Hi everyone! I just got back from one of the biggest fine jewelry and gem trade-shows in the U.S., and even though I'm still exhausted, I'm also exhilarated and full of great ideas.
Being this one of the most important jewelry shows on the planet, I had a lot of preparations to do before I went. Before I plan every collection, I have already decided what gemstones are going to be the protagonists. This year, even though I'm still using the classic gemstones that have been predominant in my designs, I am leaning more towards unlikely stones. For my next collection I like turquoise, jade, lapis lazuli, onyx, amber, and coral, used in unusual combinations with the classic stones like diamonds, rubies and sapphires.
After deciding on the stones and their combinations, I set out to sketch out my actual designs. I took these sketches with me to Vegas in order to communicate my vision to my manufacturers, who come all the way from Italy. This is a lot of work because I have a LOT of people to meet with, each specializing in a different area. They use my sketches to plug the designs into a program called CADCAM in order to be able to order the raw materials and make the wax and silver molds. These molds are used to make the final piece.
When I leave Miami the collections are pre-designed. It is at the actual trade-show where the ideas and designs are polished. Here, I meet with craftsmen and the gem dealers, and I discuss with them my designs and the possibilities to actually make them happen. At the show I sit down personally with all my sources and discuss whether I can find the right stones to suit a specific design, or if that design has to change according to the materials available.
There is a lot of hard work, from many talented people that go into a particular piece, and more so if I'm planning an entire collection. This particular show was 5 days of hard work. Lucky for me (or maybe not!) the show is in Vegas, where there are beautiful things to enjoy. This year I saw the Phantom of the Opera, and the Beatles: Love. What great shows!
I also had dinner and drinks at some fun spots. I loved the food at Wing Lei at the Wynn Hotel on the Strip, and the wine cellar at Domenico's at the Venetian.
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| Wing Lei at the Wynn. |
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| Delmonico's at the Venetian. |
Even though it was a long journey, it was a very productive time for me. This trip marked the final step to my new collection, which I will preview soon on this blog. Stay tuned!
Cheers!
Dani K
CONVERSATION