WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.
TrendsMar 14, 2019
Designers From 18 Countries to Showcase at MAD
The Museum of Arts and Design’s annual contemporary jewelry sale and exhibition is happening in April.
Jewelry crafted in a diverse array of mediums will be on display at the Museum of Arts and Design’s upcoming “Loot: Mad About Jewelry” sale, like this piece from Mariko Kusumoto.
New York—The Museum of Arts and Design’s 19th annual “Loot: MAD About Jewelry” sale and exhibition will showcase a truly diverse group of contemporary design voices next month.
Hailing from 18 different countries, 55 artists—most of whom are exhibiting in New York City for the first time—will display their contemporary jewelry to the public.
Among the various jewelry artists and designers exhibiting will be Selvaggia Armani of Italy, who creates necklaces and brooches as part of her textile work. Armani is set to create hand-painted leather jewelry on-site during the show.
Also in attendance will be Mariko Kusumoto. Born in Japan and based in Massachusetts, Kusumoto manipulates fabric into unique three-dimensional forms through a proprietary heat technique.
She creates jewelry and sculpture this way, and has even collaborated with Jean-Paul Gaultier, who featured Kusumoto’s creations alongside his spring/summer 2019 gowns during Paris Haute Couture Week. 
The exhibiting jewelers’ work only gets more conceptual from there. Taiwanese artist Heng Lee explores the intersection of nature and the digital world through jewelry that incorporates downloaded images, laser-cut metal and embroidery, while Scotland-based Wanshu Li incorporates ultraviolet-reactive nylon and fluorescent paint into her jewelry that provides a different effect when viewed beneath UV light.
Loot Curator Bryna Pomp said that this year’s exhibition features many young artists, including four recent graduates of La Escuela de Arte 3, in Madrid, Spain, as well as more precious jewelry rendered in gold with precious stones than in the past that she called, “exceptionally original in design.”
“LOOT reflects the core of MAD’s mission to celebrate the creative process and connect audiences to contemporary art and design,” Loot 2019 co-chair Marsy Mittlemann said. “It presents an extraordinary opportunity for artists and viewers to interact with one another and engage in conversations around the work.
Her co-chair, Joan Hornig, echoed this, saying, “No other exhibition in the world brings viewers into contact with the diversity of design and designers showcased each spring at MAD. It is the perfect venue for both serious and first-time collectors to engage with global talent and purchase unique pieces of wearable art at every price point.”
As it has since 2016, a jury will choose one artist or designer to receive the Loot Acquisition Prize. A piece from that artist will become a permanent part of MAD’s jewelry collection.
The 2019 exhibition will run April 9 through April
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
13, with a special opening benefit on April 8.
To purchase tickets for the benefit, visit the MAD museum website or contact Rebekka Grossman at 212-299-7712 or rebekka.grossman@madmuseum.org.
To purchase tickets for the benefit, visit the MAD museum website or contact Rebekka Grossman at 212-299-7712 or rebekka.grossman@madmuseum.org.
More on Trends
The Latest
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your SecretsThe “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic OfficerIn her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.
Weekly QuizApr 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerOrganizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
SourcingApr 09, 2026
AGA To Honor ‘Quiet Leadership’ With New AwardThe Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Oris Names New CEO, CFOThe Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.
CollectionsApr 08, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30 Years By Asking a QuestionThe “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.
SourcingApr 08, 2026
Sale of 42-Carat Blue Diamond Gives Petra a Boost in Q3The big diamond’s sale added to the company’s revenue though the market remains “challenging” overall, particularly for smaller goods.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
AGS Confluence Returns with AI, Sustainability SessionsRob Bates of The Jewelry Wire will also moderate a panel on the state of the jewelry industry during the virtual event.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
TJS to Honor 2 Longtime Former Stuller EmployeesThe Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.
MajorsApr 07, 2026
QVC Group’s Latest Filing Calls Its Future Into QuestionThe retailer failed to file its annual report on time and said it may issue a going concern warning.
ColumnistsApr 07, 2026
Peter Smith: A Tip to the Post Office on Workplace CultureSmith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.
GradingApr 07, 2026
GIA CFO David Tearle to Retire in June John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Nerd Out Over Gemology Geek’s First Jewelry CollectionFounder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Ukrainian Jewelers Highlighted In New Book“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Fope’s New Jewelry Debuts Are Golden“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.
MajorsApr 06, 2026
Kecia Caffie, Corinne Bentzen No Longer With Signet JewelersSignet confirmed that Caffie, president of Zales and Banter, and Bentzen, who headed Blue Nile, have left the company.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Historian Tanzy Ward Pens Book on Black Victorians’ JewelryThe antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.
SourcingApr 06, 2026
Gemfields Reports $51M Loss in 2025Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Taylor Swift’s ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ Video Puts Jewelry Front and CenterIconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.
MajorsApr 03, 2026
Saks Global Says It Will Emerge From Bankruptcy This SummerThe luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.
Events & AwardsApr 03, 2026
JCK Luxury, NouvelleBox Partner on New Designer BallroomThe NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Buddha Mama Brings Its ‘Moon’ Locket To DallasThe one-of-a-kind locket, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal three hidden images to keep close to your heart.
