Wheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
One to Watch: Judi Powers
The Brooklyn-based designer said colorful pieces are on the way in her newest collection, called “Prism.”
New York--Living in her own “Wild West” when she was younger and now working in a collaborative Brooklyn studio to create jewelry, Judi Powers says these drab winter days mean colorful pieces are on the way for her next collection.
Powers is the focus of the second installment of “One to Watch,” National Jeweler’s new monthly feature that introduces retailers to up-and-coming jewelry brands and designers who are looking to expand.
Below, the Pennsylvania-native-turned-Brooklynite answers questions retailers need to know about her eponymous brand.
National Jeweler: What was the inspiration for your newest collection?
Judi Powers: It’s always in the gray winter months that I miss color, so my new work is really inspired by color. I’ve just completed a new collection I’m calling “Prism,” and within that are sweet, delicate prong-set cabochons that I’m calling “Gum Drops.” These pieces are all about the stones, and their range of beautiful nature-inspired color and their shape, which resembles gum drops.
NJ: Where is your jewelry made?
JP: I handcraft all of my jewelry in Brooklyn, N.Y. at a collaborative metalsmithing studio. I always enjoyed working with colleagues in my past career and even though I work on my own, I’m surrounded by incredibly talented artists who inspire me and help me problem-solve on a daily basis.
NJ: What should retailers focus on, or what story should they tell, when showing your line to customers?
JP: All of my work celebrates joy. It’s about simple elegance; I want my customer to feel comfortable wearing my pieces for every occasion. It’s about nature, it’s about color, it’s about finding peace within and it’s about love for both ourselves and those closest to us.
I make everything as sustainably as possible and use recycled precious metals and diamonds and ethically sourced colored stones as much as possible. I belong to an organization called Ethical Metalsmiths, and it’s such a wonderful resource for those of us who are trying very hard to work sustainably.
I think that’s an important piece of what I do because it’s important to create work that makes my clients both look and feel good because there’s been real love and care put into making them.
NJ: How much inventory must a retailer invest in to carry your brand?
JP: I have a 10-piece minimum order.
NJ: What retailers are currently carrying your line?
JP: My collection is available at Van Scoy
NJ: What are your plans for upcoming collections?
JP: I just spent the past week in Tucson attending the AGTA gem show. I was really excited about colored stones and gemstone bead strands in particular. I found some big, juicy tourmalines, effervescent beryls and icy blue topazes, among many others. In the future, you’ll be seeing some gem-intensive statement necklaces from me.
NJ: Are you exhibiting at any trade shows in the next 12 months?
JP: I’m exhibiting this month at GlobalDesign, the wholesale-only show within American Craft Council Baltimore curated by the late Cindy Edelstein, my mentor and friend. And I’ve just learned that I’m a JCK Rising Star, so I’m planning to be in Las Vegas in June.
NJ: Complete this sentence. “People would be surprised to learn that I …”
JP: I lived in a small amusement park/recreated “Wild West” town when I was a child. It was originally built as a film set and had a small train line that ran around the circumference of our little homestead. And this town was in Pennsylvania--nowhere near the Wild West!
Retailers interested in contacting Judi Powers may do so via her website, JudiPowersJewelry.com.
The Latest
PGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
Nicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
Karina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
The men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
Concerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
The brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
Tim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.
Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
Sales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.
“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
The retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
Gifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.