Look Book

56 www.thejewelrybook.com 60 www.thejewelrybook.com S H O W A N D S E L L F E AT U R E A R T I C L E Show and Sell With the major 2019 Las Vegas jewelry trade fairs upon us, industry insiders open up about what they expect to see in Sin City. BY JENNIFER HEEBNER Peggy Grosz of Assael knows the secret to sales: offer customers something they don't already have. "Buying jewelry is not about price— it's about wearability, relevance, and not already owning it," she explains. Her advice to peers arrives just in time for the 2019 Las Vegas jewelry trade shows. In an arguably hard-to-predict year, many in the industry are upbeat about potential sales, JCK Las Vegas' move back to the Sands Expo & Convention Center, and fresh designs. "There's an overarching optimism head- ing into Vegas," observes Amanda Gizzi, director of public relations and special events for Jewelers of America. Read on to learn more about what you might shop soon in the desert. Products to Shop Fresh looks and categories with growing demand include modern pearls, colored stones, yellow gold, personalized jewels, pendants as charms, and layers of all to create chic custom #neckmess situations (search Instagram for examples). Liz Kantner, sales and designer consultant for the new Premier show taking place May 30 to June 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, knows much about the newness coming to Premier as well as the Couture show (May 30 to June 3), since Emerald Expositions runs both. She's anticipating sentimental styles, gemstone-heavy pieces, interesting takes on pearls, and more col- orful options in the bridal arena. "Personalized jewelry is grounding for people," she says. "Everyday armor is a thing—pieces you throw on and never take off." Affi nity necklace in 20k gold with 398.73 cts. Sleeping Beauty turquoise, 0.95 ct. t.w. diamonds, and 0.25 ct. t.w. blue sapphires, $12,000; Coomi, Secaucus, N.J.; 866-867-7272; www.coomi.com Earrings in 18k yellow gold with golden South Sea cultured pearls and 4.41 cts. mirror square-cut blue- green tourmaline, $17,600; Assael, NYC; 212-819-0060; www.assael.com

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