Events & Awards

8 Designers to Meet at the First Premier Show

Events & AwardsMay 28, 2019

8 Designers to Meet at the First Premier Show

Owned by Emerald Expositions, the jewelry trade show is kicking off May 30 in Las Vegas.

20190524_PremierPreview-header-gigi.jpg
Jewelry designer Gigi Ferranti will show this new collection at the first edition of the Premier trade show, kicking off this week in Las Vegas.

Las Vegas—The Couture show is known for its highly-curated and small-scale approach to the traditional jewelry trade show model, and now a new venture from operator Emerald Expositions promises to deliver the same discerning eye but with a greater range of price points, and lots of emerging lines.

The Premier jewelry trade show will feature roughly 170 brands exhibiting from May 30 to June 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

National Jeweler has selected eight talents to seek out at the inaugural event. Happy shopping.


Diana Mitchell’s 18-karat yellow gold ring with 0.68 carats of trillion-cut diamonds ($4,150)

Diana Mitchell (Booth 2200) makes minimal gold and diamond jewelry that is anything but simple. The New York-based designer gravitates toward fancy cuts that elevate classic jewelry staples.


Santi Rom’s 33-carat total weight tourmaline earrings with champagne diamonds and green sapphires in 18-karat gold

There’s no teaching the level of taste that designer Roman Drake of Santi Rom (Booth 2505) brings to his luxurious line of jewels. Quality meets creativity in earrings, necklaces and rings inspired by ancient geometry.


Gigi Ferranti 14-karat gold, rhodium plating and diamond pendant ($4,350)

Gigi Ferranti creates a mix of hero pieces and everyday staples like geometric stacking rings. At Premier (Booth 2203), she’ll show new engraved lockets and rings that allow for personalization.


Debra Navarro’s 7.58-carat total weight tourmaline earrings in 18-karat recycled gold with diamonds ($4,270)

Debra Navarro (Booth 2500) is a gemstone lover, and for her, the rarer the better. The Kansas-located designer’s collection feels distinctly global, mixing stones from far-flung locations with materials like recycled gold in an effort toward producing responsibly-sourced jewels.


An 18-karat white gold and 2.2-carat VVS2, G-color emerald-cut diamond engagement ring from Leslie Paige ($30,000)

Don’t miss Leslie Paige at Booth 2605. She’s upped the ante on her irreverently-set diamond and gemstone rings, now creating a full-on engagement ring selection for the bride who doesn’t want to sacrifice her 2-plus carat emerald-cut diamond solitaire but is looking for a twist.


M. Spalten opal and diamond ring in 18-karat yellow gold ($4,490)

M. Spalten (Booth 2504) favors one-of-a-kind pieces like the above opal ring but offers many at attainable prices. Designer Melissa Spalten also churns out diminutive pendants and stacking rings perfect for starting off a jewelry collection.


A pendant from Agaro Jewels with enamel and polished diamonds in 22-karat gold on a handmade chain ($4,500)

Agaro Jewels’ (Booth 2511) Indian heritage—gorgeous enamelwork and polished or “polka” diamonds—is on full display in its colorful and whimsical range. The brand has been stateside before at events like Metal + Smith but will find a larger audience in Las Vegas. The personalized initial pendants like the one pictured are particularly covetable.


Lindley Gray 14-karat recycled yellow gold, white moonstone and jade earrings ($4,650)

Lindley Gray (Booth 2207) favors geometry and clean, stark lines that make her an easy answer for luxurious bridal looks that are completely unfussy. She’ll also be bringing pendants and earrings to Premier, most of which feature gems cut specifically for her designs.

Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

Stock image of crime scene with police cars and crime scene tape
CrimeMay 13, 2026
JSA’s 2025 Crime Report Shows ‘Concerning’ Rise in Violence

While the overall number of crimes was down, there were more incidences in which robbers pulled out guns, mace, or rammed cars into stores.

Jack Sutton Jewelers
IndependentsMay 13, 2026
New Orleans Jeweler Closing Canal Place Store

Jack Sutton Fine Jewelry is closing its store inside the downtown shopping center after 40 years in business.

Winston Red Diamond painting by Reena Ahluwalia
SourcingMay 13, 2026
Smithsonian Acquires ‘Winston Red’ Diamond Painting

Reena Ahluwalia’s painting of the rare red diamond is the first contemporary painting to join the National Gem Collection.

1872x1052-NextGem-2026-National-Jeweler-Advertorial.jpg
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry Retailers

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

Anna Maccieri Rossi Ora Wood Sunrise Cuff, Marie Lichtenberg High Jewelry Bandana, Anna Maccieri Rossi Carpe Diem Pendant
TrendsMay 13, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will Survive

The price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.

Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
The Retail Smiths founder and National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsMay 12, 2026
It’s Official: We’re Getting ‘Brain Rot’ From Watching Short-Form Videos

Peter Smith gives tips on leading meetings, developing marketing, and making trade show appointments in the age of short attention spans.

Jessica McCormack Medallion Capsule Collection Campaign
CollectionsMay 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Debuts Antique Coin-Inspired Medallions for Summer

The 11-piece “Medallions” capsule collection features five motifs: a crying eye, a heart on fire, a spiral, a flower, and a swallow.

Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las Vegas

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

People shopping in a jewelry store
IndependentsMay 12, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers Today

From Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.

Merle, Juanita, and Brent Staats of Staats Jewelers
IndependentsMay 11, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 Years

The owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.

Former Macy’s CEO Jeffrey Gennette
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Former Macy’s CEO Joins Signet Jewelers Board

Jeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.

Buddha Mama gold earrings hexagon emerald
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Lucky May

May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.

Clientbook Logo
TechnologyMay 11, 2026
Clientbook’s New Tool Helps Jewelers Plan In-Store Events

The new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.

Pandora lab grown diamond necklace
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond Claims

NDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.

Ronnie VanderLinden and Feriel Zerouki
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President

The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.

Glenn Spiro Old Moghul Golconda Earrings
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met Gala

She wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.

Brilliant Earth Jane Goodall olive branch necklace and earrings
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1

The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.

Kashmir sapphire ring
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry Sale

Led by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.

Billy Welshoff
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account Executive

In his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.

José Gaztelu
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEO

José Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.

Jewelers of America Logo
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship Program

It has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.

White and yellow rough diamonds from the Ekati Diamond Mine
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain Future

The owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.

Pandora lab grown diamond rings
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown Diamonds

The company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.

Saks Fifth Avenue door sign
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to Approval

The retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.

Heuer Monaco Le Mans
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby's

Of the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.

Met Gala 2026 Beyonce, Lisa Manobal, Hailey Bieber
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met Gala

Megan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.

Doug Hucker
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His Roots

Following decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy