Editors

Gramming NY Now: 7 Top Designs

EditorsAug 28, 2017

Gramming NY Now: 7 Top Designs

Here’s what our Associate Editor deemed worth Instagramming from the recently concluded trade show.

When I was at the NY Now trade show last week, the exhibitors with whom I spoke said traffic was lacking at the Javits Center, likely a result of the show’s relocation of the Handmade section, which houses most of the contemporary jewelry designers.

Hopefully visitors will be more familiar with the new layout come February 2018 when NY Now returns, because there is much to be discovered from the quality group of artisanal designers who exhibit at the show regularly.

Marian Maurer had a cornucopia of gemmy goodness to share, all set in her signature matte finish. She showed me lavender spinels and Gemfields rubies so vibrant she characterizes them as “hot pink.”

I was particularly taken with the below stacks of Gemfields emeralds and Montana sapphires. No two of the sapphires Maurer has sourced are exactly alike in shade--the combination of these variant hues in a single eternity band is striking.


Adel Chefridi has amassed a small collection of carved gemstones that he brought to NY Now, set into pendants and rings.

I admired the bold gold and diamond ring setting he created for the carved tourmaline pictured and how the lines of the former echo the latter.


The resurgence of the hoop earring has been one of 2017’s top jewelry trends, and I love seeing how different designers make the jewelry staple their own.

I saw the below hoops at Page Sargisson’s booth. Sargisson infused the saleable style with some of her signature design elements: bold stones, in this case a pair of spinels, which were mismatched in color, and tactile 18-karat gold in which you feel the maker’s touch.


I took the opportunity to catch up with a few brands at NY Now that I missed during Couture. One of them was Ila, designed by Texas-based brother and sister duo Vikas and Ila Sodhani.

My take on Ila’s design MO is that they perfect classic jewelry pieces, creating the perfect cocktail ring or the perfect gold band (and I think they’ve done it, more on that in a future article on their new Boyfriend Band), making endless minute adjustments until they’ve deemed a piece just right.

Vikas said the gold bracelet with trillion-cut diamonds, pictured here, was the show’s most popular item and it’s easy to see why--it’s a little classic and a little edgy, and it doesn’t get better than
that beautiful matte finish. The single diamond bracelet next to it is the Ila version of the perfect minimal cuff.


Speaking of brands I didn’t see in Vegas, Instagram images of the new Polly Wales skulls and locks have been haunting me ever since my overly ambitious schedule led me to miss my appointment with the designer at Couture.

I went to NY Now hoping to get to the Polly Wales booth first, but the new Handmade section setup left me a little disoriented and I was distracted by several shiny things, so I only finally arrived at the Polly Wales booth when it was being packed up for the day.

So I did what any jewelry-obsessed editor would do--I went back the next morning so I could finally hold the lock pendants in my hand. I did, and it was magic. Particularly the multicolored sapphire version.


I wrote about Garnish when they were a part of JCK’s Rising Stars in Las Vegas this year.

Designer Caitlin Royal uses actual food items to create the molds for her jewelry, like cardamom seed pods.

Her rosemary leave pieces are still my favorite. The natural texture of the herb is extremely elegant translated into gold and not at all obvious.


I’m excited to visit Lori McLean’s store in the East Village of Manhattan. McLean is completely inspired by antique design. She cherry-picks her favorite antique finds to create contemporary versions that give a nod to the past but are utterly timeless.

I was particularly entranced with this kite-shaped diamond ring. McLean repurposed the diamond from an antique piece and gave it new life with a mixed metal look.

Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

Mug shots of murder suspects Michael McCormack and Charles Robinson Shay
CrimeMay 03, 2024
Second Suspect Arrested in Murder of Colorado Jeweler

Wheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.

Five Platinum Pieces
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
A Sneak Peek Into PGI’s Couture Platinum Spotlight Program

PGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.

Kristie Nicolosi
MajorsMay 03, 2024
Kristie Nicolosi Joins WJA Board Again

Nicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.

national-jeweler-top-image-v1.jpg
Brought to you by
Rio’s Reimagined Podcast: For the Love of Jewelers

Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.

Karina Brez Bit of LUV Bracelet
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
Piece of the Week: A “Bit of LUV” for the Derby

Karina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.

Weekly QuizMay 02, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
Take the Quiz
Stock image of handcuffs and gavel
CrimeMay 02, 2024
4 Indicted in Burglary Ring Targeting Indian, South Asian Families

The men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.

Horizon Campaign Collage
CollectionsMay 02, 2024
Foundrae Launches ‘Horizon’ Collection

“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.

1-(3.18).JPG
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry Retail

With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.

Pandora jewelry
FinancialsMay 02, 2024
Pandora Raises Guidance After Strong Q1

The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.

Glenn Lewis
IndependentsMay 02, 2024
Oklahoma Jeweler Glenn Lewis Dies at 68

The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.

The back of the Baume & Mercier watch Elvis gave to Dodie Marshall
AuctionsMay 02, 2024
Vintage Baume & Mercier With Ties to Elvis Sells for $7K

Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”

Harwell Godfrey
IndependentsMay 01, 2024
Harwell Godfrey Opens First Store

It is located in Marin County, California.

Woman holding a dress
SurveysMay 01, 2024
Consumer Confidence Falls in April

Concerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.

Syna emerald earrings
TrendsMay 01, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: All Eyes on Emeralds

May’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.

Jacqui Larsson Looking at a Diamond
SourcingMay 01, 2024
Opsydia Names New Sales and Marketing Director

Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.

Stock image crime handcuffs
CrimeMay 01, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO Show

Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.

Tiffany Blue Book 2024: Tiffany Céleste Wings Pendant
CollectionsApr 30, 2024
12 Otherworldly Pieces From Tiffany & Co.’s 2024 Blue Book

The “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.

Zales 100th Anniversary Marketing Campaign
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Zales Celebrates 100 Years With New Campaign

The brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.

Tim Schlick
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Platinum Guild International Appoints New CEO

Tim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.

Canadian Jewellers Association logo
Events & AwardsApr 30, 2024
Canadian Jewellers Association Brings Back the Summit

It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.

Supplier Spotlight -GIA -Recorded-Webinar.png
Recorded WebinarsApr 29, 2024
Watch: Diamond Identification and Evaluation - How to Protect your Business

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

De Beers polished in tweezers
SourcingApr 29, 2024
De Beers to Move Auction HQ from Singapore to Botswana

Sales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.

Simone I. Smith SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds
CollectionsApr 29, 2024
Simone I. Smith Mixes Denim and Diamonds in New Collection

“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.

Venus Jewelers Logo
IndependentsApr 29, 2024
Venus Jewelers Relocating After 45 Years

The retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.

Established Mom tattoo pendant
SurveysApr 29, 2024
Mother’s Day Jewelry Spending to Reach $7B, Says NRF

Gifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.

Jacquie Aiche’s Starry Galaxy Inlay Necklace
CollectionsApr 26, 2024
Piece of the Week: Jacquie Aiche’s Starry Galaxy Necklace

The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.

Gemological Institute of America headquarters
Events & AwardsApr 26, 2024
AGS Conclave and GIA Symposium Are Converging

The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy