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Las Vegas Jewelry Show 2015 Review by Irina Ferry

Las Vegas Jewelry Show 2015 Review by Irina Ferry

14th Jun 2015

Once again the Las Vegas jewelry show has come and gone. Every year jewelers from all over the world gather in the desert to buy and sell their goods. Whether it's loose gemstones, finished jewelry, technology related to the industry, or a good lecture about new synthetic treatments, these couple of weeks are jam packed with 'bling-alicious' excitement.

After checking into my complimentary room at the Wynn I hightailed over to the JCK show at the Mandalay Bay convention center. This year they organized a whole day of lectures and seminars. I jumped from one to another, ears perked for the latest and greatest educational news to further my expertise. I began with a brush up on colored gemstones by the president of AGTA, which is always my favorite topic. I learned that the color of the year is Marsala (think pinkish wine), opals are still trending, and emeralds are on the horizon as popular precious stones.

Then I popped into a seminar called "How to Sell to the Rich," which after listening to a panel plug their own brand for 15 minutes, decided it wasn't for me. Since customer relationships are what make Soho Gem successful I went to listen to a talk about collecting data on customers and how important it is for your business. I was left questioning whether it is better to have everyone come into my store or to target only the "right" customer? Buccilati's marketing consultant said they only want the "right" ($$$$) customer to walk in their stores. Well, I'm not sure I agree. We welcome everyone to come into Soho Gem. You never know when a browser will become a customer.

The next day I spent running from appointment to appointment at JCK. I visited Sofragem and purchased a beautiful line of purple sapphire rings, picked up some trendy micro pave pieces and searched high and low for a 7 carat cushion cut diamond for a client. I wasn't there to look for new designs, since I knew that I would have ample opportunity to do that at the Couture show at the Wynn.

The next two days I spent in the beautifully relaxed atmosphere of Couture. This high end luxury show is where I got to see new collections from most of our current brands.

Check out this fabulous video by Couture judge, Maria Daulton!

Armenta came out with new gemstones Rainbow Moonstone,Chrysoprase and Kyanite. Pleve designed a beautiful sea foam blue diamond collection and won best diamond design for their pink diamond cuff. Kuwayama- our exclusive Japanese designer -had a few new gold necklaces for a chic casual look and Etho Maria had some amazing multi color sapphire pave rings, earrings and bracelets. Of course I could not resist the beauty and ordered it all! Available at Soho Gem in just a matter of weeks.

Not really looking to add anymore designers, we stumbled upon Gianna Jewellery and could not help ourselves. Winner of the diamond under 20k award at Couture, the jewelry from Gianna is to die for! Slinky, modern and delicate diamond necklaces, bangles and earrings to compliment a bride's dress or a special evening out. I also looked through Stephen Webster's new line and am considering adding him to our list of hot jewelry designers.

After a long weekend of beautiful jewelry, lots of shopping for the store, and late evenings spent with industry friends, I was happy to return to NYC. Next year I'll do it again just as I have for the past 17 years.