Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
Metal + Smith Is Coming Back to NYC in Jan., May
The trade show is scheduled to take place on Jan. 9 and again on May 9.

New York--Those who enjoyed Metal + Smith’s “not a trade show” format the first time around are in luck, as the event gears up for a second and third showing in New York City.
Metal + Smith is returning to the Mercantile Annex in Manhattan (this time at Mercantile Annex 38), with a show planned for January 9, 2017 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and another planned for May 9.
Last September, Metal + Smith debuted, playing host to approximately 50 designers, many of whom had never participated in any type of trade show.
To prevent what show organizers say is the inevitable show burnout, Metal + Smith is held on one day only and limits its number of designers to the aforementioned 50. Whereas trade shows can feel overwhelming and easy to get lost in, Metal + Smith’s organizers says its goal is to be manageable and personal.
National Jeweler chatted with Metal + Smith Vice President of Exhibitor Relations Olivia Lucas ahead of the upcoming January event.
National Jeweler: Can you explain a bit about the niche that Metal + Smith is filling in the jewelry trade show market?
Olivia Lucas: Metal + Smith is first and foremost an experience: a place our guests can slow down, enjoy a glass of champagne, and get to know our designers.
Jewelry should start a conversation and the largest niche we fill is bringing a platform supportive of real interaction, which exhibitors and guests seem to appreciate.
There is no sense of urgency, no mile-long corridor to walk; it’s clean and uncomplicated, an invitation to take your time.
NJ: Will there be any changes from the first show?
OL: September’s launch was a wonderful starting point. We were so humbled by the level of excitement, especially from industry veterans.
Since we are new to this space, I personally like to work very closely with our exhibitors to ensure we give them all the support we can to make showing at Metal & Smith worthwhile. I want to know what is working, what isn’t working, and while the core of our experience will remain intimate, minimal and interactive, there are always opportunities for improvement.
NJ: Will you keep to the same number of exhibitors? How many spots have you opened for new exhibitors?
OL: Roughly 70 percent of the exhibitors (roughly 35 out of 50) for January will be new. It is important
Each space will never hold more than 50 brands.
NJ: Are there any new exhibitors whom you are particularly excited about?
OL: It’s so hard to choose, we have such amazing brands this January.
We are excited to see collections from new exhibitors like Two of Most, Envie Simaya, and Swati Dhanak. We also have Jessie VE who is coming from the U.K., which is an international market we look forward to including in the future.
Returning exhibitors like Julie Lamb, Roule & Co, and Onirikka are always cooking up something new so we are excited to see their tables too.
For information on attending Metal + Smith, e-mail Olivia at olivia@metalandsmith.com.
The Latest

Simon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.

A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.

The risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.

The company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.


The organization also announced its board of directors.

Charms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.

Located in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.

A platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.

The basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.

The Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.

The 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.

Lilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.

GCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.

The Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Van Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.

Industry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
The two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

The Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.

The jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.

The “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.

Interior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.

During a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.

The free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.

The feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.