(Press Release) LAS VEGAS – At this year’s annual Couture and JCK shows, Gemfields will further solidify its position as the leading authority in color, with several exciting initiatives, including the introduction of a customizable jewelry program and a range of new designer collaborations, as well as a panel discussion covering important issues facing the industry today.
Gemfields has again teamed up with Muse, the fine jewelry industry’s premiere showroom for emerging and established talent, to create two distinct collections: an innovative colored gemstone charm collection, as well as new, fashion-forward fine jewelry, featuring Gemfields’ responsibly sourced Mozambican rubies and Zambian emeralds. The two collections, comprised of more than 75 charms and an additional 75-piece assortment of earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets, will debut in the Muse salon at the Couture show, held in Las Vegas from June 2-6.
Seventeen inspiring jewelry designers, including Ana Khouri, Buddha Mama, Dezso by Sara Beltrán, Elena Votsi, Fox & Bond, Holly Dyment, Hoorsenbuhs, Kismet by Milka, Lucifer Vir Honestus, Luis Morais, Michelle Fantaci, Nancy Newberg, Nikos Koulis, Savannah Stranger, Silvia Furmanovich, Sylva & Cie and Tara Hirshberg, were selected for the 2017 collaboration. With a diverse offering and wide range of price points, the new GemfieldsxMuse collections provide retail partners with a unique opportunity to bring colored gemstone fine jewelry to consumers, while reinforcing Gemfields’ mission to promote rubies and emeralds for every day. Selections from the GemfieldsxMuse collaboration will be available at an exclusive live trunk show in partnership with Moda Operandi, launching during the Saturday of Couture and lasting through July.
In addition to its latest partnership with Muse, Gemfields has expanded its commitment to supporting both rising star talent, as well as industry veterans, by providing several designers with preferred access to its Mozambican rubies and Zambian emeralds. This year’s initiative includes collaborations with nearly 20 designers, including For Future Reference brands Sarah Hendler and Retrouvai, as well as Maria Canale and Zoë Chicco, who have created entirely new jewelry that celebrates color in a modern, distinctive way. More than 100 of these designs will be showcased throughout Couture.
For the first time, Gemfields will also have a prominent presence at JCK. On Monday, June 5, the responsible mining company will co-host a panel discussion and luncheon in partnership with the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, highlighting the current challenges and opportunities in the colored gemstone market. Moderated by Cecilia Gardner, the panel will feature Douglas Hucker of the American Gem Trade Association, Chris Smith, President and Owner of American Gemological Laboratories, David Bouffard of Signet Jewelers, Andrew Bone of the Responsible Jewellery Council and Jack Cunningham, Gemfields’ Group Sustainability Manager.
Additional recognition will also come in the form of a very special announcement by Jewelers of America, which will name Sally Morrison, Gemfields’ Director of Sales and Marketing, as the honoree for the GEM Awards 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award. Ms. Morrison will receive the prestigious industry award at the organization’s annual gala in January.
With this news coming on the heels of several major company moments, including Ruth Negga’s colorful red carpet statement this Award Season, followed by the announcement of a partnership with Gübelin Gem Lab on groundbreaking emerald DNA testing technology, 2017 is poised to be Gemfields’ most impactful year to date.
“I am pleased with the progress we have made this year in bringing color to a broader audience, but I am even more excited about the future opportunities. Now, more than ever, we need to bring fresh narratives and inventive design to engage the younger consumer in our category, and I’m sure that color can be a big part of that,” said Sally Morrison, Gemfields’ Director of Sales and Marketing – Americas.