Here’s Why You Need to Make the Design Collective Your First Stop at JCK

Over the years, the Design Collective at JCK has served as a springboard for some of the industry’s most successful jewelers (David Yurman, here’s looking at you!). That’s why a visit to the neighborhood is de rigueur for retailers in search of cutting-edge design and classic jewels with a contemporary twist. Our advice? Start with the four designers highlighted below and then take a wander through the neighborhood. You never know—the next industry superstar may be around the corner.

German Kabirski

Over the past 25 years, the Design Collective veteran has taken an unconventional approach to his handcrafted designs, experimenting with textures, forms, and materials to create jewels that reflect his unmistakable ethos. In Kabirski’s new accessibly priced GK.ey Jewels sub-brand, he uses rough gems—mainly sapphires and rubies—set in silver or gold-plated silver to create pieces that deliver artistry without breaking the bank.

Arven anti-tarnish plated silver earrings with raw blue sapphires, $190; German Kabirski

Lithos gold-plated sterling silver necklace with natural raw mixed colored sapphires, $250; German Kabirski

Rhea 925 silver ring with raw rubies and cultured pearl, $160; German Kabirski

Giampouras Collections

Vasilis Giampouras studied jewelry design in London at Guildhall University. From his workshop in Athens, he looks to Mother Nature as a prime source of inspiration for his gem-set jewels, which embody the ancient Greek concept of Cosmos, or the harmony and order that shape the universe. The brand’s latest collection features titanium, 18k gold, and precious gemstones in pieces that capture a sense of balance, brilliance, and refined artistry.

Ring in titanium and 18k gold with blue topaz and diamonds, €5,000 ($5,590); Giampouras Collections

John Atencio

The Denver-based jeweler is bringing a slew of newness across multiple collections to JCK. In the brand’s Havana line, expect to find 14k gold styles featuring “a more defined diamond presence while staying true to its signature angled design,” according to the brand.

Havana oval hoop earrings in 14k gold with diamonds, $2,195; John Atencio

The new Bellagio Petite line offers a more refined take on the Bellagio style. Designed for effortless, everyday wear, it’s marked by channel-set diamonds in high-polish 14k gold. The Arrivo Petite range, meanwhile, is the brand’s new entry-level offer, taking up where the brand’s Arrivo Silver collection left off. Crafted in sterling silver, it features John Atencio’s signature trillion shape.

Bellagio Petite pave pendant necklace in 14k gold with diamonds, $1,995; John Atencio

Arrivo Petite cuff bracelet in sterling silver and 14k gold with blue topaz, $550; John Atencio

Last but not least, a medallion collection, rendered in 14k gold with pavé diamonds, is designed to answer the call for personalized and symbolic styles.

Hamsa pendant in 14k gold with diamonds, $1,250; John Atencio

Mignon Faget

For the Design Collective exhibitor’s 55th anniversary, which coincides with the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the New Orleans–based jewelry brand is introducing its Legacy collection, which reimagines the city’s signature symbol, the fleur-de-lis, in a series of bold and sculptural designs available in sterling silver and 14k gold.

Legacy Era ear cuff in 14k gold, $4,148; Mignon Faget

Legacy Era cuff in 14k gold, $12,684; Mignon Faget

Legacy Era collar in sterling silver, $1,164; Mignon Faget

Top: Ring in black titanium and 18k white gold with emerald and diamonds, €19,000 ($21,241); Giampouras Collections