Solitaire’s special US correspondent Smitha Sadanandan reports on how exhibitors at the India Pavilion fared at JCK Las Vegas.
Indian exhibitors comprising manufacturers, wholesalers and brands had mixed reactions at the JCK 2022 show that was held this June in Las Vegas. The show offered networking and business development opportunities. While exhibitors at the lower level of the exhibition expressed their disappointment at the lack of footfall and new buyers, at the Diamond Plaza section buzzed with activity and sales appointments.
Rajesh Shah, owner of Venus Jewel, a natural diamond manufacturing company that paved the way for India to become a sought-after diamond cutting and polishing centre globally, shared his thoughts on their best-selling diamond cuts.
The rounds are ever-popular and solitaires sold really well. Emerald cut diamonds also saw an increased demand among buyers, he observed. “We sold a few 15 to 20 carat diamonds at the show and have had some buyers express their interest in the 30-carat GIA certified diamond,” he added. “We are hopeful that we will be able to sell it soon, as it has garnered genuine interest.” At this year’s show, Venus Jewels introduced the Preferred Diamond Selection – where buyers could look and bid on the new processed diamonds brought in for the show. The mood was upbeat, and business was good despite sluggishness on Shabbat. “We are back at the show after three years; the global pandemic had made it impossible for us to travel and exhibit these past years. Some of our friends and customers swung by just to meet us. It was a delight to meet in person with retailers, wholesalers, and buyers that we have worked with closely in the past,” said Jagat Thakker, Head of Marketing and PR.
Parth Rastogi, Director of Jewelariaa, added the use of investment grade emeralds was their calling card. “We are known for using only the best stones making sure that the designs are at attainable price points. Most of our pieces feature G-H colour VVS, VS+, VS- We also do special orders if the demand is to use high colour and high clarity – colourless to F colour and IF, VVS clarity gems,” added Parth.
Multi-coloured sapphires sourced from Bangkok combined with carved gems from India infused glamour into Jewelariaa’s statement bracelets. The brand brought in new made in 14k gold and set with emeralds, sapphires, tanzanites and fancy-cut diamonds. Emeralds and tanzanites held strong appeal for their regular buyers and retailers. The market trend veered towards mixed cut diamond jewels, observed Rajiv Rastogi, MD, Jewelariaa. The quintessential Art Deco and carved gem designs, reminiscent of the tutti-frutti colour palette, were quite popular along with new creations embellished with aquamarines.
Savio Jewellery, a leading manufacturer from Jaipur, unveiled two new lines at the JCK Show. The Solitario collection seeks inspiration from nature and features blossoms and leaf inspired motifs – all realised using diamonds in pear, marquise, princess and round cuts. The illusion setting of diamonds adds additional sparkle to the pieces. “The collection celebrates modern interpretations of motifs from nature and includes a wide range of styles from minimalist designs to elaborate statement pieces,” said Ashish Sand, Co-founder and Director.
Zambian emeralds rocked the Emeralda collection in pieces accented with brilliant-cut diamonds. “We have taken this collection to a whole new level with three-dimensional forms.” The line consisted of necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings designed in classical style. The brand also brought with it slim bangles, bracelets and rings that débuted at the exhibition.
Vinayak Jewels based in Jaipur have been exhibiting at the show for the past five years. Umang Jain, Head of Marketing, said their manufactory specialises in precious and semi-precious stone embellished pieces made in 10-, 14- and 18-karat gold. The material is used according to the brand’s specification. Buyers included department stores and retail chains in the US.
Based in Jaipur, the manufacturing and exporting company UV Overseas brought to JCK a few lovely collections that included stylish daily wearables. Their collection titled Into The Dunes is inspired by the sand dunes and ripples created by the wind, while The Blue Gold highlights the blue hue of the London Blue Topaz.
Shimmerstar Jewels, also based in Jaipur, custom manufactures 18-karat gold jewels set with natural diamonds and precious gems. First-time exhibitors, Shimmerstar Jewels brought with them an assortment of designs in enamel and carved gems. The designs were embellished using pear- and oval-shaped gems alongside tourmalines, tanzanites and emeralds. The location of the booth, said the exhibitor, impacted their sales and dampened their spirits.