Couture Show Las Vegas: America's most talked-about jewelry show

By Rachel Garrahan

The Jewellery Editor joins you today from the bright lights of the Nevada desert on the first day of the Couture Show Las Vegas.

America's most talked-about jewelry show, its mission is to showcase the most creative and original gems from around the world, and we will be bringing you our pick of the most spectacular jewels being unveiled.

This year, the show is celebrating its 20th anniversary - one appropriately marked by that precious metal platinum - and some attendees, such as designer Todd Reed, have been coming ever since Couture launched in Newport Beach, California, in 1995.

Despite the anniversary, the organizers are not resting on their laurels and more than 50 brands are making their Couture debut this year. We will be enjoying the dramatic creations of Jewellery Theatre, the fashion-forward glamour of Venyx and Spinelli Kilcollin, and the unique beauty of the vintage diamonds at Single Stone.

Lynn Ban, whose fierce, high jewelry pieces are beloved by pop divas Beyoncé and Rihanna, and whose pearl ear cuff was worn by model Doutzen Kroes on the Cannes Film Festival red carpet last week, will also be exhibiting for the first time.

London-based CompletedWorks is bringing its architectural and cerebral approach to jewelry design Stateside, with the new Dystopia high jewelry collection, inspired by Max Ernst and designer Anna Jewsbury's childhood nightmares. Also featuring at the Couture Show Las Vegas will be CompletedWorks signature Pillar collection, with its beautifully fractured column rings.

Couture will also be introducing a host of new luxury watches from brands including Tudor, Hermes, TAG Heuer, and Baume et Mercier.

On Saturday evening, our very own Maria Doulton will be among the judges deciding which gems will take home one of Couture's coveted Design Awards. Her fellow judges are designer Irene Neuwirth, journalist and founder of The Adventurine, Marion Fasel, and veteran US jewelry retailers Paul Schneider (Twist) and Lou Guarino (Louis Anthony Jewelers).

Stay tuned for coverage of the most original, diverse and beautiful jewels from the Couture Show Las Vegas.

Couture Show Director Gannon Brousseau takes to the stage at the 2014 Design Awards to talk about the artistry on display that sets Couture apart.
2015 marks the 20th anniversary of the Couture Show, which is held at the luxurious Wynn Resort in Las Vegas.
Janelle Monae takes to the stage in one of the highlights of last year's Couture Show in Las Vegas.
The Couture Show Las Vegas is America's most talked-about jewelry show, showcasing the most creative and original gems from around the world, and the most glamorous also, with a welcome pool party on the first night.
Designer Todd Reed has been coming to the Couture show ever since it launched in Newport Beach, California, in 1995.
Designer Nam Cho took home a Design Award in the Colored Gems Above 20k category at the 2014 Couture Show Las Vegas.
More than 50 brands are making their Couture debut this year, adding to the selection of original, diverse and beautiful jewels on display.
This CompletedWorks Incomplete Column gold ring is set with column-shaped marble from Massa, Italy. The base of the column is surrounded by circular-cut diamonds.
Jewellery Theatre Carnival Summer Venice ring in yellow gold, set with a central red garnet, ocean diamonds, emerald diamonds, cognac diamonds, purple diamonds, sapphires and rubies.
Lynn Ban Ellipse earrings in white gold with pearls and diamonds.
Single Stone Camille ring, set with an oval rose-cut diamond in a handcrafted platinum and rose gold mounting.
The Spinelli Kilcollin Plexus stack ring consists of five linked rings in mixed gold embellished with cognac, champagne and white diamonds. Wear across several fingers or stacked all on one.