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EditorsNov 13, 2019
19 Events to Check Out at NYC Jewelry Week ‘19
They range from responsible sourcing panels to a peek into a designer’s vault to an insider’s look at the fine jewelry boutiques on Madison Avenue.
Next week kicks off the second annual New York City Jewelry Week event, this one even bigger and better than the inaugural affair.
Held across New York from Nov. 18 to 24, it features more than 130 exhibitions, panels and events, most of which are free and open to the public (though many still require an RSVP, so be sure to check the details on the NYCJW website).
Here are just some of the highlights I thought were worth a mention for the trade (including, for full transparency, two acitivities in which yours truly is part of a panel).
For the full lineup of events, visit NYCJewelryWeek.com.
Talks
1. From Shoppers to Sellers: The Effects of E-Commerce on the Jewelry Business
Monday, Nov. 18 at 9:30 a.m.
Fashion Institute of Technology, 227 West 27th St.
Free
The week kicks off with a breakfast and panel discussion featuring the head of eBay fashion, Nicole Colombo; Dominique Hollins, head of eBay diversity and inclusion; Refinery 29 Fashion News Editor Channing Hargrove; jewelry designer Delphine Leymarie; and JCK News Director Rob Bates.
Topics will include how platforms like Instagram are impacting the e-commerce model, the growth of sustainable jewelry practices, the importance of diverse jewelry designers to today’s consumers, and how AI and machine learning are helping small jewelry businesses.
2. Verdura in New York: Stellene Volandes in Conversation with Ward and Nico Landrigan
Monday, Nov. 18 from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m.
92Y, 1395 Lexington Ave.
$35
This conversation will center on how a father and son brought Coco Chanel’s favorite jeweler back to New York and reinvigorated it to create some of the century’s most iconic jewels.
Tickets must be purchased ahead of time.
3. How to Date Period Pieces: A Guide to Vintage and Estate Jewelry
Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 2 to 3 p.m.
Macklowe Gallery, 445 Park Ave.
Free
During this event, Macklowe Gallery will share tips and tricks on dating antique, vintage and estate jewels from the Victorian era to the present.
Its experts will provide infographics, interactive activities and a how-to lecture about placing a piece of jewelry in history, examining pieces and how to tell if it’s the real thing.
4. Full Circle: Responsible Jewelry Cycle
Friday, Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. to 8:30 pm
Fashion Institute of Technology, 127 West 27th St.
Free
Excitingly, NYCJW is partnering with FIT this year for a full day devoted to responsibility, ethics and sustainability in the jewelry industry, providing a one-day “crash course”
on the challenges that face the global jewelry trade.
It will connect participants with individuals, businesses and organizations working to create a more responsible industry and enable them with tools to move forward through talks and panels, including one this editor is on about Storytelling.
The day will close with the New York premiere of the film “River of Gold,” followed by a panel discussion with its creator and other industry leaders.
Exhibitions
5. Collective Ground: Recent Works by Pratt Jewelry alumni
Monday, Nov. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Pratt Institute, 200 Willoughby Ave.
Free
Curated by Professor Katrin Zimmermann, Collective Ground celebrates the works of Pratt Jewelry alumni and their studio practices.
6. Borrow-Copy-Steal
Monday, Nov. 18 through Saturday, Nov. 23
NYCJW headquarters, 327 Canal St.
Free
During this exhibition, three artists living in different countries and working in different materials will delve into counterfeit, copying and reproductions.
Anna Talbot (Norway), Nikki Coupee (United States) and Isabelle Busnel (France/U.K.) love each other’s work and swap pieces every time they meet. For this project, they go out of their comfort zones to create new pieces that pay tribute to each other’s work.
One of the biggest challenges they want to address? Working in the materials they’re familiar with while still trying to mimic the others’ work.
7. “Naomi Sarna: Stone in Motion” Exhibition Opening and WJA Mix and Mingle
Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Wilensky Gallery, 173 10th Ave.
Free
Naomi Sarna will debut original works at the gallery from Nov. 20 to Dec. 20, showcasing hand-carved jewels inspired by the drapery of fabric and flow of water.
Celebrate the opening of her solo show, where Sarna will speak about her work, on Wednesday night.
8. Greek Jewels at MAD
Wednesday, Nov. 20 to Saturday, Nov. 23
Museum of Arts and Design, 2 Columbus Circle
Free
Greek Jewels at the Museum of Arts and Design will showcase the work of 16 contemporary Greek jewelry designers whose collections reflect the history and craftsmanship of Greek jewelry design.
Each participant will introduce, among their collections, jewels designed under the “Fruits and Symbols” theme.
9. Mulan—New Age Chinese Art Jewelry Exhibition
Monday, Nov. 18 to Saturday, Nov. 23
NYCJW headquarters, 327 Canal St.
Free
The story of Mulan is one about a woman who broke through society’s expectations of her to battle at the front lines alongside men, bringing forth a spirit for challenging traditions and finding new possibilities.
People around the world today still carry on her spirit in every field.
It’s common for many to view Chinese artists in the realm of tradition, like antique porcelain, calligraphy and more, leaving many young Chinese artists and their creations in the dark.
“Mulan” will cast a light on a new type of Chinese contemporary art deviating from tradition—jewelry as an unconventional art medium. It is curated by Meiyi Yang.
10. Rings 1957-2019: Legends and Tales from Athens to New York
Monday, Nov. 18 to Saturday, Nov. 23
Lalaounis Boutique, 31 East. 64th St.
Free
This exhibition looks at rings created by artists across the world as a platform to explore aesthetic and conceptual ideas between studio and fine jewelry.
It includes rings selected by art jewelry collector, curator, and gallery owner Helen Drutt and organized by independent curator Elizabeth Essner; rings from the permanent collection of the Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum; and a selection of new creations designed by Maria Lalaouni.
11. Deceptively Modern Jewelry: A Curated Selection of Historic Jewels and Faberge
Monday, Nov. 18 to Friday, Nov. 22
A La Vieille Russie, 745 5th Ave., 4th Floor
Free
Retailer A La Vieille Russie will showcase a curated selection of works from its recent jewelry exhibition, “Deceptively Modern Jewelry: 1940s to 1980s,” and its collection of European and American antique jewelry, 18th- and 19th-century European gold snuff boxes, and objets de vertu (small luxury objects).
12. Structure and Ornament: Studio Jewelry from 1900 to the Present
Monday, Nov. 18 to Saturday, Nov. 23
Rago/Wright at The High Line Nine, 507 West 27th St.
Free
Auction house Rago/Wright will present a curated collection meant to redefine the studio jewelry movement, including mid-century pieces and Art Nouveau and Art Deco works alongside fine contemporary works of the 20th and 21st century.
13. A Fine Line
Thursday, Nov. 21 to Saturday, Nov. 23
The Elizabeth Collective, 10 West 56th St.
Free
This exhibition features 15 jewelry artists who walk the line between art jewelry and fine jewelry.
After pursuing a passion for jewelry as a fine art and acquiring Art Jewelry degrees, they have successfully transitioned from gallery shows to trade shows. But what motivated them to do so? How have their creations changed and stayed the same as they switched? And how do academics hurt or help their journey?
The showcase will display their pieces created along their journey and will also feature two panel discussions: “The Graduate- Importance of Art School,” in which I will play another part, and “Makers Gotta Make … A Living.”
Tours
14. The House of Paul Morelli
Monday, Nov. 18 to Saturday, Nov. 23
Paul Morelli, 895 Madison Ave.
Free
American jeweler Paul Morelli will offer a retrospective of his 38 years of design at his Madison Avenue boutique throughout the week, sharing insight into the brand’s history through jewelry and archive materials.
15. Catbird Studio Tour
Tuesday, Nov. 19 from 1 to 2 p.m.
Brooklyn Navy Yard, 141 Flushing Ave., Building 77, Suite 903
Free
Catbird is offering a tour at its Brooklyn Navy Yard headquarters of the studio and warehouse, along with a meet-and-greet with founder and co-creative director Rony Vardi and co-creative director Leigh Plessner.
Attendees will get to see Catbird’s small-scale manufacturing process firsthand, observing its production methods and getting a chance to meet the bench jewelers and studio operations teams.
16. NYCJW Presents: The Diamond District
Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Some free events, some have ticketed entry. Visit NYCJW website for more info.
A full day of events is slated for the city’s most important jewelry neighborhood—the Diamond District—offering insights, behind-the-scenes access and the chance to meet with jewelers.
The day’s lineup includes coffee with jewelry designer Marla Aaron, an all-access tour of 47th Street and its history, a tour of Alex Sepkus’ workshop, a selling event with event with Au Showroom and Jocale Studio (two showrooms run by designers for designers), and much more.
Retail/Experiences
17. From Gemstone To Creation: From the Vault of Featherstone Fine Jewelry
Monday, Nov. 18 to Sunday, Nov. 24
Bergdorf Goodman, 754 Fifth Ave.
Free
Join the Featherstone Fine Jewelry team at Bergdorf Goodman for a look at new and archival jewelry from the designer’s collection, rare loose gemstones, and photos and renderings from Deirdre Featherstone’s bench.
Guests also can develop a project with the designer and learn about her process.
The exhibit will be on view in the private viewing room on the main floor of the jewelry salon at the retailer, open to the public during the week and providing an opportunity to understand the process of handmade jewelry and recreate the private client experience.
18. Vintage Goes Modern on Madison Avenue
Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. and by appointment
Free
Madison Avenue serves as the home of the city’s largest and most distinguished collection of independently owned, multi-generation antique and vintage fine jewelry boutiques.
As part of the week, the Madison Avenue Business Improvement District presents “Vintage Goes Modern on Madison Avenue,” offering an insider’s look at the antique and vintage collections on view at Camilla Dietz Bergeron Ltd., Eleuteri, Fred Leighton, Historical Design Jewels at The Carlyle Hotel, Stephen Russell, Stephen P. Kahan & Son Ltd., and Twain Time – Luxury Timepieces & Fine Jewelry.
19. Here We Are – The Marketplace
Thursday, Nov. 21 to Saturday, Nov. 23
The William Vale, 55 Wythe Ave., Brooklyn
Free
“Here We Are” is designed to introduce guests to a diverse group of working jewelers over three days.
Day one will include a curated selection from local jewelers, an exhibition of jewelry-themed art and conversations about New York and jewelry.
Day two will follow with styling and wearing in which guests can join jewelers, influencers and photographers aiming to get the public involved.
And day three will feature a series of one-on-one conversations between designers and professionals from various fields about inspiration, acceptance and style.
It will connect participants with individuals, businesses and organizations working to create a more responsible industry and enable them with tools to move forward through talks and panels, including one this editor is on about Storytelling.
The day will close with the New York premiere of the film “River of Gold,” followed by a panel discussion with its creator and other industry leaders.
Exhibitions
5. Collective Ground: Recent Works by Pratt Jewelry alumni
Monday, Nov. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Pratt Institute, 200 Willoughby Ave.
Free
Curated by Professor Katrin Zimmermann, Collective Ground celebrates the works of Pratt Jewelry alumni and their studio practices.
6. Borrow-Copy-Steal
Monday, Nov. 18 through Saturday, Nov. 23
NYCJW headquarters, 327 Canal St.
Free
During this exhibition, three artists living in different countries and working in different materials will delve into counterfeit, copying and reproductions.
Anna Talbot (Norway), Nikki Coupee (United States) and Isabelle Busnel (France/U.K.) love each other’s work and swap pieces every time they meet. For this project, they go out of their comfort zones to create new pieces that pay tribute to each other’s work.
One of the biggest challenges they want to address? Working in the materials they’re familiar with while still trying to mimic the others’ work.
7. “Naomi Sarna: Stone in Motion” Exhibition Opening and WJA Mix and Mingle
Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Wilensky Gallery, 173 10th Ave.
Free
Naomi Sarna will debut original works at the gallery from Nov. 20 to Dec. 20, showcasing hand-carved jewels inspired by the drapery of fabric and flow of water.
Celebrate the opening of her solo show, where Sarna will speak about her work, on Wednesday night.
8. Greek Jewels at MAD
Wednesday, Nov. 20 to Saturday, Nov. 23
Museum of Arts and Design, 2 Columbus Circle
Free
Greek Jewels at the Museum of Arts and Design will showcase the work of 16 contemporary Greek jewelry designers whose collections reflect the history and craftsmanship of Greek jewelry design.
Each participant will introduce, among their collections, jewels designed under the “Fruits and Symbols” theme.
9. Mulan—New Age Chinese Art Jewelry Exhibition
Monday, Nov. 18 to Saturday, Nov. 23
NYCJW headquarters, 327 Canal St.
Free
The story of Mulan is one about a woman who broke through society’s expectations of her to battle at the front lines alongside men, bringing forth a spirit for challenging traditions and finding new possibilities.
People around the world today still carry on her spirit in every field.
It’s common for many to view Chinese artists in the realm of tradition, like antique porcelain, calligraphy and more, leaving many young Chinese artists and their creations in the dark.
“Mulan” will cast a light on a new type of Chinese contemporary art deviating from tradition—jewelry as an unconventional art medium. It is curated by Meiyi Yang.
10. Rings 1957-2019: Legends and Tales from Athens to New York
Monday, Nov. 18 to Saturday, Nov. 23
Lalaounis Boutique, 31 East. 64th St.
Free
This exhibition looks at rings created by artists across the world as a platform to explore aesthetic and conceptual ideas between studio and fine jewelry.
It includes rings selected by art jewelry collector, curator, and gallery owner Helen Drutt and organized by independent curator Elizabeth Essner; rings from the permanent collection of the Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum; and a selection of new creations designed by Maria Lalaouni.
11. Deceptively Modern Jewelry: A Curated Selection of Historic Jewels and Faberge
Monday, Nov. 18 to Friday, Nov. 22
A La Vieille Russie, 745 5th Ave., 4th Floor
Free
Retailer A La Vieille Russie will showcase a curated selection of works from its recent jewelry exhibition, “Deceptively Modern Jewelry: 1940s to 1980s,” and its collection of European and American antique jewelry, 18th- and 19th-century European gold snuff boxes, and objets de vertu (small luxury objects).
12. Structure and Ornament: Studio Jewelry from 1900 to the Present
Monday, Nov. 18 to Saturday, Nov. 23
Rago/Wright at The High Line Nine, 507 West 27th St.
Free
Auction house Rago/Wright will present a curated collection meant to redefine the studio jewelry movement, including mid-century pieces and Art Nouveau and Art Deco works alongside fine contemporary works of the 20th and 21st century.
13. A Fine Line
Thursday, Nov. 21 to Saturday, Nov. 23
The Elizabeth Collective, 10 West 56th St.
Free
This exhibition features 15 jewelry artists who walk the line between art jewelry and fine jewelry.
After pursuing a passion for jewelry as a fine art and acquiring Art Jewelry degrees, they have successfully transitioned from gallery shows to trade shows. But what motivated them to do so? How have their creations changed and stayed the same as they switched? And how do academics hurt or help their journey?
The showcase will display their pieces created along their journey and will also feature two panel discussions: “The Graduate- Importance of Art School,” in which I will play another part, and “Makers Gotta Make … A Living.”
Tours
14. The House of Paul Morelli
Monday, Nov. 18 to Saturday, Nov. 23
Paul Morelli, 895 Madison Ave.
Free
American jeweler Paul Morelli will offer a retrospective of his 38 years of design at his Madison Avenue boutique throughout the week, sharing insight into the brand’s history through jewelry and archive materials.
15. Catbird Studio Tour
Tuesday, Nov. 19 from 1 to 2 p.m.
Brooklyn Navy Yard, 141 Flushing Ave., Building 77, Suite 903
Free
Catbird is offering a tour at its Brooklyn Navy Yard headquarters of the studio and warehouse, along with a meet-and-greet with founder and co-creative director Rony Vardi and co-creative director Leigh Plessner.
Attendees will get to see Catbird’s small-scale manufacturing process firsthand, observing its production methods and getting a chance to meet the bench jewelers and studio operations teams.
16. NYCJW Presents: The Diamond District
Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Some free events, some have ticketed entry. Visit NYCJW website for more info.
A full day of events is slated for the city’s most important jewelry neighborhood—the Diamond District—offering insights, behind-the-scenes access and the chance to meet with jewelers.
The day’s lineup includes coffee with jewelry designer Marla Aaron, an all-access tour of 47th Street and its history, a tour of Alex Sepkus’ workshop, a selling event with event with Au Showroom and Jocale Studio (two showrooms run by designers for designers), and much more.
Retail/Experiences
17. From Gemstone To Creation: From the Vault of Featherstone Fine Jewelry
Monday, Nov. 18 to Sunday, Nov. 24
Bergdorf Goodman, 754 Fifth Ave.
Free
Join the Featherstone Fine Jewelry team at Bergdorf Goodman for a look at new and archival jewelry from the designer’s collection, rare loose gemstones, and photos and renderings from Deirdre Featherstone’s bench.
Guests also can develop a project with the designer and learn about her process.
The exhibit will be on view in the private viewing room on the main floor of the jewelry salon at the retailer, open to the public during the week and providing an opportunity to understand the process of handmade jewelry and recreate the private client experience.
18. Vintage Goes Modern on Madison Avenue
Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. and by appointment
Free
Madison Avenue serves as the home of the city’s largest and most distinguished collection of independently owned, multi-generation antique and vintage fine jewelry boutiques.
As part of the week, the Madison Avenue Business Improvement District presents “Vintage Goes Modern on Madison Avenue,” offering an insider’s look at the antique and vintage collections on view at Camilla Dietz Bergeron Ltd., Eleuteri, Fred Leighton, Historical Design Jewels at The Carlyle Hotel, Stephen Russell, Stephen P. Kahan & Son Ltd., and Twain Time – Luxury Timepieces & Fine Jewelry.
19. Here We Are – The Marketplace
Thursday, Nov. 21 to Saturday, Nov. 23
The William Vale, 55 Wythe Ave., Brooklyn
Free
“Here We Are” is designed to introduce guests to a diverse group of working jewelers over three days.
Day one will include a curated selection from local jewelers, an exhibition of jewelry-themed art and conversations about New York and jewelry.
Day two will follow with styling and wearing in which guests can join jewelers, influencers and photographers aiming to get the public involved.
And day three will feature a series of one-on-one conversations between designers and professionals from various fields about inspiration, acceptance and style.
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