EditorsApr 25, 2024
5 Tips for Creating Fans from the Top (Savannah) Banana Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
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.
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.
From top to bottom: Elisa Solomon Jewelry’s 18-karat rose gold ring with opal, white diamond and aquamarine ($1,210) and 18-karat rose gold ring with opal, white diamond and aquamarine ($1,360)
Salt + Stone’s 18-karat gold ring with custom-cut amethyst cabochon and green tsavorite ($1,450)
Santi Rom’s 14-karat gold medallion with black and champagne diamonds ($9,235)
Clockwise from left: Hannah Blount Jewelry’s oxidized sterling silver ring with a white diamond ($310), oxidized sterling silver ring without a diamond ($120), and 18-karat yellow gold ring with a white diamond ($1,440)
Adriatic Jewelry’s 14-karat gold rings with white sapphires ($250-$600 per style)
Rachael Sarc’s black rhodium-plated 18-karat white gold ring with white and multicolored diamond pavé ($13,660)
Alexis Kletjian Fine Jewelry’s 14-karat gold bracelet with emeralds ($5,800)
Emilie Shapiro’s 14-karat yellow gold ring with tanzanite and rough diamonds ($1,045)
Alexandra Gunn Designs’ 18-karat rose gold and silver ring with diamonds (price available upon request)
Acanthus’ oxidized silver and 24-karat yellow gold ear climbers with opals and black diamonds ($620)
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
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
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.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
WatchesApr 25, 2024
Audemars Piguet and John Mayer Partner on Limited Edition WatchThe Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
SourcingApr 25, 2024
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2024The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
MajorsApr 25, 2024
Detroit Lions’ QB Jared Goff Keeps Going to JaredThe three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
Weekly QuizApr 26, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
CrimeApr 24, 2024
Jewelry Crime Declines Significantly, But Dollar Losses Remain High A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
CollectionsApr 24, 2024
Pippa Small Announces ‘Venus’ CollectionInspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your BusinessFor over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
FinancialsApr 24, 2024
Kering’s Jewelry Brands a Bright Spot in Tough Q1The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
SourcingApr 24, 2024
Rio Tinto’s Q1 Production Drops Amid Pause to Honor Lost Colleagues The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
WatchesApr 24, 2024
These Are Rolex’s New Watches for 2024 The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
ColumnistsApr 23, 2024
The Smart Lab: Advanced Email Marketing Strategies for Mother’s DayEmmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
IndependentsApr 23, 2024
Hannoush Jewelers Opens New Store in New York Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
SourcingApr 23, 2024
Lucapa Sells 3 Diamonds for $10.5M in First Lulo Tender of 2024A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
GradingApr 23, 2024
GIA Has a New Book About William RuserRuser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
CollectionsApr 22, 2024
Jacquie Aiche’s New Campaign Stars Adam Levine, Behati PrinslooThe “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
EditorsApr 22, 2024
The 22 Best Quotes from AGS Conclave 2024 Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
SourcingApr 22, 2024
Virtual Diamond Boutique Rebrands as ‘VDB’The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
MajorsApr 22, 2024
Signet Raises Nearly $9M for St. Jude Children’s Research HospitalThe money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
CollectionsApr 19, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Treasure NecklaceA new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
CrimeApr 19, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO ShowLast month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
MajorsApr 19, 2024
Unique Designs Acquires China PearlThe move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
GradingApr 19, 2024
AGS Ideal Report Now Available in Printed FormFrom now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
SourcingApr 18, 2024
Diamond Trade Remains Cautious Amid Economic UncertaintyDe Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Supplier BulletinApr 18, 2024
Discover History’s Hidden Gems at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
WatchesApr 18, 2024
Watch E-tailer Collectability Hires Kelly YochThe Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
WatchesApr 18, 2024
TAG Heuer Opens Its Largest Standalone Boutique at SeaThe 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
