A Look Back at the 2023 JCK Show with Curated Los Angeles’ Liz Genetti

Santa Monica jewelry store Curated Los Angeles is a celebration of West Coast’s most talented jewelers, carrying a vibrant selection of California designers. Founded by Liz Genetti, the store is a destination for on-trend pieces, from lusciously collectible gold jewels to colored gemstone styles, engagement rings and wedding bands, and more.

A longtime attendee of the JCK show, Genetti spoke with JCK to give the lowdown on her most recent experience in Las Vegas, from memorable moments and jewels to preparing for the (faster than you think!) upcoming holiday season.

How many times have you visited the JCK show in Las Vegas?

I have been attending the JCK jewelry show in Las Vegas annually since 2009.

What set this year apart from previous visits?

There was definitely a shift in energy this year! It felt like we were finally recovering from the pandemic and getting back to business as usual, which was so refreshing. People gathered together without fear...it’s something I always took for granted and now I have a whole new appreciation for our ability to gather and celebrate creativity. Seeing people's beautiful smiles without masks was so heartwarming.

I also appreciated seeing new technologies focused on assisting brands with their virtual and physical presence. Now more than ever, it is so important to have both, and we are focused on enriching our virtual storefront. Our website is like a window into the store: It steers people into our brick-and-mortar location. With so much on my plate, I'm grateful for any technology or application that saves time and helps clients learn about our unique pieces.  

How would you describe the offerings of your store? What categories (or brands) of items did you see or purchase on the show floor that fit with your store’s DNA?

At our boutique, we take great pride in curating an exclusive and diverse collection of unique jewelry pieces crafted by over 20 independent designers. We have a passion for discovering new talent, and the JCK jewelry show provides the perfect platform for us to do just that. To begin our show journey, we first explore the Design Collective and Rising Stars section, where we seek out emerging designers whose creations align with the refined tastes of our eclectic clientele.

Our store's focus is on delivering exceptional customer service paired with exquisite craftsmanship and distinctive designs that set us apart from conventional jewelry retailers. Being voted the "Most Loved" Jewelry Store in Santa Monica is an honor that reaffirms our commitment to providing an exceptional shopping experience and building lasting connections with our customers.

During the show, we encountered an array of offerings that resonated with our store's vision. We were excited to discover unique and innovative designs that celebrated individuality and expressed the diverse artistry of each designer. Embracing these one-of-a-kind pieces allows us to ensure our customers have access to jewelry that truly tells their own stories, capturing the essence of their personal style and journey.

In summary, the JCK jewelry show both reinforces our dedication to presenting a distinctive and diverse selection of jewelry and inspires us as we continue to support independent designers and celebrate the beauty of craftsmanship. Our journey through the show reaffirmed our mission to provide our customers with a thoughtfully curated collection that reflects their uniqueness and fosters a deep appreciation for the artistry behind each jewelry piece.

How are you preparing for the holiday season?

As the holiday season approaches, our fine jewelry store is bustling with excitement and preparations to make this time of year truly special for our valued customers. One of the highlights of our holiday preparations is hosting in-person trunk shows with three new designers’ collections. After experiencing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are eagerly looking forward to once again bringing together our clients and these talented artists in a warm and inviting setting. These trunk shows offer a unique opportunity for our customers to explore exquisite jewelry collections up close, engage with the designers, and find the perfect pieces to cherish for a lifetime.

In addition to our in-person events, we understand the significance of maintaining a strong online presence, especially during the holiday season. To ensure that our brand remains visible and engaged with our online community, we diligently plan all our social media posts in advance using helpful tools like Later. This allows us to create captivating content, highlight exclusive holiday offers, and share heartwarming stories that resonate with our audience. Our social media platforms become a hub of holiday inspiration, where we showcase the beauty and craftsmanship of our fine jewelry, spreading the joy of the season far beyond the walls of our store.

Moreover, we take meticulous care in preparing for the influx of holiday orders by ensuring we have ample packaging materials on hand. Every piece of jewelry leaving our store deserves to be presented with elegance and care, reflecting the value we place on each customer's happiness. From exquisite gift boxes to delicate wrapping, our attention to detail extends beyond the jewelry itself, making every unboxing experience a moment of delight for our cherished patrons. As the holiday season approaches, we eagerly anticipate welcoming our customers both in person and online, sharing the magic of fine jewelry and making their celebrations truly memorable.

Tell us one of your favorite memories from this year’s show.

One of my favorite memories from this year's JCK show was the moment I found a stunning Colombian emerald. It was an unforgettable experience that took a lot of time and effort to finally discover the perfect shape and color that I was seeking for a custom project. I meticulously looked through numerous stones, and when I laid eyes on this particular emerald, I knew it was the one.

The emerald was destined for a custom ring that I was creating for an exceptionally special client. Seeing her face light up with delight and appreciation for the exquisite gem brought immense joy to my heart. Knowing that this unique piece would hold sentimental value for my client made the find even more meaningful.

JCK has always been an extraordinary show for gemstones, and this year was no exception. I relished the opportunity to explore the vast selection of gemstones from various suppliers. Building connections with new suppliers is an enriching aspect of the show, allowing me to expand my network and access a diverse range of high-quality gems.

How about a memorable find on the show floor—even if it didn’t end up going home with you.

Ah, I'd love to share a memorable find from the show floor, and this one was so special that I couldn't resist taking it home with me. During the show, I stumbled upon an enchanting vintage ring that took my breath away. Its timeless design and intricate detailing instantly caught my eye, and I couldn't stop admiring it.

As I held the ring in my hands, I could feel the history and character emanating from this exquisite piece. The antique ring seemed to tell a story of its own, carrying a rich past that left me wondering about the hands it adorned and the moments it witnessed throughout the years.

Bringing this unique treasure home with me was an easy decision, as I knew it would be a cherished addition to my personal jewelry collection. Every time I glance at the ring on my finger, I am reminded of the magical moment I found it at the JCK jewelry show. This experience reaffirms the unparalleled beauty and allure of vintage jewelry, making it a truly special and sentimental piece that I will treasure for a lifetime. Attending the JCK show has truly been a source of unforgettable moments and meaningful acquisitions, and this vintage ring is a testament to the artistry and history that awaits at every turn on the show floor.

What are you looking forward to most at next year’s show?

I genuinely always look forward to attending the JCK jewelry show: It’s a mini-Vegas vacation! One of the aspects that excites me the most is the opportunity to discover and learn about new designers. There's an incomparable rush of inspiration that comes from seeing and touching a designer's complete collection, something that's hard to replicate with online line sheets. Being surrounded by such an abundance of physical beauty is an experience like no other.

The show provides a unique and immersive experience, allowing me to feel the energy of each collection firsthand. It's a chance to explore and engage with the creations, forging meaningful connections with designers and their artistry. JCK always feels like a treasure hunt, and I wholeheartedly embrace it. In fact, I make it a point to dedicate the first day and a half to wandering through all the halls, eagerly seeking out new discoveries.

I look forward to immersing myself in this world of creativity, to expand my knowledge, and to forge valuable connections with fellow industry professionals. JCK holds a special place in my heart, as it ignites my passion for jewelry and reinforces my commitment to the art of design.