NYC Jewelry Week 2021 Will Showcase the ‘Power of Jewelry’

New York—This year, New York City Jewelry Week wants to demonstrate the “Power of Jewelry.”

It will be the theme of the 2021 event, which will combine both virtual and in-person events and is slated for Nov. 15-21. 

The Power of Jewelry will be explored through a lineup of panels, performances, exhibitions, tours, storytelling, and shopping. 

One of the week’s first in-person events is a presentation of renowned jewelry artist Wallace Chan’s works, thanks to a partnership with the Salon Art + Design fair. 

Hosted by watch and jewelry journalist Ming Lui and Emily Stoehrer, curator of jewelry at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, it will showcase and discuss Chan’s butterfly creations. 

NYCJW’s official museum partner, the Museum of Arts and Design, will also host two days of in-person programming and events, such as “The New Establishment,” a panel moderated by journalist Tanya Dukes featuring Khiry founder Jameel Mohammed, stylist and costume designer Zerina Akers, and De Beers’ Pat Dambe. 

There will also be in-person talks about “Powerful Women: Jewelry by Women Artists,” “Gems and Gender in Renaissance Portraits,” and “The History of Diamonds.” 

Highlights of the NYCJW’s virtual events include talks on iconic artist-jeweler Andrew Grima between his daughter Francesca Grima and collector Kimberly Klosterman; jewelry historian and author Vivienne Becker in conversation with Fabio Salini about the latter’s work, techniques, and inspirations; a dialogue about the cultural differences around the perception of value; and a panel about rising stars in British jewelry design. 

There will also be a panel discussion about emerging indigenous jewelers, a conversation about the impact of Brazilian designer Roberto Burle Marx, and a look at materials and techniques used by Black jewelers from the mid-20th century to the 1990s.

The event’s fourth year will also mark its foray into the watch world with a virtual conversation about the luxury watch industry between Tirath Kamdar of eBay, Brynn Wallner of Dimepiece.co, and journalist Victoria Gomelsky, editor-in-chief of JCK magazine.

The Power of Jewelry will also be explored through “Here We Are,” NYCJW’s initiative designed to address the widespread inequity and lack of diversity in the jewelry industry.

Each year, NYCJW’s panel of industry experts selects a group of jewelers who represent the diverse spectrum of creators in the United States, providing professional development, mentorship, and programming year-round.

For a second year, nearly 50 jewelers from the program will launch a shoppable digital storefront with online marketplace 1stDibs on Nov. 15, which will include new drops through February.

For the full schedule of events, exhibitions, and experiences happening during 2021 New York City Jewelry Week, visit NYCJewelryWeek.com.