One could make an argument that independent jewelry designers are the backbone of the jewelry industry. Their individual ideas, innovative approaches, and abundance of creativity challenges established firms to seek new ways to bring jewels to the few and the masses.
There were plenty of high-quality designers at the JCK Las Vegas trade show, held earlier this month. JCK is the biggest show in North America and some of these designers can get lost among the masses that attend the event. But if you look carefully and invest the time you can find something worthwhile.
Among the independent exhibitors I chose a dozen designers but it could have easily been 30 or 40. A few of these designers and artists are established but many are not, so finding them will be a bit difficult. But it’s worth the effort.
Graceful curves, light and airy 18k yellow gold, red gold and platinum for this “Breeze Brooch” by Baiyang Jewelry.
Creative use of pearls by Little h, using freshwater soufflé pearls sliced and lined with seed pearls and reclaimed rubies.
A 2.1-carat oval-shaped black opal serves as a center stone of this ring in an 18k yellow golden sunburst design by Audrius Krulis. Seven gold points are finished with seven white diamonds.
Etienne Perret is well-known for his ceramic jewels with diamond embellishments. The Daisy Rings pictured are an example of this work. A white ceramic band centered with a blue color enhanced natural diamond surrounded by white diamonds; and a black ceramic band centered with a natural color cognac diamond surrounded by white diamonds.
![Holly Pendant 18k Gold](https://i.ibb.co/Xxx6P4Zw/Holly-pendant.jpg"")
A simple tube shape turns elegant and fun in 18k yellow gold with round openings and a sprinkling of diamonds. The “Holly Pendant” by Dana Bronfman can be worn horizontally or vertically.
Well-crafted 14k yellow gold ring by Dilamani with three rows of round diamonds.
The “Sleeping Vishnu Mala” necklace by Asbury Adams uses labradorite, turquoise and ebony wood on a violet silk cord with labradorite and amethyst beads.
Scroll cuff (22mm) in 14k yellow gold with diamonds by H Weiss.
A bangle with sweeping curves made of 18k yellow gold with brushed detailing set with round diamonds by Jyes International.
A gold snake with emerald cabochon eyes slithers across this oxidized silver cuff by Lika Behar.
A textured sterling silver multi-stone cuff by Michou.
18k Royal Couture Collar Peacock Necklace with emeralds and diamonds by Tanya Farah.
By Anthony DeMarco founder of the Jewelry News Network blog.