Trends

‘Jewelry in America’ Is the Theme of the ASJRA Conference

TrendsFeb 20, 2020

‘Jewelry in America’ Is the Theme of the ASJRA Conference

The annual history-focused event is scheduled to take place April 4 in New York.

20200220_ASJRA_conference_poppy_brooch.jpg
A Matilija Poppy brooch by Tom Herman/Seven Fingers and Patsy Croft made in gold and plique-a-jour enamel. The Matilija Poppy Brooch project is the topic of a talk Herman will deliver at the 2020 ASJRA conference in April.

New York—The Association for the Study of Jewelry and Related Arts (ASJRA) announced the dates, location and lineup for its 15th annual conference.

It will take place on Saturday, April 4 at the 92nd Street Y, located at 1395 Lexington Ave. in New York. The day begins at 8:30 a.m. with a continental breakfast.

The theme of this year’s conference is “Jewelry in America,” and it is open to anyone who is interested in jewelry and jewelry history. The cost to attend is $350.

Speakers and their topics include the following.

Keynote speaker: Beth Wees, “Jewelry for America.” Wees is the Ruth Bigelow Wriston Curator of American Decorative Arts at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

John Nels Hatleberg, “An Affinity for Gems.” Hatleberg is a conceptual gem artist known for the diversity of his work with jewels and his creation of exact replicas of famous diamonds since 1987.

Jeannine Falino, “The Circle and the Line: Over 70 Years of Designs by Betty Cooke.” Falino is an independent curator and scholar who is putting together a retrospective of Cooke’s work for the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore.

Tom Herman, “Analyzing Plique-a-Jour Jewelry by Marcus & Co. and the Matilija Poppy Brooch Project.” Herman is an artisan goldsmith.

Annamarie Sandecki, “Notably American: Tiffany & Co. Jewelry at the 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle.” Sandecki has been Tiffany’s corporate archivist for 28 years.

Lois Sherr Dubin, “Floral Journey: Native North American Flower Beadwork.” Dubin is known for her books and exhibitions on Native American jewelry, including “North American Indian Jewelry and Adornment.” She served as an expert for a National Jeweler feature on the squash blossom necklace.


James Buchanan Brady, a.k.a. “Diamond” Jim Brady, circa 1900Elyse Zorn Karlin, “The Jewelry of Peter Lindenauer,” “The Work of Robert Lee Morris,” and “‘Diamond’ Jim Brady,” (three mini-lectures). Karlin is co-director of the ASJRA, the author of several jewelry books and a freelance curator.

Jonathan Wahl, “Jonathan Wahl, Artist & Director of the 92nd Street Y Jewelry Program.” A jeweler and artist, Wahl oversees 55 weekly jewelry-making classes at the Y’s metalsmithing studios.

In addition to the conference, ASJRA also offers a study day.

It will be held on Friday, April 3 and includes a curator’s tour of the “Jewelry for America” exhibition at the Met with Wees, a group luncheon and guided tour of the Mt. Vernon Hotel Museum on the east side of Manhattan. The structure was

built in 1799 and operated as a hotel from 1826-1833.

It’s limited to 25 people but as of Thursday, there were still a few spots available, Karlin said.

The Study Day is $350 as well, and a deposit is required to hold a space in either.

For more information or to register, go to JewelryConference.com.
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Jade Ruzzo Tennessee Drop Earrings
CollectionsFeb 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jade Ruzzo’s ‘Tennessee’ Oval Drop Earrings

Heidi Gardner, an SNL cast member, wore the smoky quartz earrings on the “SNL50: The Anniversary Special” red carpet on Sunday.

Rough emerald mined by Gemfields
SourcingFeb 21, 2025
Zambia Lifts 15% Export Duty on Gemstones, Metals

The reversal comes less than two months after the Zambian government reinstated the tax in an effort to bring in more money.

Jeffrey Cohen, Steven Lagos, Michael Benavente, Monica Elias
MajorsFeb 21, 2025
24 Karat Club of New York Names New President

The organization also announced its newly elected officers and directors.

Header Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Get Ready for the JA New York Spring Show

This year will feature a new MJSA Showcase and partnership with Piazza Italia.

A polished diamond in tweezers
SourcingFeb 20, 2025
Anglo Writes Down Value of De Beers by $2.9B

As anticipated, Anglo took another impairment charge on the diamond miner and marketer, which saw revenue sink 23 percent in 2024.

Weekly QuizFeb 21, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
The 2.33-carat fancy red “Winston Red” diamond
SourcingFeb 20, 2025
Harry Winston’s Son Donates Fancy Red Diamond to the Smithsonian

Ronald Winston is giving the 2.33-carat “Winston Red” to the Smithsonian, 67 years after his father donated the Hope Diamond.

Kirit Bhansali
SourcingFeb 20, 2025
GJEPC Names New Chairman, Vice Chairman

Kirit Bhansali, a partner in Smital Gems and chairman of India Jewellery Park, will take on the role of chairman.

Top Image.png
Brought to you by
3 Ways to Capitalize on America’s Newfound Love of Colored Gems

Colored stones are stepping into a jewelry spotlight typically reserved for diamonds—are you ready to sell color?

Alisha Cornett, Nic Faini, Eric Stevens, Seth Shipley
IndependentsFeb 20, 2025
IJO Elects 4 New Board Members

Alisha Cornett, Nic Faini, Eric Stevens, and Seth Shipley have joined the organization’s board of directors for a three-year term.

Brink’s Truck
CrimeFeb 19, 2025
Brink’s to Pay $42M After Admitting to Illegally Transporting Money

The company has to pay the Justice Department and FinCEN for violating the Bank Secrecy Act, the U.S.’s main anti-money laundering law.

The Finsch diamond mine in South Africa
SourcingFeb 19, 2025
Diamond Mining Company CEO Steps Down Amid Sales Slump, Layoffs

Petra Diamonds Ltd. CEO Richard Duffy resigned as the diamond miner reported a 30 percent drop in sales to start its fiscal year.

Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsFeb 19, 2025
The Smart Lab: Maximizing Your Jewelry Brand on Pinterest

Pinterest is a potential gold mine for jewelry brands, Emmanuel Raheb writes, provided they follow these five tips.

Cartier LAX Storefront
MajorsFeb 19, 2025
Cartier Opens New Store Inside LAX

The boutique is the French luxury brand’s first airport store on the West Coast.

Swarovski NYC flagship Ariana Grande collab
CollectionsFeb 19, 2025
Swarovski’s NYC Flagship Celebrates Ariana Grande Collab

The store’s facade now features the iconic swan logo and campaign images of the “Wicked” star.

Stock image of loose polished diamonds
Policies & IssuesFeb 18, 2025
New Customs Requirements for Diamond Imports: What We Know

Beginning in April, companies importing diamonds into the United States will have to list the country in which the diamonds were mined.

 Fabergé Animals
AuctionsFeb 18, 2025
A Menagerie of Fabergé Coming to Sotheby’s

Around 30 whimsical Fabergé animal carvings will go up for auction at Sotheby’s Geneva in May.

Celine Assimon, departing CEO of De Beers Jewellers
SourcingFeb 18, 2025
Celine Assimon Stepping Down as CEO of De Beers Jewellers

Assimon will be leaving at the end of February after nearly five years with De Beers.

Tabayer Men’s Oera Collection Selections
CollectionsFeb 18, 2025
Tabayer Debuts Its First Men’s Jewelry Selections

Designs from the brand’s “Oera” collection have been reimagined with modern masculinity in mind.

Navneet montana sapphire
SourcingFeb 14, 2025
Navneet Gems Now Offering Unheated Montana Sapphires

The wholesale collection features material from the Rock Creek mine in a variety of colors.

Theresa Caputo &LIVY jewelry
CollectionsFeb 14, 2025
Carolyn Rafaelian Partners with ‘Long Island Medium’ Star

The “Divinely Guided” collection, created in collaboration with Theresa Caputo, features symbols that celebrate the power of connection.

Lorraine West Diamond Open Heart Ring
CollectionsFeb 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Lorraine West’s Diamond ‘Open Heart’ Ring

Show some love on Valentine’s Day with this 14-karat yellow gold ring that features pavé diamonds.

Surveillance image of Macy’s jewelry thief
CrimeFeb 13, 2025
Macy’s Employee Foils $1.5M Jewelry Theft

The employee confronted the thief, causing the suspect to flee and leave behind the suitcases full of jewelry.

Namdia rough diamonds
SourcingFeb 13, 2025
Namibian Diamond Co. Suspends CEO, COO After Deadly Heist

Namib Desert Diamonds also put its security manager on leave following last month’s robbery that left one employee dead.

Spectrum and Cutting Edge Buyer’s Choice awards
Events & AwardsFeb 13, 2025
AGTA Announces Buyer’s Choice Award Winners for Spectrum, Cutting Edge

AGTA recently concluded its 2025 GemFair event in Tucson and is already gearing up for next year’s show, set for Feb. 2-6, 2026.

Royal Chain models in 14-karat gold fashion links
CollectionsFeb 13, 2025
Royal Chain Releases Its Spring 2025 Catalog

More than 400 new pieces are featured in the supplier’s latest catalog.

Jewelers Relief Fund logo
Policies & IssuesFeb 13, 2025
Jewelers Relief Fund Reopened to Aid Victims of LA Fires

The fund is collecting money for jewelry businesses damaged by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.

Jean Prounis cushion-cut diamond engagement ring
EditorsFeb 12, 2025
Q&A: Marion Fasel on the History of Diamond Engagement Rings

Fasel discusses researching her new book, the most enduring engagement ring styles, and the diamond shape Taylor Swift will pick.

×

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