For the first time, I attended the Couture Jewelry Show in Las Vegas—a fine jewelry and timepiece event that brings together leading designers from around the world. It offers a chance to meet designers ranging from heritage houses to new brands and see their latest creations all under one roof. I spent two days hopping from booth to booth to explore the newest designs and came away with observations about key trends and the must-have pieces to know before they’re everywhere.
One immediate takeaway was the abundance of color and playful elements. A sense of lightheartedness imbued many designs, whether in the form of shells encrusted with diamonds or pieces featuring vibrant gemstones. Another recurring topic in conversation was the soaring price of gold, which impacted the materials designers have been using, leading to an uptick in alternative materials such as wood and leather cords.
Ahead, see the five biggest trends from the Couture Jewelry Show in Las Vegas, followed by my curated edit of the best pieces to tap into each one.
Gemstone Chokers
The choker necklace is returning in a reimagined form, with the addition of gemstone pendants. Strung along everything from diamond chains at Anita Ko to leather cords at Beck, the pieces run the gamut from fine to high jewelry.
From the Sea
Seaside motifs were a running theme. This was executed in a range of ways, but particularly with the use of shells. At Jenna Blake, colorful shells were framed with pink sapphires, while at Dezso by Sara Beltran, shells were studded with diamonds.
Cocktail Rings
Is it time for the comeback of the cocktail ring? The signs point to yes. Not only were these rings a recurring theme within jewelry cases, but they were also among the pieces designers and public relations representatives were often spotted wearing themselves. Especially noteworthy are pieces from Beck and Jade Ruzzo, designed with graduated ridges.
Alternative Materials
With the rising cost of gold, many designers discussed how it has influenced their latest collections through the use of alternative materials. This has translated into a rise in leather and nylon cords, wood, and a variety of non-gold metals.
Color Story
Bring on the color! From soft blue pastels at Tabayer to bold, saturated shades at Emily P. Wheeler, designers didn’t shy away from beautiful, color-forward pieces.
