Editors

The Nerdy Jewelry I Found at New York Comic Con

EditorsOct 08, 2019

The Nerdy Jewelry I Found at New York Comic Con

Associate Editor Lenore Fedow trekked her way through New York Comic Con to find some of the nerdiest jewelry the convention had to offer.

20191008_NYCC_Blog_header_image.jpg
A display of enamel necklaces at Tasty Peach Studios’ booth at New York Comic Con, featuring characters created by head artist Ryan Zanfei.
I am the resident nerd here at National Jeweler, so when New York Comic Con rolled around, I was first in line to cover the event.

For those unfamiliar with Comic Con, it’s not like the nerd conventions of yesteryear with the collapsible card tables and a few Trekkies slinging comic books.

New York Comic Con is a massive, four-day event, attracting hundreds of thousands of fans each year.

The show floor is packed with exhibitors, selling everything your little nerd heart could ever want, from books and T-shirts to posters and other collectibles.

Downstairs is Artist Alley, where some of the most talented comic book and graphic novel artists gather to showcase their work, which is available for purchase.

The list of scheduled events includes educational panels, celebrity meet-and-greets, early movie screenings and cosplay (costume) contests.

Excitedly, I hopped on the uptown 7 train Thursday afternoon and headed over to the Javits Center for day one of the annual pop culture convention.

My main objective was to visit Citizen, which invited National Jeweler to check out its new collaboration with Marvel. You can read the full story here.

The watch company unveiled two new, limited-edition Marvel watches in celebration of the comic company’s 80th anniversary.



The Spider-Man watch is limited to 1,962 pieces, a reference to the year Spider-Man was introduced ($450).
The Spider-Man watch is limited to 1,962 pieces, a reference to the year Spider-Man was introduced ($450).
I tried on both during my visit to the booth, and, while I liked the Marvel 80th Anniversary watch, the Spider-Man watch stole the show for me.

It photographs really well, but it’s even better up close. The full-color Spider-Man really pops against the gray comic book panel background.

After my stop at Citizen, I spent the rest of the afternoon walking around the show floor.

When I say walking, I mean very slowly inching my way through a massive crowd, breaking free from the pack here and there to stop at booths that caught my eye, including a list of jewelry booths I wanted to visit.

I ran into some fellow nerdy friends along the way, which made my quest much easier; they’d spot the jewelry booth I was looking for and together we’d strong-arm our way over there, dodging foam axes and full backpacks.

My first stop was at Tiny Top Hats, a North Carolina-based company specializing in handmade hats.

The hats, ranging in price from $40 to $50, are works of arts, but the pocket watches are what grabbed my attention.

The pocket watches, a nod to the Mad Hatter’s tea party in Alice in Wonderland, retail for $20, but are complimentary when buying a tiny top hat.

Though the hats are crafted by hand, the pocket watches are from an outside supplier, said a worker behind the booth.

Tiny Top Hats had a wide selection of pocket watches on display, including some with a steampunk flair.
Tiny Top Hats had a wide selection of pocket watches on display, including some with a steampunk flair.


My next stop was at Tasty Peach Studios, a bright and colorful booth lined with adorable plush figures.

Based in Mishawaka, Indiana, the boutique started as an Etsy shop in 2007 and now sets up shop at more than 70 conventions a year, according to its website.

Head artist Ryan Zanfei brings a touch of anime and nerdiness to the enamel trend through her cute and cuddly drawings.

Zanfei designs the characters herself, giving each its own personality, then sends the drawings to an outside company that turns them into pins and necklaces.


These enamel necklaces feature Tofusagi, a cuddly tofu bunny, swinging from a hibiscus flower, and Udon Kitten, a ramen-loving cat, paws-deep in a bowl of ramen.
These enamel necklaces feature Tofusagi, a cuddly tofu bunny, swinging from a hibiscus flower, and Udon Kitten, a ramen-loving cat, paws-deep in a bowl of ramen.


The necklaces retail for $12 while the pins sell for $6 to $12.

Next, I headed over to RockLove Jewelry’s booth, where I was greeted by a life-size gargoyle chair with a line of people waiting to take a photo sitting on it.

The line to see its jewelry was twice as long, wrapping through the booth and back onto the show floor.

Founder Allison Cimino started the company in 2008, after spending time learning about accessory design in Florence, Italy and sharpening her business acumen in New York’s Diamond District.

The company inked licensing deals with Disney, Marvel and Star Wars to create jewelry featuring iconic characters and motifs.

This limited-edition Boba Fett ring even features the recognizable dent in the character's helmet ($135).
This limited-edition Boba Fett ring even features the recognizable dent in the character's helmet ($135).


Its booth featured Disney princess jewelry, from Sleeping Beauty to The Little Mermaid, as well as characters from Alice in Wonderland, Frozen, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Aladdin and Winnie the Pooh.

I found an opening in the crowd and approached the showcase with the brand’s new, limited-edition Star Wars jewelry. Only 1,000 pieces of each design will be made.

The pieces come in a signature Star Wars collector’s box with metallic silkscreen art inside, made to look like a theatrical movie screen.

Boba Fett, a fierce bounty hunter, was brought to life, Mandalorian armor and all, in this sterling silver, hand-painted enamel ring.  This Wicket the Ewok necklace made me smile as soon as I saw it. Something about his fuzzy little paws grasping that big spear tugged at my heart strings.

The Wicket pendant is three-dimensional, made of solid sterling silver with faceted black crystal eyes.


This Wicket the Ewok necklace shows the warm and cuddly side of the brave warrior who joined the Rebellion to fight against the Empire ($135). (Photo courtesy of RockLove Jewelry)
This Wicket the Ewok necklace shows the warm and cuddly side of the brave warrior who joined the Rebellion to fight against the Empire ($135). (Photo courtesy of RockLove Jewelry)


My last stop was at Pearl Odyssey, a Connecticut-based company with a booth selling handmade pearl jewelry beside a large fish tank, complete with its own castle inside.

The jewelry buying experience here was an interactive one, complete with a pair of tongs and an oyster shucker.

Interested attendees could pick an oyster straight from the tank and open it to reveal the pearl inside. The pearl was then cleaned, measured and placed in a setting of your choice.

The simple pearl jewelry ranges in price from $45 to $125.

During my time with National Jeweler, I’ve been to a handful of trade shows and events, and I’ve seen my fair share of breathtakingly beautiful gems and jewelry.

Whether I’m looking at a six-figure ring or a $10 costume piece, I love to see how self-expression manifests itself through jewelry.

If you can tell me a story or give me an experience to remember, you can sell me almost anything.

The jewelry sellers at New York Comic Con didn’t bring all the fancy-shmancy bling I’m used to seeing, but they brought the fun and excitement in spades.

Until next year, live long and prosper!
Lenore Fedowis the associate editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.

The Latest

Future Fortune sapphire ring
TechnologyMar 28, 2024
Pinterest’s 2024 Wedding Report Is Out

The report shows that couples are searching for vintage and antique rings, gold jewelry, pearls, and colorful pieces.

David Ettinger
IndependentsMar 28, 2024
David Ettinger of Bechdel Jewelers Dies at 69

He’s remembered as a “font of passion,” leaving behind a legacy of dedication to his craft and community.

Jewelers of America logo
IndependentsMar 28, 2024
JA to Host Series of Learning Workshops

The first one will take place next month during the Jewelers of Louisiana’s and Mississippi Jewelers Association’s conventions.

Jewelers of America Fly In Washington, D.C.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your Business

For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Madison Avenue NYC store
WatchesMar 28, 2024
Peek Inside Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Revamped NYC Flagship

The redesigned boutique features interactive displays and a workshop space for hands-on learning about watchmaking.

Weekly QuizMar 28, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Take the Quiz
Asian Star’s diamond manufacturing facility in India
SourcingMar 27, 2024
Compliance, Caution, and Concern: The Current Outlook of Indian Diamantaires

There is a willingness to comply with new government-mandated regulations, with an insistence that they should be practical and realistic.

Kira Diam solar plant
Lab-GrownMar 27, 2024
Indian Lab-Grown Diamond Manufacturers Keep Growing

A combination of factors is driving growth in the industry despite the precipitous drop in prices across the board.

BTYB-HoBrothers-updated.png
Brought to you by
The Scalable, Professional, and Effortless Solution for High-Demand Custom Jewelry Retailers

Ho Brothers offers scalable solutions for the future of custom jewelry.

Bharat Ratnam, a Mega Common Facilitation Centre (CFC)
SourcingMar 27, 2024
Reinvigorating SEEPZ, the Epicenter of India’s Studded Jewelry Exports

The zone’s modernization will enhance and increase India’s jewelry manufacturing capabilities while aiding small and mid-sized businesses.

SRK Empire and SRK House
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
SRK Exports’ Journey Toward Net Zero Impact

By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.

Georgia May Jagger Tommy Hilfiger ad campaign
FinancialsMar 27, 2024
Movado’s Full-Year Sales Sink 11%

The company plans to invest $25 million in marketing initiatives to boost awareness around its namesake and licensed brands.

Hand holding shopping bags
SurveysMar 27, 2024
Consumer Confidence Held Steady in March

Optimism about the current state of the economy was offset by anxiety around inflation and the political environment.

Bernadette Mack
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
Mercury Free Mining Hires Bernadette Mack

The former WJA executive director is MFM’s new managing director.

April Is Diamonds Do Good Month
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces Its April Initiative

DDG encourages retailers to educate customers on the positive impact of purchasing natural diamonds.

Tiffany & Co. With Love, Since 1837
MajorsMar 26, 2024
Tiffany & Co. Debuts ‘With Love, Since 1837’ Campaign

Highlighting the most iconic Tiffany collections, it’s inspired by the company’s late window designer, Gene Moore.

National Jeweler columnists Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams
ColumnistsMar 26, 2024
Creative Connecting: AI Tools and Tips for Social Media

Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen explore how jewelers can save time and money by using AI to analyze engagement and create content.

Nordstrom Men’s Store New York City
MajorsMar 26, 2024
Nordstrom May Go Private, Says Report

The retailer previously turned down an $8.4 billion offer in 2018.

Interior of Miami Lakes Jewelers
IndependentsMar 26, 2024
Miami Lakes Jewelers to Close After 37 Years

The Florida store’s owner Miguel Gonzalez is retiring.

 International Gemological Institute
GradingMar 26, 2024
IGI Announces Tech for ID’ing Lab-Grown Colored Diamonds

The lab stresses the importance of accurate identification, as the difference in price is “substantial.”

Kendra Scott lab-grown diamond jewelry
CollectionsMar 25, 2024
Kendra Scott Debuts Lab-Grown Diamond Fashion Jewelry

The brand also plans to expand its retail footprint from 138 to 200 stores over the next three years.

Instappraise logo NAJA logo
Events & AwardsMar 25, 2024
NAJA, Instappraise Offering Scholarships for Aspiring Jewelry Appraisers

One is reserved for a NAJA member, the other for a non-member.

Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice
MajorsMar 25, 2024
Borsheims Announces New VP of HR, Assistant Manager

Longtime employees Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice have received promotions.

My Next Question graphic vintage jewelry webinar
Recorded WebinarsMar 22, 2024
Watch: How to Buy and Sell Vintage Jewelry

Three guests joined National Jeweler and Jewelers of America to discuss trending time periods, spotting reproductions, and more.

Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere
MajorsMar 22, 2024
David Yurman Announces New CFO, Chief People Officer

Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere join the company with 50 years of combined experience.

Nakard pyrite earrings
CollectionsMar 22, 2024
Piece of the Week: Nakard’s Pyrite Earrings

The trendy, metallic earrings wink at classic spring colors.

Stock image of police cars with their lights on
CrimeMar 21, 2024
Sparks Fly as Burglars Lose Safe on California Freeway

JSA said a man and woman pulled the safe out of an Oakland jewelry store but couldn’t quite get it into their van.

Grizzly Mining rough emeralds
SourcingMar 21, 2024
Grizzly Sells 4,145-Carat Emerald for Over $1M

The miner’s March auction generated $19 million.

×

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