3 Designers Not to Miss at Vicenzaoro

The Vicenzaoro trade show is on the verge of descending upon its namesake Italian city, and I’ve already packed my outfits and begun plotting potential jewel-filled Instagram moments (thank you, Apple, for the increased storage on the iPhone 7).

Specifically, I’m looking forward to gushing over the work of three designers who share a love of exquisite gemstones, though each utilizes them in a way unique to their brands.

Here is a sneak peek of what to expect from them at the show.


Mexico City-raised and Los Angeles-based designer Daniela Villegas will have this “Axolotl Pendant” on display at her booth in the Design Room. An axolotl is a critically endangered species of salamander native to Mexico and is a new subject for Villegas, who has made her name in the jewelry industry through her creative fine jewelry commemoration of the natural world, particularly insects.

This pendant is made of 18-karat rose gold, opal and various colors of spinel. As the wearer moves, the legs and tail of the salamander move as well.


Nikos Koulis will display new additions to his popular “Oui” collection in Vicenza. In these earrings, the Greek designer employs his beloved, striking color combination of 18-karat white gold, black enamel, white diamonds and glowing green emeralds (which just happen to be Koulis’ favorite stone).

Expect to see exquisite variations of this color scheme, in rings, hoop earrings and a dramatic new collar.


Speaking of dramatic, even the most selfie-shy show-goers will be dying to take a snap of themselves in this choker from Sutra Jewels (I know I will.)

Houston, Texas-based designer Arpita Navlakha has outdone herself with this 6.5-carat Australian opal, 13-carat total weight diamond and 18-karat black gold choker that combines the two elements she knows best: detail and color.

Expect many more showstoppers from Navlakha at Vicenzaoro; she doesn’t really make any other kind of jewelry.

Daniela Villegas, Nikos Koulis and Sutra Jewels will all be featured in the Design Room at Vicenzaoro, from Jan. 20-25.