Events & Awards

JA New York Extending New Designer Gallery to Spring Show

Events & AwardsOct 21, 2016

JA New York Extending New Designer Gallery to Spring Show

The move is being made to commemorate the gallery’s 40th anniversary next year.

20161021_NewDesignerSpring-HEADER.jpg
Represented here are pieces from the 10 designers chosen to exhibit in 2016’s New Designer Gallery.

New York--The JA New York trade show’s New Designer Gallery, which showcases a select group of jewelers making their fine jewelry trade show debut, will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2017.

To commemorate the milestone, JA New York will extend the New Designer Gallery, which was previously an exclusive feature of the Summer show, to its spring event, which is scheduled for March 12 to 14.

Mort Abelson, a former director of the show, initiated the New Designer Gallery in 1977. It helped to promote brands that went on to find huge industry success, designers like David Yurman, Penny Preville and Barry Kieselstein-Cord.

Abelson, show organizers said, effectively drove the American independent jewelry designer movement by connecting brands with fine jewelry retailers.

Now, the Mort Abelson Award is given annually to one designer from the gallery, who is selected by show-goers. Last year’s winner was Alexis Kletjian.



Drew Lawsky, JA New York group show director, said, “Mort had an idea that was considered radical at the time, and based on this idea, he encouraged those first pioneering designers to leave the comfort of their craft and gift-focused worlds and enter the world of a true fine jewelry environment.”

“By giving those first designers access to traditional fine jewelry stores what Mort essentially accomplished was a total transformation of the industry as a whole. These designers placed a premium on creativity and craftsmanship, and not just the weight of the materials they used. By launching and nurturing the New Designer Gallery, retailers, and ultimately consumers, started to identify and demand designs with a distinct, individual point of view.”

Last summer, 10 designers were featured in the gallery. In addition to Kletjian, the group was comprised of Elisa Solomon, Santi Rom, Hannah Blount, Salt + Stone, Adriatic Jewelry, Rachael Sarc, Emilie Shapiro, Alexandra Gunn Designs and Acanthus.

Liz Kantner is the consultant who took on the task of selecting the featured designers in conjunction with JA New York in 2016; she replaced the late Cindy Edelstein.

“Designers accepted into the New Designer Gallery have a very unique opportunity to enter into an established fine jewelry exhibition,” said Kantner. “The friendships they develop with their fellow artists, the knowledge that they gain from others in the industry, and the relationships they form with retailers and press are invaluable to the future success of these brands.”

For additional information about the New Designer
Gallery, contact Michelle Orman at michelle@LastWordComm.com or (646) 302-5521. To submit an application to exhibit in the gallery, contact Liz Kantner at Elizabeth.Kantner@gmail.com.
Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

Gina Drosos, Joan Hilson, and Jamie Singleton
EditorsMar 18, 2024
Q&A: Signet CEO Gina Drosos on Natural Diamonds

Drosos shared her top takeaways from a recent Botswana trip and her insights into the natural diamond market.

Claire’s storefront
MajorsMar 18, 2024
Claire’s to Launch in 4,400 Walgreens Stores

The retailer is expanding its footprint via retail partnerships, previously inking deals with Kohl’s and Macy’s.

Jewelers of America logo
MajorsMar 18, 2024
JA Partners with eBay on New Member Benefit

Members will now have access to “eBay Concierge,” a white-glove dedicated customer service team.

BTYB-HoBrothers-updated.png
Brought to you by
The Scalable, Professional, and Effortless Solution for High-Demand Custom Jewelry Retailers

Ho Brothers offers scalable solutions for the future of custom jewelry.

Brilliant Earth x Logan Hollowell Bloom earrings
FinancialsMar 15, 2024
Brilliant Earth Posts Record Sales, Orders in 2023

CEO Beth Gerstein spoke about the growing appeal of its non-bridal fine jewelry and its expansion plans on its recent earnings call.

Weekly QuizMar 14, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Take the Quiz
Arkansas crater of diamonds eclipse tickets
SourcingMar 15, 2024
Crater of Diamonds State Park Selling Eclipse Tickets

Ticketholders can dig for diamonds in the Arkansas park ahead of the eclipse viewing event on April 8.

Lotus Tiara
CollectionsMar 15, 2024
Piece of the Week: The Lotus Tiara

The versatile jewel pairs ancient Egyptian inspiration with a modern design.

GIA id100
Brought to you by
Full Disclosure at Your Fingertips

Distinguishing natural diamonds from laboratory-grown stones – now more available than ever – has been difficult for jewelers. Until now.

Stock image of rough diamonds mined by De Beers
SourcingMar 14, 2024
De Beers Says Retailers Are ‘Restocking Conservatively’

The company’s rough sales improved for the third sales cycle in a row.

Gemological Institute of America logo
GradingMar 14, 2024
GIA Has a New Scholarship for High School Students in San Diego

The spring application window closes on March 31.

15.51-Carat Yellow Diamond
AuctionsMar 14, 2024
Phillips Hong Kong to Auction 15.51-Carat Yellow Diamond

It’s estimated to sell for up to $1.3 million at the upcoming sale on March 28.

Slick Rick
Events & AwardsMar 13, 2024
A Celebration of Hip-Hop Jewelry Is Coming to AMNH

“Ice Cold: An Exhibition of Hip-Hop Jewelry” will open at the New York City museum on May 9.

Dave Meleski
MajorsMar 13, 2024
Richline’s Dave Meleski Takes Over as RJC Chair

He succeeds David Bouffard, who is leaving Signet and the RJC next month.

Zachary’s Jewelers Mother’s Day kids jewelry contest
IndependentsMar 13, 2024
Zachary’s Jewelers Is Holding a Mother’s Day Jewelry Contest for Kids

Three winners will have their jewelry sketches turned into a real piece of jewelry in time for the holiday.

Boucheron Power of Couture
CollectionsMar 13, 2024
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Pays Homage to Ceremony, History

“Power of Couture” recalls Frédéric Boucheron’s love of fabric using diamonds and rock crystal.

Harry Winston diamond necklace
AuctionsMar 12, 2024
Top Lots Don’t Sell at Sotheby’s Signed Jewels Auction

A Harry Winston diamond necklace and other top lots failed to find buyers.

National Jeweler columnist Lilian Raji
ColumnistsMar 12, 2024
The PR Adviser: Closing Sales and Following Up

Lilian Raji offers advice to a business owner who is having trouble crossing the finish line with customers.

Steve Webb
MajorsMar 12, 2024
Steve Webb Named EVP of The Gordon Company

He brings 30 years of retail store management experience to the role.

Diamonds Do Good Awards logo
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2024
DDG to Honor 3 Industry Veterans in Vegas

At its annual gala, Diamonds Do Good will present awards to GIA, London Jewelers, and Lisa Bridge.

Cynthia Erivo
EditorsMar 11, 2024
This Year’s Oscars Jewelry Was the Definition of Glamour

Vibrant gemstones, layered diamond pieces and brooches with a story stole the show.

2024 Gem Awards audience
Events & AwardsMar 11, 2024
Gem Awards Highlight the Power of Retail, Community

The 2024 winners expressed gratitude to their teams, industry colleagues, and those who turn jewelry dreams into reality.

Jewelry from designers Jean Prounis, Marla Aaron, and Marie Lichtenberg
CollectionsMar 08, 2024
Pieces of the Week: Gem Award for Jewelry Design Nominees

They are Marla Aaron, Marie Lichtenberg, and Jean Prounis.

Peter Montalbano
Events & AwardsMar 08, 2024
Peter Montalbano to Receive JSA Industry Service Award

The Jewelers’ Security Alliance will honor the industry veteran at its upcoming annual luncheon.

Pomellato International Women’s Day video campaign
Policies & IssuesMar 08, 2024
Pomellato’s 2024 IWD Video Calls for an End to Violence Against Women

The annual video stars Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli alongside Jane Fonda and other celebrities and activists.

970x250.jpg
Supplier BulletinMar 07, 2024
Empower Your Team with IGI’s Comprehensive Educational Services

Sponsored by IGI

Eddie Grove
IndependentsMar 07, 2024
‘Old-School’ Jewelry Salesman Eddie Grove Dies at 81

The Pennsylvania native, who sold for Gumuchian and others, is remembered for being kind and outgoing.

A selection of engagement rings
TrendsMar 07, 2024
5 Engagement Ring Trends for 2024

From three-stone rings to fancy shapes, experts weigh in on what consumers could be looking for this year.

×

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