Katerina’s Choice: TOP 10 Jewels From Luxury by JCK

June 15, 2016

By Katerina Perez

5 min read

No matter how many times I return to Las Vegas, I always look forward to discovering new trends, meeting newcomers and encountering the new collections of permanent participants. It’s impossible for me not to mention the recent Luxury by JCK show which opened two days in advance of the main JCK event.

It has already become a tradition for me to share with you my ten favourite pieces of jewellery from an exhibition and this could not be forgotten for the Luxury by JCK show. This year half of the brands in attendance presented pieces made with diamonds and the other half made use of coloured gemstones. Only a small proportion of participants presented items that were solely driven by design. The jewels that made it into my top ten belonged to those who simultaneously placed emphasis on the aesthetic, originality of form and use of beautiful coloured gemstones.

Erica’s jewellery never disappoints thanks to a winning combination of bright coloured gemstones and thoughtful design. Since trying to decide on just one ring was too hard I’ve decided to present you with three pieces which charmed me with their rainbow of luscious colours and summer mood. 

Erica Courtney Empress ring with a 5.19 cts colour change sapphire, Bracelet ring with a 7.46 cts Paraiba tourmaline and Sayeda ring with 5.49cts spinel

Erica Courtney Empress ring with a 5.19 cts colour change sapphire, Bracelet ring with a 7.46 cts Paraiba tourmaline and Sayeda ring with 5.49cts spinel

As was the case for Erica Courtney’s jewellery, all of Farah Khan’s pieces are worthy of individual attention thanks to their intricate design and precious stones. For my top ten I decided to include three cocktail rings in the form of flowers, as the floral theme has become a top trend in Spring Summer 2016.

Farah Khan Flower ring with 1.36 cts sapphire, 5.02 cts diamond and rubies; Baroque pearl ring with 48.2 cts pearl, 2.55 cts diamond and 10.23 cts of sapphires; Citrine ring with a 21.45 cts center stone, rubies and diamonds

Farah Khan Flower ring with 1.36 cts sapphire, 5.02 cts diamond and rubies; Baroque pearl ring with 48.2 cts pearl, 2.55 cts diamond and 10.23 cts of sapphires; Citrine ring with a 21.45 cts center stone, rubies and diamonds

This is a piece that was impossible to pass by. I was immediately captivated by its elegant design, which will remain contemporary irrespective of the passing of time. I was also impressed by the striking combination of diamonds and rare Paraiba tourmalines.

Paraiba “IT” necklace by Graziella with 15.03 cts Paraiba Tourmaline and 14.12 cts of diamonds

Paraiba “IT” necklace by Graziella with 15.03 cts Paraiba Tourmaline and 14.12 cts of diamonds

It’s hard to find a jeweller who has never created jewellery for weddings. However, it’s even harder to find one who could offer an unhackneyed design. When I heard that Karl Lagerfeld was developing a line of jewellery for brides I had no doubt that the engagement and wedding bands would differ from anything I had ever seen before.

Karl Lagerfeld white gold engagement rings with diamonds

Karl Lagerfeld white gold engagement rings with diamonds

It’s not hard to guess why the jewellery of Pleve has made it into the list – it is, of course, for the innovative approach to setting diamonds. Pleve’s founder, Ron Rizzo, calls this jewellery technique “Diamond Mosaics”. The lack of metal between stones allows for the creation of a continuous precious surface with a soft glow that differs from a traditional pave and grabs the attention of many an admirer.

Pleve 18K white gold pendant with 1.70 cts center stone and 10 cts of diamonds

Pleve 18K white gold pendant with 1.70 cts center stone and 10 cts of diamonds

What woman does not love beautiful diamonds, especially when in large quantities. In David Mor’s showroom there is definitely not a deficit. Everywhere you look diamonds sparkle in a whole range of settings. Although it was enough to make me dizzy I managed to get a hold of myself to choose one of the pieces of jewellery for my top ten list – a timeless and eternally fashionable necklace made from white and yellow diamonds of various cuts.

Setare Circular necklace with 47.89 cts of Fancy Intense Yellow diamonds with 9.55 cts center stone and bordered by 59.33 cts of white diamonds

Setare Circular necklace with 47.89 cts of Fancy Intense Yellow diamonds with 9.55 cts center stone and bordered by 59.33 cts of white diamonds

Tanzanite belongs to the ranks of collectible stones as it is mined in one place only – the African republic which shares its name. Such a beautiful gem does not need an extravagant surround and the modest design of Takat’s ring, tastefully adorned with diamonds, is a spectacular example.

Takat 18K white gold ring 24.87 cts tanzanite cabochon and 1.60 cts of diamonds

Takat 18K white gold ring 24.87 cts tanzanite cabochon and 1.60 cts of diamonds

It’s hard to say what I liked most about VTSE’s earrings: the eye-pleasing yellow-green tourmalines and green beryls or the romantic design, resembling the wreath of a Greek goddess. In any case, the earrings not only attracted my attention, but that of many other visitors of the exhibition.

VTSE “Garden View Earrings” featuring 2 beryls 48.97 cts total weight, fancy tourmalines of 20.5 cts, and yellow sapphires

VTSE “Garden View Earrings” featuring 2 beryls 48.97 cts total weight, fancy tourmalines of 20.5 cts, and yellow sapphires

This surprise ring, like all pieces in the Maneater series has several hidden interesting details. I chose it as one of my top ten due to the element of unexpectedness. As I twirled the ring in my hands I gradually uncovered its secrets: for example, a little human figure hides on the inner side of the shank and the wings of the dragon move if lightly pressed.

Wendy Brandes Dragon and Knight Maneater ring in white, yellow, rose gold and platinum with 4.5 cts tsavorites, brown and white diamonds, rubies, and Keshi pearl

Wendy Brandes Dragon and Knight Maneater ring in white, yellow, rose gold and platinum with 4.5 cts tsavorites, brown and white diamonds, rubies, and Keshi pearl

Owing to the opals which exude  a playful array of colours, Yael’s bracelet is reminiscent of a celebratory  firework of pink, blue, green and yellow sparks. On the other hand the piece of jewellery is more similar to an impressionist canvas, painted with a thousand brush strokes of oil paint. Or no, a few dozen chaotically piled stones – a pattern that is viewed through the window of a kaleidoscope. I guess you get the picture – this bracelet seduced me with its multifaceted nature.

Yael Cuff bracelet with white opal of 73.96 cts, pink spinels totalling 12.05 cts and 1.45 cts of white diamonds

Yael Cuff bracelet with white opal of 73.96 cts, pink spinels totalling 12.05 cts and 1.45 cts of white diamonds

Couture Design Awards 2016 Round-Up:

continue reading

Watches and Wonders 2025: Eight of the Most Artful Dials 

From lovers kissing on a bridge to precious animals painted in enamel or gems, this year’s watch launches included timepieces with extraordinary dials that blur the line between watchmaking and wearable art.

by Rachael Taylor

Birthday Wishes: Embracing the Power of Being Different 

Today, I want to share my thoughts on embracing your inner self and channelling all that power into your biggest passions…

by Katerina Perez

Flip the Script: Meet the Jewellers Creating Luxury Customised Watches

Jewellery designers are increasingly turning their artistic talents to the world of horology, customising luxury watches with unique embellishments that carry their personal style signatures. From reimagined Rolexes to gemstone-studded bezels, discover how jewellers are making their mark on the world of timepieces

by Rachael Taylor

Iconic Revival: Boucheron Reinvents the Serpent Bohème Jewellery

That nostalgic feeling of seeing past creations—sometimes forgotten, sometimes iconic—sparking a rush of inspiration to reimagine and breathe new life into what once was. That's exactly what Boucheron has achieved with its latest revival: the Serpent Bohème Vintage collection

by Hirshi Sujanti

Art Deco Innovation: Exploring the Iconic Van Cleef & Arpels Mystery Setting

The Mystery Setting by Van Cleef & Arpels stands out as a masterpiece of Art Deco ingenuity. As the world celebrates the centenary of Art Deco in 2025, we are taking the opportunity to spotlight one of the most technically ambitious innovations to emerge from this golden era of jewellery design

by Claire Roberts

Emerald Odyssey: Chopard Unveils its Insofu High Jewellery Collection

There's nothing quite like the thrill of a new collection unveiling. But what truly excites me isn't just the sparkle and glamour – it's when a brand takes a bold and unexpected approach. This is exactly what Chopard has done with its latest Insofu High Jewellery collection, which all started with the extraordinary 6,225-carat 'Insofu' rough emerald. Let's take a closer look at the creations that have emerged from this incredible mineral specimen

by Hirshi Sujanti

Watches and Wonders 2025: The Best Jewellery Watches 

From diamond-drenched serpents to enamelled blooms and secret talismans, these new jewellery watches unveiled in Geneva embody the artistry, emotion and extravagance of high jewellery watchmaking for women

by Rachael Taylor

Refined Character: The Ancient-Meets-Modern Allure of Dionysios Fine Jewels

The Dionysios signature is all about warm, soulful jewellery that’s characterful without being overtly historical or too starkly modern. Let’s take a closer look at some of the brand’s highlights…

by Katerina Perez

Blinded by the Light: The April Birthstone Through the Lens of Diamond Pavé

Let's consider pieces that showcase this method of craftsmanship in all its sparkling glory…

by Katerina Perez

Love Language: Introducing the Expressive Creations of Zome Jewellery

For designers like Meghna Biswas, the woman behind Zome Jewellery in the United Arab Emirates, the process of transforming coloured gemstones and precious metals into beautiful creations is an ever-evolving love language

by Katerina Perez

Diamond Garden: Creating Digital Delights with AI Artist Anastasia Rogozhina

Take a look and consider the incredible feats that artificial intelligence can achieve in empowering creativity and broadening our minds

by Katerina Perez

100 Years of Art Deco: Top 10 Pieces of Art Deco Jewellery Sold at Auction

From the legendary Van Cleef & Arpels Jarretière bracelet worn by Marlene Dietrich to a striking aigrette that was once part of the Al Thani collection, all the pieces below are infused with the fearless originality of the Jazz Age

by Claire Roberts

Latest Stories

Add articles and images to your favourites. Just

Century of Splendour:Louis Vuitton Awakened Hands, Awakened Minds Chapter II

Creative Director Francesca Amfitheatrof offers her unique interpretation of a pivotal period in France’s history, marked by the French Revolution, the Napoleonic era, and the rise of industrialism

by Sarah Jordan

Jewels Katerina Perez Loves

Continue Reading

Writing Adventures:Co-Authoring the Book

Paraiba: The Legacy of a Color

by Katerina Perez

Jewellery Insights straight to your inbox

Style Guide

By using this website, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.