The Couture Show Recap: The Trends I Saw in Las Vegas

The Rise in Gold Costs, and How Designers are Pivoting to Balance the Instability

My favorite time of year has come and gone, and I've returned to the Midwest full of inspiration and passion from the biggest jewelry show of the year. The Couture Show Las Vegas 2025 is one of the most prestigious luxury jewelry trade shows in the world. This show is truly a magical event full of the world's best designers all under one roof at the Wynn hotel. This yearly reunion is full of love, laughter, and all the things that sparkle.

After spending 8 years working this show from behind a booth, and chatting for 4-5 days straight with potential and existing accounts, I can most definitely say that walking the show to scout new talent and bring in fresh designs is MUCH easier. The step count was high, the air was dry, but my heart was full after the four days were over. 

With the gold market being at an all time high, and our economy being less than par, it was interesting to see what designers had been up to in terms of new designs. Everyone is fully aware that the current price of gold can be cost hindering for some clients, so people definitely got creative this time around. What sort of trends did I see? Let's talk through them...

1. Versatility

Designers knew that we are in a time where we must make our investments count, and versatility is key to selling an item. I saw this trend of versatile fine jewelry and convertible designs across nearly every booth at the show. From earrings that can be worn as rings, or charms that are adorned with different motifs or colors on each side, the designs brought more options to a single piece. It becomes a two-for-one sort of deal, and when you do the girl math, it becomes a no-brainer. Offering pieces with movable aesthetics creates a stronger desire for clients, which is something I absolutely look for when bringing in new designs for the showroom.

(pictured left is a 3-in-1 ring from L'Atelier Nawbar, a line that Porterfi will carrying starting in Fall 2025. This ring can not only be worn on either side of the moveable coin, but it can also go on a chain and be worn as a pendant.)

2. Chain Alternatives

Chains are still a very strong contender in design, but I saw MUCH more price friendly alternatives this year used between necklaces and bracelets. Think dyed silk cords, leather, and funky paracord. These options create a more casual, everyday look while adding a pop of color and an essence of fun to the piece. What impressed me the most was that designers were able to stay on the luxury side of fine jewelry when incorporating these elements, so as to not create a "cheesy or cheap" aesthetic to their work. Pairing these simpler elements with the precious stones and rich gold, helped keep the pieces fun and elevated.

(Pictured right is the new collection from a Porterfi favorite, Luis Morais. These paracords are paired with 14k gold and diamond accents.)

3. Beads, Beads, and More Beads!

This isn't grandma's bead collection though! Beads are back in luxury jewelry—especially semi-precious stone beads in bold necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. These are rich and vibrant semi-precious stones carved into rich morsels of delicious eye candy, threaded together with gold to make a true statement. Beaded bracelets, necklaces, and even earrings help to also keep costs down when it comes to battling the price of gold today. Beads have been around for some time, and I'm happy to say it looks like they're not going anywhere, anytime soon. Some of my best selling pieces incorporate small pops of colors to peoples existing collections, and become a symbol of collection for some. 

(Pictured left is the new rainbow jade charm collector necklace from Anzie.  The 14k yellow gold hinge clasp as the bottom created a wonderful place to collect and display al your favorite charms.)

4. Innovation

Sort of piggybacking on versatility, I saw a ton of innovative designs that really blew me away. Walking the Couture Design Award Submission Hallway was a true stroll through a mini art gallery that left my head spinning - "How did they do that?" or "What made them think of that?" Whether you're incorporating nostalgia, whimsy, or it's something more simple like a new locking mechanism, the more innovative the piece, the more drawn I was to it. There's no hiding that you have to be a creative to design jewelry, but when combined with engineering, there's no stopping some people. 

(Pictured right are the insanely cool Nail Rings from Bijules. These 14k tiny rings fit snuggly at the top of your finger and cover your nail for an instant manicure!)

A BITTERSWEET "GOOD BYE"...

Every time I go to the Couture show, I feel like it's my favorite one and this year is no different. It could be my early bedtimes and snagging 8-9 hours of sleep each night... it could be from spending time with loved ones in the industry... or it could be just the fact that I was blown away by the designs this year. Either way, I left with a desire to consume more (I honestly should have stayed one more night). It helped clarify the design direction I want to take for Porterfi’s curated fine jewelry collection in Rocky River, Ohio and beyond. I realize you're trusting me to find the next best piece to add to your collection, and I truly appreciate you coming along on this daring journey with me to build the most perfect story, just for you.

Stay shiny my friends!