In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
Kickstarter Program Gives Platform to Recent Grads
The Design Center at JCK Las Vegas featured a new element this year: a platform for seven jewelry design students to exhibit to buyers and press for the first time.

Las Vegas--The Design Center at JCK Las Vegas featured a new element this year: a platform for seven jewelry design students to exhibit to buyers and press for the first time.
Among the group was 2014 Central Saint Martins graduate Vicky Lew, who was admitted into the program by a panel of judges after being nominated with three other students from her school.
Originally from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Lew has resided in London for seven years and debuted two collections, “Plume” and “Flight,” at last year’s London’s Goldsmiths’ Fair.
Lew cut her teeth at Swarovski and Cartier while still in school. Her latest collections, which are graphic with a slightly industrial feel, utilize Swarovski gemstones for a hint of color.
Lew is inspired by the Japanese concept of wabi sabi, which deals with the idea of impermanence and imperfection, which aesthetically can translate into asymmetry, austerity and simplicity.
On the other end of the design spectrum is 2016 Pratt Institute graduate Lisa Krulasik, who completed half of her studies at the Utica campus in upstate New York.
A rural, natural influence is apparent in her collection of brooches, which combine silver and hand-carved wood with reptile skin.
“Being a part of the first group of Kickstarters at JCK was an amazing experience,” said Krulasik. “My goal was to meet other fantastic jewelers, make some friends, and learn more about how shows like JCK work. That is exactly what I did.”
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