In 2023, America’s First Jewelry Show Offers a Look at Fashion and Business Trends

Over the past two years, there have been many predictions that a recession or partial recession is imminent. However, the economy appears to be strengthening. Encouraging signs include that inflation has eased significantly over the past six months to 6.3 percent by December 2022, although it remains very high. The job market has proven to be quite resilient. Data from the US Labor Department showed that 517,000 jobs were added in January, leaving the unemployment rate at 3.4 percent, the lowest since May 1969.

Perhaps that’s why there was so much optimism among retailers and exhibitors at the Centurion Jewelry Show in Phoenix. The invitation-only fair for luxury retailers and manufacturers serves as the first major jewelry trade show in the United States in an environment conducive to networking and business. Some of the exhibitors are widely known, while others are known within the trade.

The show, which ran from January 28 to February 1, ran 22^n.d year Most of the invited exhibitors and retailers have been participating for years, but there were also newcomers. Among them are 16 jewelry makers from Italy under the umbrella of “Extraordinary Italian Jewelry,” a promotional effort by the Italian Trade Agency targeting the U.S. with jewelers that have earned the “Made in Italy” trademark. The project was first announced in June 2022, and Italian officials have identified the United States as the largest market for their jewels during the pandemic.

Exhibitors included Vhernier, a contemporary high jeweller, handmade gold maker, Pippo Perez, who produces fun charms and iconic jewelry in high-quality materials, and Miseno, a fine jewelry brand.

Pasquale Bruni, the Italian luxury jewelry brand specializing in gold jewelry using unique gemstone cuts, presented the latest pieces from its nature-inspired Giardini Segreti collection, crafted in 18k rose gold and scattered diamonds.

Specializing in highly crafted 18k gold jewelry, Vendorafa has introduced pieces from its new Torre collection, inspired by the architecture of a battle fort tower.

Outside of Italian brands, US jewelry brand SYNA has launched a collection of exotic colored jewels, including the Jardin Emerald Vine Earrings. It features a total of 17 carats of emerald cabochons set in 18K yellow gold in a vine-like pattern, covered with a sprinkling of dewdrop-like diamonds.

Founded by Lisa Nikfarjam, based in Los Angeles, Lisa Nik combines colorful stones and diamonds in artistic contemporary designs. This year, she says, she is expanding her collection with a focus on ear climbers and layers, creating jewelry using a variety of materials, which gives the wearer the freedom to be creative.

Suna Bros. sponsored by Platinum Guild International, the marketing arm of the platinum jewelry industry, was showcasing new flexible platinum jewelry marketed and sold under the brand name “Platinum Born”. Manufactured in Japan using new processes, these pieces are light and airy, as well as flexible and delicate in texture, expanding the potential of platinum jewelry.

Internationally renowned French diamond jewelery brand Messica has unveiled jewelery from its D-Vibes collection featuring pieces from its haute jewelery collection and rows of diamonds set in 18k gold.

Acclaimed diamond jewelry brand Tacori, which creates bridal and fine fashion jewelry, had the breadth of its collection on display with natural and lab-grown diamonds. Tacori business development leader Michael Deal says one trend is increasing demand for yellow gold bridal jewelry. Additionally, although round diamonds remain the most popular shape, there is an increase in fancy shaped diamonds as opposed to the traditional round diamond.