Editors

Gramming NY Now: 7 Top Designs

EditorsAug 28, 2017

Gramming NY Now: 7 Top Designs

Here’s what our Associate Editor deemed worth Instagramming from the recently concluded trade show.

When I was at the NY Now trade show last week, the exhibitors with whom I spoke said traffic was lacking at the Javits Center, likely a result of the show’s relocation of the Handmade section, which houses most of the contemporary jewelry designers.

Hopefully visitors will be more familiar with the new layout come February 2018 when NY Now returns, because there is much to be discovered from the quality group of artisanal designers who exhibit at the show regularly.

Marian Maurer had a cornucopia of gemmy goodness to share, all set in her signature matte finish. She showed me lavender spinels and Gemfields rubies so vibrant she characterizes them as “hot pink.”

I was particularly taken with the below stacks of Gemfields emeralds and Montana sapphires. No two of the sapphires Maurer has sourced are exactly alike in shade--the combination of these variant hues in a single eternity band is striking.


Adel Chefridi has amassed a small collection of carved gemstones that he brought to NY Now, set into pendants and rings.

I admired the bold gold and diamond ring setting he created for the carved tourmaline pictured and how the lines of the former echo the latter.


The resurgence of the hoop earring has been one of 2017’s top jewelry trends, and I love seeing how different designers make the jewelry staple their own.

I saw the below hoops at Page Sargisson’s booth. Sargisson infused the saleable style with some of her signature design elements: bold stones, in this case a pair of spinels, which were mismatched in color, and tactile 18-karat gold in which you feel the maker’s touch.


I took the opportunity to catch up with a few brands at NY Now that I missed during Couture. One of them was Ila, designed by Texas-based brother and sister duo Vikas and Ila Sodhani.

My take on Ila’s design MO is that they perfect classic jewelry pieces, creating the perfect cocktail ring or the perfect gold band (and I think they’ve done it, more on that in a future article on their new Boyfriend Band), making endless minute adjustments until they’ve deemed a piece just right.

Vikas said the gold bracelet with trillion-cut diamonds, pictured here, was the show’s most popular item and it’s easy to see why--it’s a little classic and a little edgy, and it doesn’t get better than
that beautiful matte finish. The single diamond bracelet next to it is the Ila version of the perfect minimal cuff.


Speaking of brands I didn’t see in Vegas, Instagram images of the new Polly Wales skulls and locks have been haunting me ever since my overly ambitious schedule led me to miss my appointment with the designer at Couture.

I went to NY Now hoping to get to the Polly Wales booth first, but the new Handmade section setup left me a little disoriented and I was distracted by several shiny things, so I only finally arrived at the Polly Wales booth when it was being packed up for the day.

So I did what any jewelry-obsessed editor would do--I went back the next morning so I could finally hold the lock pendants in my hand. I did, and it was magic. Particularly the multicolored sapphire version.


I wrote about Garnish when they were a part of JCK’s Rising Stars in Las Vegas this year.

Designer Caitlin Royal uses actual food items to create the molds for her jewelry, like cardamom seed pods.

Her rosemary leave pieces are still my favorite. The natural texture of the herb is extremely elegant translated into gold and not at all obvious.


I’m excited to visit Lori McLean’s store in the East Village of Manhattan. McLean is completely inspired by antique design. She cherry-picks her favorite antique finds to create contemporary versions that give a nod to the past but are utterly timeless.

I was particularly entranced with this kite-shaped diamond ring. McLean repurposed the diamond from an antique piece and gave it new life with a mixed metal look.

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

The Latest

Tiffany & Co. Love Is a Gift Campaign and David Yurman The Joy of Extraordinary Memories campaign
MajorsNov 10, 2025
Jewelers Focus on Love, Joy In 2025 Holiday Campaigns

Tiffany & Co., David Yurman, and Pandora have launched holiday campaigns depicting their jewelry as symbols of affection and happiness.

Hand holding holiday shopping bags
SurveysNov 10, 2025
5 Things Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This Year

The National Retail Federation is bullish on the holidays, forecasting retail sales to exceed $1 trillion this year.

The Rainbow Collection Christies
AuctionsNov 10, 2025
300+ Colored Diamonds Up for Auction at Christie’s

Late collector Eddy Elzas assembled “The Rainbow Collection,” which is offered as a single lot and estimated to fetch up to $3 million.

roseco-catalog.png
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line Catalog

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

Foundrae Palm Beach Location Exterior and Founder Beth Hutchens
IndependentsNov 07, 2025
Foundrae’s New Palm Beach Location Is a ‘Golden Solarium’

The brand’s seventh location combines Foundrae’s symbolic vocabulary with motifs from Florida’s natural surroundings.

Weekly QuizNov 06, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Watches of Switzerland Mall of America store
FinancialsNov 07, 2025
Watches of Switzerland’s H1 Sales Up 8%

The retailer also shared an update on the impact of tariffs on watch customers.

AGTA Spectrum winners
SourcingNov 06, 2025
Pink Tourmaline Bracelet, Emerald Suite Take Top Spectrum Honors

Pink and purple stones were popular in the AGTA’s design competition this year, as were cameos and ocean themes.

20-Under-40-2025-LV.png
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America Aligns New Mission to Create Meaningful Impact for Members

From educational programs, advocacy, and recent MJSA affiliation, Jewelers of America drives progress that elevates businesses of all sizes.

G. St x Jewel Boxing Raffle for City Harvest Graphic
IndependentsNov 06, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Hosts Raffle Supporting Food Rescue

All proceeds from the G. St x Jewel Boxing raffle will go to City Harvest, which works to end hunger in New York City.

Courtney Cornell
IndependentsNov 06, 2025
Cornell’s Jewelers Names New President

Courtney Cornell is part of the third generation to lead the Rochester, New York-based jeweler.

Trucks at Orapa diamond mine
SourcingNov 06, 2025
De Beers’ Production, Sales Increase in Q3

De Beers also announced more changes in its upper ranks ahead of parent company Anglo American’s pending sale of the company.

Ulrich Wohn
WatchesNov 05, 2025
Shinola President Steps Down Just as He Starts

Former Signet CEO Mark Light will remain president of Shinola until a replacement for Ulrich Wohn is found.

Artifex White Diamond, Fancy Dark Yellowish Brown Diamond, and Blue Sapphire Rings
AuctionsNov 05, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Designer Makes Her Auction Debut

Kindred Lubeck of Artifex has three rings she designed with Anup Jogani in Sotheby’s upcoming Gem Drop sale.

Tyla Pandora Talisman collection
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Pandora Posts Modest Q3 Sales Growth Amid ‘Weak’ Consumer Sentiment

The company focused on marketing in the third quarter and introduced two new charm collections, “Pandora Talisman” and “Pandora Minis.”

Brilliant Earth Jane Goodall Peace Medallion
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q3 Sales Climb 10%

The jewelry retailer raised its full-year guidance, with CFO Jeff Kuo describing the company as “very well positioned” for the holidays.

US Supreme Court
Policies & IssuesNov 04, 2025
Supreme Court to Hear Tariffs Case Wednesday

Ahead of the hearing, two industry organizations co-signed an amicus brief urging the court to declare Trump’s tariffs unlawful.

Stuller Inc.’s Danny Clark, Matt Stuller, and Belit Myers
MajorsNov 04, 2025
Danny Clark to Become Stuller CEO, Succeeding Matt Stuller

Stuller COO Belit Myers will take on the additional role of president, with all changes effective at the start of 2026.

Headshot of National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsNov 04, 2025
Peter Smith: What Do Birds Have to Do With the Price of Gold?

Smith cautions retailers against expending too much energy on things they can’t control, like the rising price of gold.

Mellerio Jardin Pierreries Necklace
TrendsNov 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Fall Colors for November Birthdays

Citrine and topaz are birthstones fit for fall as the leaves change color and the holiday season approaches.

Weston Jewelers Fort Lauderdale store rendering
IndependentsNov 04, 2025
Weston Jewelers Heads to Fort Lauderdale

The family-owned jeweler will open its fourth store in Florida in late 2027.

Two of the three suspects in burglary at Queens jeweler’s home
CrimeNov 03, 2025
Men Dressed as Construction Workers Burglarize Jeweler’s Home

The NYPD is looking for three men who stole a safe and jewelry valued at $3.2 million from the home of a jeweler in Jamaica Hills, Queens.

Matthew Rosenheim
MajorsNov 03, 2025
Matthew Rosenheim Takes Over as JA Board Chair

The trade organization also announced its executive committee and five new directors.

Muse’s Have a Heart x Diamonds Do Good Collection on Flaviana Matata
CollectionsNov 03, 2025
Muse’s ‘Have a Heart’ Collab Returns, Now With DDG

The “Have a Heart x Diamonds Do Good” collection is championed by model and humanitarian Flaviana Matata and will benefit her foundation.

Christies Kashmir sapphire ring
AuctionsNov 03, 2025
Kashmir Sapphire Ring Tops Christie's Online Auction

The ring, set with a nearly 17-carat Kashmir cabochon sapphire, sold for $1 million.

Heavenly Vices Mother Father Spinner Necklace
TrendsOct 31, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Spinner Fit for ‘Frankenstein’

This “Mother Father” spinner necklace from Heavenly Vices Fine Jewelry draws inspiration from Victorian Era jewelry.

Interpol Stolen Works of Art Database, The Louvre Museum Graphic
CrimeOct 31, 2025
5 More Arrested in Louvre Heist, Jewelry Still Missing

The suspects were rounded up in Paris and its suburbs on Wednesday night, but none of the stolen jewels were recovered with them.

My Next Question webinar graphic
Recorded WebinarsOct 31, 2025
Watch: How to Master Google Reviews for Your Business

Experts share top tips on how to encourage positive reviews and handle negative feedback.

×

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