So far this year, retailers have had a lot on their minds—gold prices, tariffs, artificial intelligence, and ring-shopping brides obsessed with Pinterest, to name a few topics.
But what remains rock-solid are the vendors and jewelry they love to see at the annual Luxury and JCK shows, which just wrapped up in Las Vegas.
Orin Mazzoni Jr., owner of Orin Jewelers in Northville, Mich., made sure to stop by Doves, Vahan, and Artistry. Mazzoni says he was searching for client favorites like expandable bracelets, cross necklaces, and colored gemstone designs.
“We want to bring back something new, and these are our favorite brands and progressive designers,” he tells JCK.
Jana Bowden of Beard Fine Jewelers in Lufkin, Texas, visited with exhibitors, including Gabriel & Co., to learn more about the latest CAD and technology updates. Her goal is to enhance her store’s bridal experience, boosting customization and personalization for engagement rings and wedding sets.
Bowden also is in the market for lab-grown diamonds to fulfill the demand of customers looking for 2+ ct. stones in their engagement rings. Lab-grown diamond studs also are big sellers for the store; Gen Z and millennial shoppers seek larger stones like the ones they see on social media, she explains. The store also wants to stock up on flexible and stretch bracelets, allowing clients more accessibility within their jewelry collections.
“Like everyone else,” says Mark Perle, owner of Mark Peter’s Diamond Designs in Plainfield, Ill., “I’m looking for what the next trend will be.”
Perle, like many other retailers, is also attending the show to meet with technology experts. The hope is to gain knowledge and receive guidance on how AI will help their businesses grow. Product-wise, he’s looking at silver jewelry both as a trend and as a cost-saving metal compared with gold as he’s shopping the show floor.
Yet that doesn’t mean retailers are shying away from gold—despite its high prices ($4,585 per ounce on opening day of JCK).
“Yellow’s still back,” says Marc Bigelow of Bluestone Jewelry in Tahoe City, Calif. He and his team are shopping JCK for yellow gold jewelry and custom looks from Plumb Club vendors.
Gold also is a focus for Anne Russell, executive vice president for Hamilton Jewelers. “Yellow gold still seems very prevalent, and men’s jewelry continues to be an area of opportunity,” she says. “I also see a lot of vintage inspiration from Georgian settings.”
While diamonds are Russell’s main focus on the show floor, she says Hamilton’s clients in Princeton, N.J., and Palm Beach, Fla., are looking beyond the basics.
“Definitely bigger beads, necklaces on cords, and earrings that work for you. The multiple piercing trend has diminished, and now we are seeing double- and triple-hoop styles that give you the look without the commitment,” Russell says. “We are always looking for new and innovative pieces and new setting styles across all categories: rings, earrings, necklaces. And different metal materials like titanium.”
What stood out for Meredith Schaffer of Bella Cosa Jewelers in Willowbrook, Ill., is JCK’s effort to showcase independent designers through areas such as the Out of the Jewel Box Experience in the Design Collective and the NouvelleBox section at Luxury.
NouvelleBox highlighted eight up-and-coming brands—Julie Chafé, Maura Green, Lene Vibe, Fern Freeman, Kiaia, Tacit, Lazar, and Wyld Box—within a single ballroom.
Schaffer, a gemologist and appraiser, says she seeks out unique gemstones, jewelry that shows the hand of its creator, and pieces that connect with her as a consumer through emotion and storytelling. Having a chance to touch, try on, and experience new designers through NouvelleBox was her favorite part of this year’s show, she says, and something she hopes her store can bring back to clients who want something special.
“Everybody wants something bespoke,” Schaffer says.
Top: Bracelet with 12 mm round Guatemalan jade beads and diamonds in 14k gold, $5,895; Parlé