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| The introduction of emeralds to the 'Lao Tong' brings color to a jewelry brand known for its black-and-white pieces. |
LAS VEGAS — It had to happen sometime. The brand that is making its mark creating black and white jewelry inspired by early 20th Century design has added color to one of its newest collections, released during the JCK Luxury tradeshow.
Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry introduced sparkling emeralds to its new “Lao Tong” collection, inspired by the movie “Snow Flower and the Secret Fan” produced by Ivanka’s friend Wendi Murdoch. The story depicts two seven year old girls matched as laotong, or “old sames,” bounding them together for eternity. “It’s like the Chinese BFF,” said Andrea Hansen, CEO of Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry.
In the collection, classic fans were re-imagined with black onyx and white diamonds, black enamel, complimented by emeralds and set in 18k white gold. The collection ranges from $5,000 to $70,000. Some of the higher-end pieces are one-of-kind and others are limited edition.
“It was great to find a way to bring in color,” Hansen said in the Ivanka Trump exhibition space at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.
The brand also introduced two other collections at the show: “Belle Epoque” and “Gilded Cage.”
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| Fans, such as these made of mother-of-pearl, are a recurring theme this year, such as these fan and bow earrings from the 'Belle Epoque' collection. |
Meaning “beautiful era” in French, Belle Epoque draws inspiration from the era of the same name in late 19th century, early 20th century Paris, reflected in the jewelry designs of soft bows, mother-of-pearl fans, pave diamonds, and white-on-white color schemes. Pieces are set in 18k white gold and paired with precious stones such as mother-of-pearl and diamonds. Prices range from $2,600 to $16,500.
“The fan is a recurring theme in this year’s collection. It is a ladylike accessory in the period of our inspiration,” Hansen said. “You can think of women in the ‘40s and ‘50s with beautiful handheld fans and that’s where that flair comes from.”
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| Black onyx wrapped in diamond pave threads from the Gilded Cage collection. |
Gilded Cage is a play on words that takes its inspiration from the Gilded Age era, which was known for expansive growth in wealth and the use of jewelry as a status symbol. Bold gemstones such as white agate and black onyx cabochons are wrapped in 18k white or yellow gold strands with diamond pave. Wrapped gems were popular during the Las Vegas tradeshows this year. Prices range from $2,900 to $10,000.
“We do really well with this kind of classic cabochon ring, our number one ring in the collection is our cabochon ring from our Black and White collection and it’s always good to add new styles in a category that is so strong,” Hansen said.
