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.

20160720_JANY-new-designers-3santirom.jpg
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

Picture of Terry Chandler, president and CEO of the Diamond Council of America
MajorsMar 10, 2025
Terry Chandler to Retire After 24 Years as Head of DCA

Chandler started his jewelry career at Michelson Jewelers, joining the Diamond Council of America as president and CEO in 2001.

MaeVona King of the Mountains Torc
CollectionsMar 10, 2025
MaeVona Co-Founder Debuts 3D-Printed ‘Tùsaire’ Collection

Scottish American designer Maeve Gillies collaborated with Platinum Guild International on jewelry created by direct metal 3D printing.

Jane Fonda, America Ferrera, Mariska Hargitay, Laura Harrier, Mattia Furlani, Gianvito Martino, Sabina Belli in Pomellato International Women’s Day campaign
MajorsMar 07, 2025
Jane Fonda, Mariska Hargitay Star in Pomellato’s IWD Campaign

The annual star-studded campaign for International Women’s Day encourages collective action against domestic violence.

Facets-of-Fire-Difference-You-Can-See.jpg
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean More

Natural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.

Yeprem Golden Strada Statement Necklace
CollectionsMar 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yeprem’s ‘Golden Strada’ Necklace

The statement piece is seen in Yeprem’s new “You Play the Game” campaign, created for International Women’s Day.

Weekly QuizMar 06, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Kyle Slosson
MajorsMar 07, 2025
Borsheims Names New Senior Security and Facilities Manager

Longtime employee Kyle Slosson has been promoted to the role.

Dan and Hope Wixon with dog
IndependentsMar 06, 2025
Wixon Jewelers to Close After 37 Years

First-generation jewelers Dan and Hope Wixon are retiring and will close their Minneapolis-area jewelry store in May.

ja-btyb-topimage.png
Brought to you by
Have a Plan for Emergencies

Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere , and Jewelers of America has what you need to be prepared for it all.

3.1 Phillip Lim x Guzema Snake necklaces and bracelets
CollectionsMar 06, 2025
Guzema, 3.1 Phillip Lim Collab on New ‘Snake’ Designs

The limited-edition collection, a nod to the Year of the Snake, is Ukrainian brand Guzema’s first partnership with a U.S. brand.

Stephen Barnes
IndependentsMar 06, 2025
Stephen Barnes Is the New Owner of IJO

After more than 50 years, Jeff Roberts is handing over ownership of the organization to IJO President Stephen Barnes.

Borsheims Senior Jeweler Jay Wolff
Events & AwardsMar 06, 2025
Borsheims’ ‘Ike-It’ Award Goes to Jeweler

Senior Jeweler Jay Wolff was named employee of the year.

Neiman Marcus Downtown Dallas flagship
MajorsMar 05, 2025
Neiman Marcus’ Dallas Flagship Store to Close, Confirms Saks Global

The 111-year-old store will close following a dispute among Saks Global, a landlord, and the City of Dallas over a small piece of land.

Rolex “Starship Gold” circa 1980 alien watch
AuctionsMar 05, 2025
Sotheby's To Auction 51 ‘Alien’ Watches

The upcoming “Area_51” watch sale is a collaboration with heist-out, featuring vintage and modern timepieces with futuristic designs.

Jewelers of America logo
MajorsMar 05, 2025
Jewelers of America Unveils 3-Year Strategic Plan

The trade organization, which will mark 120 years of service next year, has a refined focus and a new mission statement.

92NY Building
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2025
92NY Accepting 2025 Jewelry Artist Residency Applications

The application period is now open for established and emerging jewelers and metalsmiths to apply to the month-long residency program.

Nethaniel Fuimaono, Sonny Fuimaono, Aaron Fuimaono, Hanson Dang mug shots
CrimeMar 04, 2025
4 Suspects Arrested in Fatal Armed Robbery of California Jewelry Store

Uc Thí Vo, who co-owned Kim Tin Jewelry in Sacramento with her husband of 40 years, was killed during the November 2024 robbery.

Stock image of a gavel
CrimeMar 04, 2025
NYC Diamond Dealer Pleads Guilty to Lab-Grown Diamond Swaps

Manashe Sezanayev pleaded guilty to grand larceny and is expected to receive five years’ probation when he’s sentenced in May.

For Future Reference Vintage 1940s Necklace
TrendsMar 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Peaceful and Powerful Aquamarine

The March birthstone pairs perfectly with hues of Mocha Mousse, Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2025.

Smart Age Solutions CEO Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsMar 04, 2025
The Smart Lab: Using Online Events to Supercharge Sales

Emmanuel Raheb shares strategies to prepare for, publicize, and engage the audience during events on platforms like TikTok and Zoom.

Doja Cat and Selena Gomez at the 2025 Oscars
EditorsMar 03, 2025
Drop Necklaces, Archival Pieces Take Over at the 2025 Oscars

From Doja Cat to Mikey Madison and Selena Gomez, many of this year’s Academy Awards attendees donned drop necklaces.

Polished diamonds
Policies & IssuesMar 03, 2025
Customs Indefinitely Postpones Requirement to Disclose Country of Mining

Originally slated to take effect in April, official U.S. Customs and Border Protection documents now show the implementation date as “TBD.”

Woman pushing a shopping cart
SurveysMar 03, 2025
Consumer Confidence Fell in February Amid Concerns About the Future

The recent jump in the prices of household staples, like eggs, and the potential impact of tariffs worried consumers.

AGA Gemological Education Scholarship Program Graphic
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2025
AGA Now Accepting Applications for Its Gemological Education Scholarship

The application period for the program is now open for aspiring gemologists around the world.

Porcupine Quilled 3-Band Earrings
CollectionsFeb 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Ironhorse Quillwork Earrings

The work of Indigenous designer Joe Big Mountain, these earrings are similar to the pair Lily Gladstone just wore to the SAG Awards.

Memorial ring for Sir Richard Rainsford
AuctionsFeb 28, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring With Ties to Witch Trial Judge Up for Auction

A metal detectorist uncovered the ring created in memory of Sir Richard Rainsford, who presided over some of England’s last witch trials.

20250228_MNQ 2025 Jewelry Trends Forecast.jpg
Recorded WebinarsFeb 28, 2025
Watch: 2025 Jewelry Trends Forecast

Fine jewelry consultant and publicist Francesca Simons joins Amanda Gizzi and Natalie Francisco to discuss the trends set to rise this year.

Winnie Harlow, Kyle Kuzma, Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry Engagement Ring
TrendsFeb 27, 2025
Model Winnie Harlow Says ‘Yes’ to 3-Stone Engagement Ring

Harlow’s partner, NBA player Kyle Kuzma, worked with Vobara to design the ring, which features oval and pear-shaped diamonds.

×

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