Fine Jewelry.

The Retailer of the Year Award program was started in 2014 and looks to recognize excellence in retail service based on timely criteria. The 2015 finalists were chosen based on the theme of 'Redesigning Retail', which looks for aptitude in rising to the challenges of the modern retailing era. Key points/areas on which the retailers were graded/judged include: successful meshing of online markets and sales with traditional brick and mortar models for business, exemplary use of social media, and an acute understanding of and incorporation of lifestyle marketing and branding.

The 2015 finalists have shown an impressive level of business savvy, as well as a commitment to service, and are all demonstrated leaders of Industry. Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Gifts in Omaha, NE is one of the nation's largest and most well known jewelers. In business for 100 years, the store's commitment to evolving with the market and offering top notch service, are complimented by forward thinking consumer marketing and communications strategies, as seen in their Borsheim's branded nail polish, scented marketing materials, and top rated Instagram account. Dianna Rae Jewelry, a tiny jewel box in Lafayette, LA is known for making a big impression with their unique custom experience. Utilizing impressive technology, such as 3-D printing, while combining design process and expert customer relations, is a winning combination and a sought after shopping experience. G. Thrapp Jewelers located in Indianapolis, IN is famous for its unique nautical interior, a cozy lakeside home to vintage treasures, custom creations and an impressive array of fine designer and bridal jewelry. Nothing is common about this unique shopping experience and personal relationships are key. JR Dunn Jewelers epitomizes the trusted family business, operating a massive storefront in the tight-knit yet affluent community of Lighthouse Point, FL. JR Dunn was the first jeweler to embrace e-commerce and has enjoyed its status as trailblazer ever since, particularly because they have a knack for driving web traffic into the store. JR Dunn is open 365 days a year and features waterfront dining. Roberson's Fine Jewelry in Little Rock, AK, started as a traditional gold and silver, classic retailer but has grown into a unique blend of old and new. Not one to shy away from trends, Roberson's boasts an astounding selection of fashion forward designers and caters toward the female self-purchaser. The store prides itself on serving women, promoting designers, cultivating relationships and providing an atmosphere of fashionable fun. For more on each of the finalists, click here for an engaging video presentation. Watch the video here>> The winner will be announced on Thursday, May 28th at the final LUXURY breakfast event. LUXURY takes place Tuesday, May 26 through Monday, June 1 at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas and features 225 exhibitors, including the stylishly, curated brands of Elite Enclave

About JCK: JCK is a trusted partner connecting jewelry retailers and manufacturers/suppliers with trends, news, products, education, and partners to build business. Whether attending face-to-face events, building inventory with online and onsite sourcing, or obtaining authoritative news and insights from JCK Magazine – the leading industry publication in print & online - JCK offers a suite of tools and events to deliver sound solutions, innovative opportunities, and essential information. For more information on JCK Events, visit jckonline.com.

#LUXURYbyJCK Let's Take a Walk Through The Elite Enclave #JWLV

The Elite Enclave is a curated group of recognized designers and companies that are housed in the most romantic setting. Each year the room has a new theme - this year it is the "Anchors Aweigh" and you are swept away to brunch at the Yacht Club - the men have returned from the morning crew work out and everyone is lounging with cocktails. Resplendent in wood and Adirondack inspired furnishings with the team's Rower hung overhead!

First stop - VTse - LUXEE13 - I am huge fan of this lady's design and her use of some of the less known gems - it takes guts to take on educating the buying public.

This stopped me in my tracks

Whether you like your diamonds sliced - faceted - rosecut....VTse has them!

NEXT UP - Andreoli - LUXEE2  - the best of old world craftsmanship in looks that work for today!  ...and you could work with a nicer family!

This year - LUXE Intelligence - LUXEE11 -  has its own mini show within the Elite Enclave - BRILLIANT Andrea!

...and I met the loveliest gentlemen from Haridra - LUXEE14 - with some stunning Jewelry!  

Hulchi Bellini - LUXEE4 charmed me with these sweet cuts and soft colors!

....and finally - TAKAT!!!  what can I say - saved the best for last! TAKAT - LUXEE7 - is OVER THE TOP LUXURY at it's best!

Day One! #LUXURY What's NEW? #JWLV #LUXURYByJCK

The first change you will notice on your walk into the shows....

...next up A Walk Through the Elite Enclave!

#JWLV The new NOVA collection by WYS Jewelry Is Out Of This World!

The newest NOVA collection by WYS Jewelry. The collection will be available in all 12 birthstones and offered in pure silver and 24K gold. The jewelry is inspired by positive energy and instilling that in wearers. 

See the NOVA collection by WYS Jewelry at JCK Las Vegas! Booth #S10821

Website:   http://www.whatsyoursignjewelry.com/

#JWLV GIA’s All In for JCK Las Vegas

From Press Release

GIA’s All In for JCK Las Vegas

Exclusive in-booth briefings, museum displays, colored stone services and more

Attendees of the 2015 JCK gem and jewelry show at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas can visit GIA’s booth (L99) from May 29 – June 1 to learn about the Institute’s not-to-miss show offerings, ranging from the show service laboratory to educational in-booth briefings and a special museum display. More details are available on GIA’swebsite.

Show highlights include:

Show Service Laboratory

Show attendees will have convenient access to colored stone identification and country-of-origin services through the GIA Show Service Laboratory. Expert GIA gemologists will accept gemstones at Palm G (Level 3 of Mandalay Bay Convention Center) Thursday through Sunday, May 28-31 from 9 a.m. to 5p.m.; and Monday, June 1 from 9 a.m. to noon. Temporary reports will be printed on site, with permanent reports being sent after the show. 

GIA In-Booth Briefings

For the fourth consecutive year, GIA will host a series of free 20-minute in-booth briefings where Institute experts cover some of the industry’s most relevant topics. The briefings will take place Friday, May 29 through Monday, June 1 at booth L99. Presentations will cover:

·         Jewelry Assurance Benchmarks for Platinum

·         The Latest on Synthetic Diamonds

·         The New GIA Gem & Jewelry Career Center

·         Colored Stone Challenges in the GIA Laboratory

Variations on a Theme: Museum Displays

Show attendees can cool down in the desert during a special preview of GIA’s upcoming exhibit “Variations on a Theme: 25 Years of Design from the AJDC.” Each year, AJDC designers are asked to create a design project that interprets a single concept or theme, such as rhythm, sphere and water. During the show, the Institute’s museum will display 12 of the wonderfully clever and thought-provoking jewels – featuring a variety of gems and metals – produced for the 2012 theme: Ice.

Frozen in Time. Rock crystal quartz, ruby, sterling silver and gold. Designed by Alan Revere.

Big Bite. Rock crystal quartz, sterling silver with brown patina and 18K yellow gold. Designed by Mark Schneider.

Education Seminars

GIA will host two educational seminars at Banyan B, Level 3 of Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Tuition for each is $225. Previous gemological training and/or experience is recommended and pre-registration is required. To register, call 800-421-7250, ext. 4001 or email admissions@gia.edu.   

Identifying Glass Fillings and “Healed Fissures” in Corundum

Thursday, May 28, 8 to 10 a.m.

High-lead-content glass fillings are the most common ruby treatment today, while "healed fissures" are one of the least understood ruby treatments on the market. During this seminar, comprised of lecture and a hands-on lab, students will learn the identifying characteristics of these treatments, why they are done and to which types of corundum they are applied.

Identifying Synthetic Diamond

Friday, May 29, 8 to 10 a.m.

Advances in diamond synthesis have led to improvements in the quality and size of synthetic diamonds. They’re also appearing more frequently in gemological laboratories, often undisclosed. During this seminar, which includes a lecture and a hands-on lab, students will learn to distinguish natural from synthetic diamond, and how to know when advanced laboratory testing is required to conclusively identify a stone.

Alumni Bungalow at “JCK Rocks the Beach”

Sunday, May 31, 8:30 to 11 p.m.

The GIA Alumni Association is hosting a cabana – Bungalow 1 – at The Beach at Mandalay Bay during “JCK Rocks the Beach,” featuring singer-songwriter Gavin DeGraw. Event attendees are encouraged to stop by to network and mingle with GIA alumni and industry members from across the globe. The event is open to all JCK badge holders; tickets are based on a first-come, first-served basison Friday and Sunday at the show’s Ticket Centers.

For more information about GIA in Las Vegas, visit the website.

About GIA

An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight in the early 1950s and in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world.

Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism. Visitwww.gia.edu.