Events & Awards

JA NY Co-Located with NY Now. Here’s How It Went.

Events & AwardsAug 19, 2019

JA NY Co-Located with NY Now. Here’s How It Went.

Some exhibitors lamented the lack of serious buyers and the extended dates and times, while others called combining the two shows a smart move.

20190819_JANY-header.jpg
For the first time, JA New York’s summer jewelry trade show moved from July to August to co-locate with the NY Now home and gift show. Both shows took place last week at the Javits Center.

New York—This year, the JA New York Summer show made a major change, moving its typical July dates to August to coincide with home, lifestyle, handmade goods and gift show NY Now.

Both trade shows are owned by Emerald Expositions, which also runs the Couture jewelry trade show in Las Vegas.

The co-location of JA New York and NY Now is the second major change implemented by Emerald Expositions this year as it, like so many trade show operators, tries out different tactics to adjust to changing times. Emerald introduced an entirely new show in Las Vegas this year aimed at emerging lines, Premier.

JA New York and NY Now took place last week, Aug. 11-14, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York, with the former being held on the south end of the convention center’s lower level and the latter occupying the rest of the lower level and the entire top floor. 

While the shows still operated independently, a badge for one show got buyers into both.

JA New York—which had 250 exhibitors this summer, down from about 300 last year–also was extended from three days to four and started an hour earlier than usual, 9 a.m. rather than its traditional 10 a.m., to mirror NY Now.

That was one of the changes that irked some longtime JA New York exhibitors.

A variety of manufacturers and designers interviewed at the jewelry trade show said no one was shopping during the opening hour, with foot traffic only really starting at around 11 a.m.

Not that foot traffic was not great at any point, they said.

“It doesn’t seem as crowded as it used to be,” said Madeleine Stancescu at Royal India USA Inc., parent company of diamond jewelry line Aero Diamonds.

Royal India USA has exhibited at JA New York for around 40 years and Stancescu personally for 15.

“Each year seems to get worse,” she said.

It didn’t help that Royal India had the wrong name on the outside of their booth. “Our customers weren’t able to find us,” she said.

Another brand that asked to remain anonymous lamented: “A lot of people don’t even know this side of the show exists.”

These companies were one of several that took issue with their booth locations in the wake of the move to the Javits Center’s lower level southside; brands accustomed to being

at show entrances were now in different locations they felt were unequal to previous placements.

Lika Behar said her customers were able to find her “despite my horrible location because I did a great job of reaching out to them before the show.”

The designer said she didn’t form any new buyer relationships but did very well overall, selling a lot of one-of-a-kind pieces.

For some brands, the jewelry trade show was all about affirming existing relationships or reconnecting with old contacts.

Jan Wong of Majestic Pearl returned to JA New York this summer after five years away, when his business pivoted to focus on online sales and moved its operations from New York to Secaucus, New Jersey.

Prior to the move, Wong had been exhibiting for more than 20 years at JA New York, and said being away hurt his business.

“The sales weren’t good,” he said of his first show back, “but our goal was to recover lost connections,” which he did. Wong also plans to move his business back to New York to be closer to his customers.

He noted that fellow exhibitors with whom he spoke at the show also said sales weren’t good.

The majority of JA New York exhibitors National Jeweler interviewed said the same.

Many noted that they didn’t benefit from having NY Now buyers in attendance, as they were more interested in placing personal orders—buying a piece here and there to wear themselves at prices under retail—than ordering notable quantities for their stores.

Tony Marciano of Quality Gold noted that for the first time in the company’s 35 years of attending the show, it had to implement a purchase minimum to keep away customers doing personal shopping. (Normally, there’s no purchase minimum for Quality Gold’s 25,000 jeweler customers around the country, he noted.)

“The combined shows did not benefit the real JA New York jewelers,” Marciano said.


Necklaces by Eden Presley seen at the JA New York Summer show. The brand’s designer Gwen Meyers was among the exhibitors at the jewelry trade show who benefitted from its co-location with NY Now.

Though many companies complained to National Jeweler about meager foot traffic and fewer serious buyers present, the influx of NY now attendees did boost business for some.

Eden Presley’s Gwen Meyers said she thought it was “a smart move” co-locate with NY Now and Evocateur Jewelry’s Barbara Innamorati said that “the first two days were humming with lots of good traffic.”

“There was definitely a buzz in the aisles that we haven’t seen at shows for a while now,” she elaborated via e-mail after the show. “We had a good mix of reorders from our existing customers, in addition to new customers.

“I think co-locating with NY Now was a good strategic move as we saw several types of retailers that we usually don’t see at JA NY: museum stores and higher-end gift stores.”

Innamorati said posting better signage throughout Javits and having all JA New York exhibitors in one hall, as opposed to the two neighboring halls, would improve the show.

Asked for comment on the show, Drew Lasky, JA New York’s show director, said: “Overall, we’re pleased with our first co-location with NY Now. As with all of the events we produce, we’re continually seeking feedback from both exhibitors and attendees, and making strategic decisions that we hope will enhance their show experience at future events.

“In partnering with NY Now for the first time, we had the opportunity to establish what went well, and what areas can be improved upon, and we will be in ongoing conversations with our show advocates throughout the year in order to determine what changes we can implement in order to improve our next summer event.” 

NY Now does boast its own roster of fine jewelers, brands like Variance Objects and Ila. They said the show went well, as usual, and they didn’t notice any significant changes in co-locating with JA New York.

A representative for JA New York confirmed that next summer, the jewelry trade show will again co-locate with NY Now and run for four days, Aug. 9-12, 2020.

Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

Stafford’s Diamonds closing ad
IndependentsMar 14, 2025
Stafford’s Diamonds in Ohio to Close After 40 Years

The Dayton-based jeweler, which has been in business since 1985, was formerly known as Stafford Jewelers.

Sorellina’s Aries Zodiac Pendant
CollectionsMar 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Sorellina’s Aries Zodiac Pendant

The piece, celebrating birthdays from March 21 to April 19, debuted with Sorellina’s new line of astrological pendants.

Tanishq Atlanta store
MajorsMar 13, 2025
Tanishq Opens 2 New Stores in the U.S.

The Indian jewelry brand recently opened stores in Atlanta and Seattle.

Supplier Spotlight -Recorded-Webinar.png
Brought to you by
Watch: GIA Field Gemology at the One-Hundredth Expedition: A Look Back and to the Future

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

Woman wearing Brilliant Earth jewelry
FinancialsMar 13, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s 2024 Sales Struggled Amid Engagement Recovery

CEO Beth Gerstein shared its most popular price points, what’s trending in non-bridal fine jewelry, and its holiday performance.

Weekly QuizMar 14, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Chopard Insofu emerald collection
CollectionsMar 13, 2025
Chopard Unveils High Jewelry Collection Created From 6,225-Carat Emerald

The 15 pieces were crafted from the “Insofu” emerald, discovered in Zambia in 2010.

Chris Anderson
MajorsMar 13, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Names New CFO, Treasurer

Chris Anderson is joining the insurance provider as the new chief financial officer and treasurer.

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.

Jewelers of America’s new natural and lab-grown diamond brochure
Lab-GrownMar 13, 2025
JA Offering Some ‘Counter Intelligence’ on Diamonds

Jewelers of America is distributing a brochure for retailers to use when discussing the differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds.

A rough diamond and a polished diamond
SourcingMar 12, 2025
5 Factors That Will Impact the Diamond Industry in 2025

The industry is changing as it grapples with new realities around distribution, supply, and the need for consistent, effective marketing.

New Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council Chairman Kirit Bhansali
SourcingMar 12, 2025
Q&A: New GJEPC Chairman Kirit Bhansali

Bhansali discusses the potential impact of U.S. tariffs, demand for diamonds by market, and the “cautious confidence” in India right now.

Limelight Lab Grown Diamond store in India
Lab-GrownMar 12, 2025
Beyond Jewelry: Possibilities in the Lab-Grown Diamond Sector

As lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.

Diamonds Do Good honoree Govind Dholakia at medical camp
SourcingMar 12, 2025
Indian Leader, Retailer Among 2025 DDG Honorees

Govind Dholakia and Tanishq will be recognized for their contributions to the industry at the Diamonds Do Good Awards in Las Vegas.

Marla Aaron Liberty London Shop-in-Shop
IndependentsMar 12, 2025
Marla Aaron Migrates to London

The New York City-based brand has opened its first U.K. location with a permanent shop-in-shop at Liberty in London.

Medieval sapphire bishop ring
AuctionsMar 12, 2025
A Medieval Bishop’s Sapphire Ring Is Going Up for Sale

A metal detectorist discovered the ring that is believed to have belonged to a bishop in the late 12th to early 13th century.

Jewelers Vigilance Committee annual luncheon 2025 logo
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2025
Bogolo Joy Kenewendo to Speak at Annual JVC Luncheon

Kenewendo, Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, will discuss the future of diamonds.

Jaythan Lawrence Gilder and body scan
CrimeMar 11, 2025
Man in Florida Swallows Allegedly Stolen Tiffany & Co. Jewelry

The suspect allegedly stole almost $800,000 worth of diamond jewelry from a store in Orlando and then swallowed it during a traffic stop.

Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams
ColumnistsMar 11, 2025
Creative Connecting: How to Pose on the Red Carpet

Ahead of the Gem Awards on Friday, Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share pro tips for taking the best photos.

Marco Bicego 25 Years Campaign Isabeli Fontana
CollectionsMar 11, 2025
Marco Bicego Celebrates 25 Years With Collection, Campaign

Founded in 2000, Marco Bicego is commemorating its milestone anniversary with a “25 Best” collection and campaigns honoring its heritage.

Hill & Co The List
TechnologyMar 11, 2025
Hill & Co. Launches New B2B Buyer Database

Those attending the company’s upcoming Zoom workshop will receive early access to “The List,” its new resource for finding buyers.

Amy-Elise Signeavsky GIA
Events & AwardsMar 11, 2025
JSA to Honor GIA Employee at Annual Luncheon

The organization will present an award to Amy-Elise Signeavsky, law enforcement and diamond recovery manager at GIA.

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.

The Jewelry Symposium 2025 Scholarship Winners
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Announces 2025 Scholarship Winners

Ahead of its trade show in May, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to five up-and-coming jewelry industry professionals.

Gem Awards New York City
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
These Designers, Journalists, and Retailers Are Up for a Gem Award

The 2025 Gem Awards are set to take place Friday at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.

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.

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.

×

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