Happy August 22nd, everyone! Today is my one year blogiversary (a word that I both detest and cannot resist using). Happy birthday, Diamonds in the Library!!

I’ve come a long way since last August, when I could look at my stats and trace each page view back to a member of my family. Thank you for reading, my lovelies. You make the ride worthwhile.

A few weeks ago, I had the honor of attending the JCK Privé NY Luxury Jewelry Trade Show. I was invited to the Editor’s Press preview, a beautifully curated selection of fabulous new designer jewelry, and given the run of the private convention for day.

Room after room full of jewels, showcased against the backdrop of The Pierre, a glamorous NYC hotel. I was glad I had a four hour bus ride home to DC because I needed almost that long to be able to speak coherently again. Severe sparkleshock.

I was also tickled pink to see a press release about JCK Privé NY referring to me one of “jewelry and fashion’s most influential journalists and bloggers” in the same list as Vogue, Marie Claire, Robb Report, Martha Stewart Weddings, and iDazzle.

I have lots of lovely professional photos to share with you, but I’d thought I’d start us out with the shots I took myself – give you a peek of what’s in store, and let you share the show with me as I experienced it.

These babies were one of my favorite pieces of the entire show. They’re Paraiba tourmaline – an incredibly rare gemstone prized for its incredible color – and diamonds in platinum, by Rina Limor. It was really hard to take these off.

I gave you a peek at this gold and gemstone ring by Temple St. Claire up above. I was head over heels for its lovely colors and wearable shape.

This 36″ labradorite and gold necklace by Susan Wheeler Designs is such wearable luxury.

I still can’t believe I’m allowed to touch things like this Yael morganite and diamond ring in rose gold. A princess of a ring, if I’ve ever seen one. Here, I took a video.

This amethyst and diamond pendant is by Yael too – a glorious, shining to that sassy pixie of Disney fame, Tinkerbell. It is perfect. There’s a pendant loop behind her upraised wing.

Check out the detail on the pink sapphire ring – rose gold, diamond, and small pink sapphire accents hiding underneath!

Here’s a bolder look, also by Naomi Blumenthal – this necklace features the same detailed goldwork in a longer necklace with larger elements.

Have you ever seen a prettier snake than this one by Anthony Lent?

A huge and heartfelt thank you to the folks at JCK, the marvelous ladies at Communique LA, and all of the wonderful brand representatives at JCK Privé NY for helping make my first luxury trade show experience a glorious one. There’s more to come – I haven’t even gotten to Mimi So and Oscar Heyman!