Designer Lines

RAPAPORT… A lifelong passion for jewelry has led designer Malak Atut to launch Zaiken Jewelry, a collection inspired by her Middle Eastern heritage and New York City upbringing. The firm is named after Atut’s two sons — Zain and Kenz, which mean object of beauty and treasure, respectively. The line draws upon Arabic calligraphy, crescent moon and star symbols, talisman and the motifs that blend art with structured order that are prevalent in Middle Eastern culture. Handcrafted in New York City, Zaiken jewelry is available in sterling silver or gold, with colored gemstones or diamonds, embodying the designer’s philosophy of “beautiful traditions for your modern lifestyle.”

Speaking of New York City, the Jewelry Information Center (JIC) held its annual Fine Jewelry Preview and Luncheon at Vermilion Restaurant in the heart of Manhattan. The sun-drenched upper level of the eatery showcased gold, pearls, colored gemstone and diamond jewelry. Geared toward consumer press editors and stylists, a presentation by Jewelers Mutual offered pointers on safeguarding jewels. At the luncheon, it was announced that JIC.org has been launched as a resource for jewelry and watch education, jewelry shopping tips, gift guides and jewelry trends. The site will focus on a new jewelry trend each month, highlighting the influences for that particular look.

Congratulations to the winners of the 2010 Couture Design Awards. A gala party sponsored by Swarovski Gems honored the winners in a glamour-filled evening. Entries were voted on by retailers, designers and editors who attended the Couture show held at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas in early June. The pieces were blind-judged on creativity, craftsmanship and salability. In addition to saluting designers, the evening paid tribute to Marie Helene Morrow of Reinhold Jewelers in San Juan, Puerto Rico, for her philanthropic leadership on behalf of the industry and Couture community. Honors went to designers in several categories. In timepieces: Erica Courtney took first place, Gergé Swiss, second place and Fendi, third place. Mattia Cielo won first place in diamonds, Moritz Glik, second place and Hulchi Belluni, third place. For diamonds over $20,000: first place went to
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La Reina, Gebrüder Schaffrath placed second and Nam Cho, third. In colored gemstones: Arunashi was awarded first place, Federica, second place and Kara Ross, third place. For colored gemstones over $20,000: Damiani received first place, Monique Pean, second place and Wendy Yue, third place. Autore took first place in pearls, Yvel, second place and Yael Sonia, third place. In silver: Arman came in first place, Armenta, second place and Lois Hill and Atelier Zobel tied for third place; in gold: Heather Moore was awarded first place, Paolo Costagli, second place and Elena Votsi, third place. In platinum, IsabelleFa came in first place and Henrich & Denzel, second place. Bridal winners included: Kamofie in first place, Katharine James, second place and Mark Patterson, third place. Editor’s Choice went to Arman.