Events & AwardsAug 29, 2022
AGTA GemFair Las Vegas Will Be 4 Times as Big Next YearEditorsAug 30, 2022
Two Jewelry Trade Shows in Two Days
Associate Editor Lenore Fedow shares her experiences at JA New York and Melee the Show alongside her favorite jewels.
Associate Editor Lenore Fedow recounts her experiences at JA New York and Melee the Show.
We have a saying at National Jeweler: “Jewelry never sleeps.”
We repeat this phrase to one another every time a calm day turns into a news-filled frenzy.
I recently had a week that really drove that phrase home, packed with two trade shows, two earnings reports, putting the finishing touches on my story for our next print issue, and moderating a panel, on top of all the other day-to-day work that has to be done.
“You write exclusively about jewelry five days a week?,” non-industry people ask me.
We have a full-time four-person team and there still isn’t enough bandwidth to share all the news, I tell them.
But it’s a fun job, and some days you just have to roll with the punches.
So, earlier this month, I put on a brave face and traversed my way through two trade shows, JA New York and Melee the Show, in a mere 48 hours.
I suffered through meeting incredibly talented designers and trying on some of the most beautiful, finely crafted jewels I’ve ever seen.
It’s a grueling life, but somebody has to do it.
First stop: JA New York
JA New York was the first jewelry trade show I ever attended, so I have a soft spot for the show.
The JA New York Summer Show was held Aug. 14-16 at New York City’s Javits Center.
The show reminds me of when I was a fresh-faced newbie and the whole show floor was a playground, before terms like “sustainability” and “ethical sourcing” were in my vocabulary.
Now, I look at jewelry with a better-informed eye, but the thrill is still there. Just when I think I’ve seen the most beautiful piece of jewelry there is, something else surprises me.
This year, in addition to playing jewelry dress-up, I was moderating an afternoon panel on retail technology trends as part of the show’s education initiative, sponsored by National Jeweler’s parent company Jewelers of America.
I’d never moderated a live panel before, but I had two fantastic guests, Jennifer Shaheen of Technology Therapy Group and Alexandra Hevia Schlindwein of Kiefer Jewelers, and that makes all the difference.
We repeat this phrase to one another every time a calm day turns into a news-filled frenzy.
I recently had a week that really drove that phrase home, packed with two trade shows, two earnings reports, putting the finishing touches on my story for our next print issue, and moderating a panel, on top of all the other day-to-day work that has to be done.
“You write exclusively about jewelry five days a week?,” non-industry people ask me.
We have a full-time four-person team and there still isn’t enough bandwidth to share all the news, I tell them.
But it’s a fun job, and some days you just have to roll with the punches.
So, earlier this month, I put on a brave face and traversed my way through two trade shows, JA New York and Melee the Show, in a mere 48 hours.
I suffered through meeting incredibly talented designers and trying on some of the most beautiful, finely crafted jewels I’ve ever seen.
It’s a grueling life, but somebody has to do it.
First stop: JA New York
JA New York was the first jewelry trade show I ever attended, so I have a soft spot for the show.
The JA New York Summer Show was held Aug. 14-16 at New York City’s Javits Center.
The show reminds me of when I was a fresh-faced newbie and the whole show floor was a playground, before terms like “sustainability” and “ethical sourcing” were in my vocabulary.
Now, I look at jewelry with a better-informed eye, but the thrill is still there. Just when I think I’ve seen the most beautiful piece of jewelry there is, something else surprises me.
This year, in addition to playing jewelry dress-up, I was moderating an afternoon panel on retail technology trends as part of the show’s education initiative, sponsored by National Jeweler’s parent company Jewelers of America.
I’d never moderated a live panel before, but I had two fantastic guests, Jennifer Shaheen of Technology Therapy Group and Alexandra Hevia Schlindwein of Kiefer Jewelers, and that makes all the difference.
It was one of two all-female panels that day, and the only all-female technology panel Shaheen said she’d ever been on, so that was a nice feeling.
We spoke to a small but interested audience about the latest retail technology trends, like QR codes and NFTs, and how jewelers could incorporate them into their businesses.
Before and after the panel, I spent my time in the New Designer Gallery, a section that has showcased up-and-coming jewelry brands since its founding 45 years ago, helping brands like David Yurman and Alex Sepkus get their start.
This show marked the gallery’s return for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.
It showcased six brands: JV Insardi, Kiersten Elizabeth, Nvr Nude, Isabel Alexander, Helannona, and Pracyious Jewels.
The gallery was busy when I attended the show that Monday, but I managed to snag some one-on-one time at a few of the booths.
My first stop was JV Insardi to visit with designer Jen Insardi. A former student of The New School’s Parsons School of Design and the Fashion Institute of Technology, Insardi has a background in interior design, and her pieces definitely have a sculptural feel.
I tried on JV Insardi’s rose gold pavé “Next Chapter” ring.
The 18-karat rose gold ring is set with champagne diamonds and retails for $24,000.
The brand resonated with attendees and was named the 2022 New Designer Gallery winner.
Next, I visited the Isabel Alexander booth. The Moldova-born designer derives her inspiration from architecture, nature, embroidery, and folklore.
Her pieces feature geometric patterns and bright colored gemstones set in classic styles.
This 14-karat gold reversible medallion necklace is set with diamonds and pink sapphires ($8,500).
A pair of criss-cross black enamel suspender cuff earrings, available in 14- and 18-karat yellow, white or rose gold ($1,300 to $1,700)
My final stop was the Kiersten Elizabeth booth, and the visit reminded me how much a jeweler’s personality plays into how much I like their jewelry.
The designer Kiersten Elizabeth, and her assistant, were incredibly kind and gracious with their time, and the love and excitement they both had for the pieces was palpable.
I’m a huge fan of vintage and antique jewelry and I was immediately drawn to how Elizabeth incorporated influences from different eras, like Edwardian and Art Deco, into her jewels.
The pieces were so clearly a labor of love, down to every last intricate detail.
I was in love with this ring. A 5.39-carat pear-shaped Paraiba tourmaline is surrounded by Ceylon blue sapphires and diamonds ($46,800).
A pair of diamond and tourmaline earrings set in 21-karat yellow gold ($26,000). The drops detach to transform them into studs.
The JA New York show will return to the Javits Center this fall from Oct. 23-25.
Stop Two: Melee the Show
The following day, I headed over to Melee the Show at Chelsea Piers.
It’s a boutique trade show that bills itself as an alternative to the traditional show format, trading a large convention hall for a smaller, more intimate setting.
This was my first time attending this show, so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I had heard good things.
The show setting was perfect. The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers is surrounded by walls of windows looking out onto the Hudson River, which gives the space a lot of natural light.
I decided to attend Melee after being invited to a press round table.
David Rees of TenThousandThings led a conversation with Purvi Shah, the new head of ethical and sustainable value chains at the De Beers Group, about the diamond supply chain.
Shah touched on a wide range of topics from De Beers’ sustainability efforts and its new Code of Origin program.
In addition to press, there were designers in the audience and they came ready with tough questions, like how to track what’s in packets of melee diamonds.
Shah deftly answered each question, and I got the sense the designers could’ve sat there asking questions for hours.
After the round table, I took some time to walk around and talk with a handful of designers I hadn’t met before.
It was a quieter crowd than the JA show, but it was still busy and there were very few booths that didn’t have someone visiting.
My first stop was Susan Highsmith’s booth. We’ve followed each other on Instagram for a while now, but I’d never gotten to see her jewels in person, and, wow, I was missing out.
She recognized me right away, and we quickly got to talking about her jewelry, trying on ring after ring as I remarked how gorgeous everything was, and I meant it.
My favorite was the below Scorpio signet ring, which is a part of her “Zodiac” collection. I happen to be a Scorpio, but Highsmith said it’s a popular style for the other star signs as well based on the look alone.
A 14-karat yellow gold Scorpio signet ring (price available upon request)
The star of this ring is the zircon center stone, an underappreciated gemstone if there ever was one.
Next stop was Disa Allsopp’s booth.
The London-born, Barbados-raised designer brings the warmth of her home island in the Caribbean to her jewelry, hand-picking bright and beautiful gemstones.
I was a total newcomer to her brand, but she had a citrine ring that called to me.
Citrine is my birthstone and a personal favorite, but I’m also just drawn to its warm colors.
The warmth of the stone paired with the rough texture of the band was bold and fun, and it pained me to hand this ring back.
The London-born, Barbados-raised designer brings the warmth of her home island in the Caribbean to her jewelry, hand-picking bright and beautiful gemstones.
I was a total newcomer to her brand, but she had a citrine ring that called to me.
Citrine is my birthstone and a personal favorite, but I’m also just drawn to its warm colors.
The warmth of the stone paired with the rough texture of the band was bold and fun, and it pained me to hand this ring back.
This ring was a stunner and a testament to Allsopp’s eye for gemstones.
Jewelry designer Disa Allsopp manning her booth at Melee the Show.
After visiting with Allsopp, I took a walk over to the TenThousandThings booth. I’d heard a lot about this brand and I was excited to see their jewels.
It was worth the wait, because that booth was jam-packed with colorful, bold jewels.
One of my favorite pieces was the below cuff that had the look of molten metal onto your wrist.
This melted metal cuff by TenThousandThings revived my love of silver jewelry.
I love silver jewelry, which I’ve come to learn is a polarizing opinion in this industry, but I’m sticking with it.
Another must-see was a one-of-a-kind, hand-cut lapis pyramid ring, seen below.
A lapis pyramid ring by TenThousandThings
The wonderfully exciting thing about jewelry is you think you’ve seen every design there is to see and then, behold, you’re surprised once more.
At this point in the day, I was running on empty, but there was one more booth that caught my eye.
Januka is a Tokyo-based brand founded in 2012 by Jo Nakamura. The brand takes what you know about basic jewelry concepts and flips it on its head.
Several of its pieces have settings that cross over the face of the gemstone or just encase the stone in a perfectly square box rather than in a traditional setting, two techniques I’ve not seen before.
A favorite piece of mine was a slice of lapis ring, that was, at the risk of overusing this word, fun.
This slice of lapis ring by Januka is also available with other gemstones, like amethyst.
Januka’s booth at Melee the Show
The next Melee show will be held Jan. 30 to Feb. 1 in Tucson, just ahead of the gem shows.
Adding two trade shows to my work line-up made for a whirlwind of a week, but one of the best things about my job is getting to meet with designers, to hear their stories, and to see their art in person.
I look forward to seeing what the next round of trade shows has to offer.
More on Editors
The Latest
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Lewis Heyman on Sourcing Gemstones, Post-Retirement PlansHe retired last month after 28 years traveling the world to source the very best gemstones for his family’s jewelry business, Oscar Heyman.
TrendsJul 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: CCWW Designs’ Shell Charm NecklaceThe charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Plumb Club Elects New Board MembersThe organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
TechnologyJul 18, 2025
Brad Campbell, John Liebler Join Clientbook’s Executive Team Campbell joins the company as vice president of business development while Liebler is the new vice president of operations.
Weekly QuizJul 17, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 17, 2025
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.
Supplier BulletinJul 17, 2025
The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025: Your Holiday Preparations, All Wrapped Up! Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
SurveysJul 17, 2025
The Most Recommended Brands in the World, According to YouGovGlobally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.
IndependentsJul 17, 2025
Gina Ferranti of GiGi Ferranti Jewelry Dies at 59The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.
SourcingJul 17, 2025
Rio Tinto Names New CEO, Production Rises at DiavikProduction at the mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories topped 1 million carats in Q2, the third consecutive quarter of growth.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2025
JA to Hold Learning Workshops This FallA new slate of Learning Workshops will take place in Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Georgia.
SurveysJul 16, 2025
Signet Jewelers Falls Lower on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListThe middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.
FinancialsJul 16, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Up 7% in Q1It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.
WatchesJul 16, 2025
The Top-Selling Rolex Models of the Last 15 Years, According to Bob’s Watches The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.
AuctionsJul 16, 2025
Christie’s To Honor Dinh Van With ExhibitionThe auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.
IndependentsJul 16, 2025
Clyde Duneier Ushers In Fourth GenerationJake Duneier and Danielle Duneier-Goldberg have stepped into the roles of CEO and president, respectively.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Calls Attention to Nature’s ImpermanenceThe “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.
MajorsJul 15, 2025
James Avery Expands to 2 More StatesThe Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2025
Neiman Marcus Vet Joins Couture as Brand Director Eric Ford will step into the role, bringing with him decades of experience.
MajorsJul 15, 2025
Ben Bridge Jeweler Acquires Olympic ManufacturingIn addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Guzema Debuts First Colored Gemstone JewelryThe “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.
MajorsJul 14, 2025
Nanis Opens First StoreThe seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.
IndependentsJul 14, 2025
It’s the Summer of Love at Long’s JewelersThe New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.
SourcingJul 14, 2025
Ethical Gem Fair Heads to SeattleThe trade-only event will host its debut fair in the Emerald City later this month.
Events & AwardsJul 11, 2025
The Edge’s Annual Conference Returns in SeptemberIts sessions will focus on inventory strategies, staff performance, retention and acquisition, emerging market trends, and more.
CollectionsJul 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: Miseno’s ‘Arco’ EarringsFor its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.
