By Jacquie De Almeida
Who says what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.
The dazzling play of colour of Ethiopian opal, the soft hues of morganite, and art deco-inspired designs were just some of the styles buyers couldn’t help but bring home from the Las Vegas shows.
While the world’s economists keep a close eye on the euro zone, the jewellery industry appears to be on track for a successful year, judging by the packed aisles at JCK Las Vegas and Couture 2012.
Fashion jewellery remains a significant category, with exhibitors incorporating design techniques that create the impression of luxury. It’s a tactic Italian company, Rebecca, turned to when designing its latest line.
Its use of a laser to carve out miniscule peaks and valleys into bronze mimics the look of embedded diamonds.
Carlo Scalzo, whose company Diamond 2 Scalzo Bros. distributes Rebecca in Canada, says high precious metal prices continue to be a concern, with consumers trending toward the appearance of luxury at an affordable cost. For retailers, however, Scalzo says it’s a tougher sell. They’re looking for high-volume sales in diamond jewellery, which they believe will give them better margins. The trick, he advises, is to have a good range of product for those times when diamond jewellery is not on the customer’s wish list.
“Everyone would like to sell a piece of diamond jewellery a day, but we all know it doesn’t happen,” he says. “Consumers want to be able to switch up their jewellery, and they look for affordable pieces that allow them to do that.”
Known for her oversized gemstone cocktail rings, U.S. designer Erica Courtney says she is happy to see colour is much more prevalent than it used to be.
