Events & Awards

The 10 Designers of JANY’s New Designer Gallery

Events & AwardsJul 20, 2016

The 10 Designers of JANY’s New Designer Gallery

They will be making their trade show debut at the JA New York Summer show, which opens Sunday.

The 10 Designers of JANY’s New Designer Gallery
Ten jewelry designers have been chosen to make their fine jewelry trade show debut at JA New York this coming weekend as part of the New Designer Gallery. Pictured here is a piece by Santi Rom.

New York--Ten jewelry designers have been chosen to make their fine jewelry trade show debut at the JA New York Summer show this weekend as part of the New Designer Gallery.

Liz Kantner, a jewelry consultant and publicist, who spent 4 years as a marketing communications specialist for Colorado-based designer Todd Reed, curated the group, taking over for designer advocate Cindy Edelstein, whom the industry lost earlier this year.

“Each designer we’ve selected to participate in the New Designer Gallery has a very unique aesthetic,” Kantner said. “The consumers who shop with our retail partners are looking for something different, wearable and meaningful; they’re prepared to invest in quality pieces that they can wear daily and layer with their existing jewelry wardrobes. This group of designers provides all the touch points that our retailers need to fit their client’s needs.”

Among the designers showing is Elisa Solomon of Elisa Solomon Jewelry, the group’s most recognizable name who sells at the likes of Roseark, ABC Carpet & Home, and Catbird. The New Jersey-native created her first collection in 2004 after studying metalsmithing at the University of Michigan.


From top to bottom: Elisa Solomon Jewelry’s 18-karat rose gold ring with opal, white diamond and aquamarine ($1,210) and 18-karat rose gold ring with opal, white diamond and aquamarine ($1,360)

Solomon’s designs center on organic, tactile settings with a 1960s flower-child vibe: think peace signs adorned with multi-colored sapphires, and guitar and daisy motifs.

The designer also is inspired by Native American iconography and features small, carved animals in much of her work.

Jacqueline Stone of Salt + Stone previously authored “Designer’s Diary” for National Jeweler, a regular column on the day-to-day life and struggles of being an independent jewelry designer.


Salt + Stone’s 18-karat gold ring with custom-cut amethyst cabochon and green tsavorite ($1,450)

The former Tiffany & Co. product development specialist and former JCK Design Ambassador, who is now based in Colorado, specializes in custom engagement rings as well as fashion fine jewelry collections, like her Gumdrop series, which features bright cabochon-cut stones that, true-to-their-name, look good enough to eat.


Santi Rom’s 14-karat gold medallion with black and champagne diamonds ($9,235)

Designer Roman Drake of Santi Rom has worked as an artist in several mediums for more than two decades. Each piece from the Santi Rom collection is handmade by Drake, and individually molded and cast, making each creation one-of-a-kind.

Drake is inspired by the
Byzantine era and the imperfect element of design inherent to handmade craftsmanship.

Nantucket-native Hannah Blount operates her eponymous jewelry line from Boston’s artist district.


Clockwise from left: Hannah Blount Jewelry’s oxidized sterling silver ring with a white diamond ($310), oxidized sterling silver ring without a diamond ($120), and 18-karat yellow gold ring with a white diamond ($1,440)

Among the pieces she will be bringing to JA New York are the face-motif rings from her Cameo line, which feel mythical and spooky at the same time.

Blount’s jewelry is earthy, organic and spiritual; the designer often works with semi-precious stones ranging from Herkimer diamonds to turquoise, aquamarine and moonstone.

Adriatic Jewelry’s Rebecca Fragola will debut a new collection at JA New York. Called Veza, the range features 14-karat yellow gold and white sapphire pieces in a sleek, minimalist design that lends itself well to layering.


Adriatic Jewelry’s 14-karat gold rings with white sapphires ($250-$600 per style)
 
Fragola also produces a brass and silver line, and will have previous fine collections on hand at the show. All of her work is handmade in the United States.

Designer and gemologist Rachael Sarc worked at a number of jewelry brands in New York before launching her own collection in 2014.

Her signature is a crisscross motif, in which gemstones are draped with intersecting lines of diamond pave. She has also designed a large volume of bespoke pieces for her clients.


Rachael Sarc’s black rhodium-plated 18-karat white gold ring with white and multicolored diamond pavé ($13,660)

The daughter of a goldsmith, Alexis Kletjian launched her namesake line in 2011 after a career in fashion design and the birth of her children.

Her collections range from a series of jewels engraved with Victorian star motifs to stacking rings and her most compelling collection, the Lotus Shield, in which a center stone and accent diamonds are set in a gold shield-shaped pendant.


Alexis Kletjian Fine Jewelry’s 14-karat gold bracelet with emeralds ($5,800)

Emilie Shapiro cut her teeth at Pamela Love and Allforthemountain after studying jewelry and metalsmithing at Syracuse University and Alchimia in Florence.

The accomplished designer relies on the lost wax casting technique to create her pieces by hand in her New York studio.


Emilie Shapiro’s 14-karat yellow gold ring with tanzanite and rough diamonds ($1,045)

Shapiro’s affinity for rough stones and hand-crafted pieces ring loud and clear in her eponymous collection.


Alexandra Gunn Designs’ 14-karat rose gold and silver ring with white sapphires ($3,299)

The Wave and Splash collection from Alexandra Gunn Designs is designer Alexandra LaValley’s first.

Previously, LaValley worked across several mediums including painting, sculpture, drawing and fashion design.

The artist’s fore into jewelry came about when LaValley couldn’t find jewelry she liked to wear on her wedding day so she decided to make her own, eventually branching into a full-blown business.


Acanthus’ oxidized silver and 24-karat yellow gold ear climbers with opals and black diamonds ($620)

The designer of line Acanthus, Minnesota-based Nichole McIver, specializes in exploring the interplay between oxidized silver and 24-karat gold.

She derives inspiration from the moon, stars and planets as well as more macabre symbols, like skulls and daggers.

All 10 designers will be on display at the New Designer Gallery at the JA New York Summer show, which runs this Sunday, July 24 through Tuesday, July 26 at the Javits Center in New York City.

For more information, visit JANewYork.com.
Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

Watch: How Is the Industry Doing When It Comes to Diversity?
Recorded WebinarsMar 31, 2023
Watch: How Is the Industry Doing When It Comes to Diversity?

Annie Doresca and Michelle Graff welcome Reggie Johnson and Sheryl Jones for a frank conversation on the state of DEI in fine jewelry.

Macy’s Longtime CEO to Retire Next Year
MajorsMar 31, 2023
Macy’s Longtime CEO to Retire Next Year

Jeff Gennette will step down in February 2024, passing the torch to the CEO of another notable retailer.

Piece of the Week: The Extraterrestrial Lunar Necklace
AuctionsMar 31, 2023
Piece of the Week: The Extraterrestrial Lunar Necklace

Artisan Martin Roberts fashioned lunar meteorites into 48 beads to create this out-of-this-world necklace.

Full Disclosure at Your Fingertips
Brought to you by
Full Disclosure at Your Fingertips

Distinguishing natural diamonds from laboratory-grown stones – now more available than ever – has been difficult for jewelers. Until now.

JBT Re-Elects Richard Katz as Board Chairman
MajorsMar 31, 2023
JBT Re-Elects Richard Katz as Board Chairman

As for new members, the organization welcomed Jewelers of America’s Annie Doresca and Parag Jain of Parag Diamonds.

Weekly QuizMar 31, 2023
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Take the Quiz
At Watches & Wonders, a $20M Watch Makes Its Debut
WatchesMar 30, 2023
At Watches & Wonders, a $20M Watch Makes Its Debut

Jacob & Co.’s new “Billionaire” timepiece features more than 200 carats of yellow diamonds.

See the Jewelry Collection Expected to Top Elizabeth Taylor’s at Auction
AuctionsMar 30, 2023
See the Jewelry Collection Expected to Top Elizabeth Taylor’s at Auction

Heidi Horten, wife of department store magnate Helmut Horten, collected jewelry from Bulgari, Cartier, Harry Winston and Van Cleef & Arpels.

Bringing Over 130 Years of Diamond Expertise to Modern Grading
Brought to you by
Bringing Over 130 Years of Diamond Expertise to Modern Grading

De Beers Institute of Diamonds provides the very best in diamond verification, education and diamond services.

Jewelers Mutual Marks a Major Milestone
MajorsMar 30, 2023
Jewelers Mutual Marks a Major Milestone

The jewelry industry insurer and solutions provider is celebrating 110 years in business this month.

NRF Says Brick-and-Mortar Stores Remain ‘Primary Point of Purchase’
SurveysMar 30, 2023
NRF Says Brick-and-Mortar Stores Remain ‘Primary Point of Purchase’

The statement came as the National Retail Federation released its retail sales forecast for 2023.

10.57-Carat Purplish Pink Diamond Expected to Sell for $35M+
AuctionsMar 29, 2023
10.57-Carat Purplish Pink Diamond Expected to Sell for $35M+

Sotheby’s will auction the diamond, which it says is “arguably the most significant pink diamond to ever appear at auction,” in June.

Blue Nile to Close Fulfillment Center, Lay Off Workers
MajorsMar 29, 2023
Blue Nile to Close Fulfillment Center, Lay Off Workers

The retailer, recently acquired by Signet Jewelers, will lay off 119 employees in July.

See All the New Patek Philippe Watches for 2023
WatchesMar 29, 2023
See All the New Patek Philippe Watches for 2023

The Swiss watchmaker introduced 17 new models at Watches & Wonders Geneva.

Mark Henry Jewelry Offering Complimentary ‘Masterclass’ on Sales from Peter Smith
MajorsMar 29, 2023
Mark Henry Jewelry Offering Complimentary ‘Masterclass’ on Sales from Peter Smith

As part of the promotion, Smith will share his sales expertise during a 90-minute training session.

I’m Enchanted With Parmigiani Fleurier’s Perfect Travel Watch
EditorsMar 28, 2023
I’m Enchanted With Parmigiani Fleurier’s Perfect Travel Watch

At Watches & Wonders, the Swiss brand unveiled a follow-up to last year’s Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante.

Helzberg’s New Lab-Grown Diamond Collection Earns SCS Certification
CollectionsMar 28, 2023
Helzberg’s New Lab-Grown Diamond Collection Earns SCS Certification

The “rêve” collection’s engagement rings and wedding bands are geared toward “sustainability minded customers.”

This New Rolex Day-Date Tells Time … and Affirmations
EditorsMar 28, 2023
This New Rolex Day-Date Tells Time … and Affirmations

A new word appears on the dial each day of the week.

D.C. Jeweler That Honored 50-Year-Old Gift Certificate Closes
IndependentsMar 28, 2023
D.C. Jeweler That Honored 50-Year-Old Gift Certificate Closes

Bensons Jewelers closed for good Feb. 24, impacted in part by the decline in foot traffic downtown since the onset of the pandemic.

Swarovski Names New GM of North America
MajorsMar 28, 2023
Swarovski Names New GM of North America

Kolja Kiofsky has been with the crystal and jewelry company since 2010.

Jewels to Shine in Upcoming ‘Golden Age’ of Hollywood Auction
AuctionsMar 27, 2023
Jewels to Shine in Upcoming ‘Golden Age’ of Hollywood Auction

The Kruse GWS Auctions sale will include the replica “Taj Mahal” necklace Elizabeth Taylor made with Avon as well as a costume piece Marilyn Monroe wore.

Pandora Promotes GM to Chief of Retail Operations
MajorsMar 27, 2023
Pandora Promotes GM to Chief of Retail Operations

Massimo Basei is moving up, while Chief Commercial Officer Martino Pessina is stepping down.

Piece of the Week: The $5.8M Patek Philippe ‘Sky Moon Tourbillon’
AuctionsMar 24, 2023
Piece of the Week: The $5.8M Patek Philippe ‘Sky Moon Tourbillon’

Sold by Christie’s Hong Kong, this masterwork of complications now holds the record for most expensive watch ever auctioned online.

Movado Predicts Declining Sales Amid ‘Volatile’ Retail Environment
FinancialsMar 24, 2023
Movado Predicts Declining Sales Amid ‘Volatile’ Retail Environment

The watch company expects first-quarter sales to fall as much as 15 percent due to inflation and tough comps.

Lightbox Promotes General Manager to COO
Lab-GrownMar 24, 2023
Lightbox Promotes General Manager to COO

Adam O’Grady, general manager of the Lightbox Lab, has taken on the new role and will report directly to Lightbox CEO Antoine Borde.

Which Brands Do Watch Enthusiasts Love Most? Chrono24 Takes a Look
WatchesMar 23, 2023
Which Brands Do Watch Enthusiasts Love Most? Chrono24 Takes a Look

The watch marketplace gathered data from 1.3 million collectors, highlighting the most popular timepieces and exploring value appreciation.

Burgundy Diamond Backing Out of Ellendale Mine Deal
SourcingMar 23, 2023
Burgundy Diamond Backing Out of Ellendale Mine Deal

Burgundy has opted not to exercise its option to buy the mining claims Gibb River Diamonds currently owns.

GCAL Introduces 8X Cut Grade for Proprietary Cuts
GradingMar 23, 2023
GCAL Introduces 8X Cut Grade for Proprietary Cuts

Patented and specialty cuts now can receive an 8X Proprietary Certificate, which can be customized to include a company’s brand and logo.

×

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