Events & Awards

New designers, education abound at JA NY Summer

Events & AwardsJul 27, 2014

New designers, education abound at JA NY Summer

A busy show floor and a positive attitude among attendees marked the kickoff of the JA New York Summer Show, which began Sunday at the Javits Center.

072814_JA-Article.jpg
The JA New York Summer show kicked off at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on Sunday morning.

New York--A busy show floor and a positive attitude among attendees marked the kickoff of the JA New York Summer Show, which began Sunday at the Javits Center.

A part of the summer show is the New Designer Gallery, and 10 jewelry-makers who never before have exhibited at a fine jewelry trade show are comprising this year’s pavilion. Later today one will be recognized with the Mort Abelson New Designer of the Year Award.

This is the first trade show in the United States for Greek designer Myrto Anastasopoulou, who is based in Athens. She said many show attendees on Sunday spent time asking questions and getting familiarized with her work.

“It’s the first time I’m bringing my jewelry to the U.S., so it’s important for me to be here since it’s a big show and I can see how people react to my product,” Anastasopoulou, who works primarily in silver with some 18-karat gold pieces, said. “It’s a good place to gauge reactions.”

RELATED CONTENT: 10 designers who’ll debut at JA New York Summer

Dharmesh and Namrata Kothari, the duo behind Syna, a staple exhibitor at both the JA New York and Couture shows, is displaying its new Jewel Chakra brand at their booth. Jewel Chakra, which first launched in May at Couture, is a brand within Syna and is made of 18-karat yellow gold necklace and bracelet chains with gemstone charms.

The charms are available in ruby, emerald, opal, sapphire and other precious and semi-precious gemstones, which start at $295 retail for the charm only. The charm and chain together start at less than $500 retail, and the Kotharis said the line is meant for smaller stores, boutiques and spas.

Amie Guarino, designer and stylist at Pittsburgh-based Louis Anthony Jewelers, said she’s at the show on the hunt for basic gold pieces that are “classic but stylish,” as well as ear climbers, a trend spotted at the Couture show earlier this year.

“At the bigger shows in Las Vegas, it’s hard to get around to seeing everything,” Guarino said. “JA makes it easy to focus on more specific trends, and it’s a great way to tie up loose ends before the holiday season.”

JA New York also is hosting another buyer giveaway for the summer show. Via a random business card drawing, four buyers won $2,000 open-to-buy each for any exhibitor at the show.

Open to retailers and wholesalers only, the giveaway continues today and Tuesday, where another six people each day will win a $1,000 open-to-buy.

The show’s Educational Conference also kicked off Sunday, led by American Gem Trade Association CEO Doug Hucker’s discussion on trends and issues within the colored gemstone marketplace, as well as presentations from the Diamond Development Initiative and the Diamond Empowerment Fund. The seminars continue through Monday afternoon.

RELATED CONTENT: 10 sessions for learning at JA New York Summer

“I’m very pleased with the show energy on the first day, feedback’s been positive from both the exhibitor and the retail community regarding the show look, feel and ease of doing business,” JA Show Director Drew Lawsky said. “We’re looking forward to more productive days for the industry.”

The JA New York Summer Show will run through Tuesday, July 29.

The Latest

Daughters of the Deep indicolite earrings
EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking About

From a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.

Pat Pruitt Dragonfly Earrings
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election Night

Groundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.

Colin Jost in Kay Jewelers holiday ad
MajorsNov 06, 2026
SNL’s Colin Jost Finds the Perfect Gift in Kay Jewelers’ Holiday Ad

Jost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.

overnight btyb 1026.png
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to Sell

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

GCAL 8X_NJSB_1.jpg
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the Counter

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine

Weekly QuizNov 05, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Wrapped holiday gift boxes
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This Year

From shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.

Little Pet Portrait Pendants by Russell Jones & Judi Powers
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New Collaboration

The designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.

DeBeersICONS_TITLE1_CUSTOMCONTENT_1872x1052 (1).jpg
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural Diamonds

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

Brilliant Earth Elizabeth Taylor jewelry
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3

Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.

Swarovski Joy: The Swarovski Musical Campaign with Ariana Grande
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign

“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.

GIA logo
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday Services

The lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.

Cartier bracelet and ring
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia Airport

A Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.

Pandora celestial chandelier earrings
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on Design

New collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.

Lanessa Elrod
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New President

Lanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.

Replica of Infinity Gauntlet
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for Auction

A replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.

Arthur Klein
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89

Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.

Zadok Jewelers
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet Giveaway

To enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.

Kirstin Viland, Joanna Kovacs, Shari Lukacs
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship Winners

The winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.

Sothebys Romanov sapphire
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s Geneva

The rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.

Fake Audemars Piguet watch
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet Watches

It is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.

Jewelers of America new board members
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board

Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.

Kristi Yamaguchi Wearing Always Dream Collection
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ Collection

The jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.

2026 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards Best Of Winners
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum Awards

Spectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.

Edina Kiss Eye Pendants on Charm Necklace
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’

Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.

Alexis Hoopes
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising Officer

Alexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.

Rolex store exterior Bellevue Washington
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington State

The Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.

Norma Wellington spider web pendant
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks

Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy