Widespread Optimism at Couture Show

On the opening day of the Couture Show in Las Vegas, exhibitors expressed trust in their clientele, which they view to be so far resilient to the ongoing recession. Exhibiting a wide range of jewelry, the halls were indeed busy with buyers from large department stores as well as small chains shopping for special and unique offerings.

As would be expected from a high-end jewelry show, designs were all over the place. Gold jewelry exhibited a full range of colors – from classic yellow to dark brown, with all jewelers stating that they have not reduced the weight due to rising prices. “To our clients this is not a real issue,” one jeweler said, dismissing the matter.

Niessing showcased a line rings with very clean designs in a variety of gold colors, as well as platinum, while Talisman Unlimited put an emphasis on fancy cut diamonds.

Yossi Harari displayed a new collection of “gilver” a mix of gold and silver that, after treatment, turns a dark color. Their ethnic, hand-made designs included the wild forms they are well-known for.

Autore, which focuses on pearl jewelry, offered a line of very large natural pearls that were formed into sea creatures such as fish and seahorses with gold and semi-precious stones. These were part of a larger aquatic collection that included sea fans and coral as accents to the main pieces.

Other offerings by strong brand names such as Stephen Webster, Damiani and Kwiat, out within a full range of goods, on one hand, and buyers moving from one booth to the next examining and placing orders, on the other, may have proved that these exhibitors’ optimism is not misplaced.