The report shows that couples are searching for vintage and antique rings, gold jewelry, pearls, and colorful pieces.
Alexis Kletjian Wins Mort Abelson Award at JA New York
The award is given annually to one jewelry-maker exhibiting in the show’s New Designer Gallery.
New York--Despite the New York City heatwave, which was stealthily creeping into the Javits Center, the mood at the JA New York New Designer Gallery was festive Monday as the Mort Abelson award was announced.
Abelson was the former trade show director of the JA International Jewelry Shows. In 1977 he launched the inaugural New Designer Gallery, which promoted brands that grew to find huge success, including David Yurman, Lagos, Charles Krypell and Penny Preville.
In honor of Abelson’s championing of designers, the award is presented annually to one designer from the gallery.
This year, 20 retailers and editors voted and the winner was … Alexis Kletjian.
“This is the first time I’ve seen my whole collection together,” Kletjian told National Jeweler. “I didn’t realize how ready I was for the show until I had a little push. I feel honored.”
The Pennsylvania-based designer launched her fine jewelry collection in 2011. The daughter of a goldsmith, she originally pursued a career in fashion design, but returned to her jewelry roots after having children.
“I’m very grateful to be included in (the new designer) section along with all of the other designers,” said Kletjian. “The energy is amazing and I was really happy to see so many of my jewelry friends whom I’ve gotten to know over the years. The JA family has been incredibly nice to me and I’m very grateful to Liz because she’s the reason I did the show.”
Kletjian was referring to Liz Kantner, who organized the group of new designers. Kantner took over after the industry lost Cindy Edelstein earlier this year. At last year’s JA New York show, Edelstein said giving the Mort Abelson Award was her favorite five minutes of the year.
Kanter called Edelstein her mentor as she presented the award, and said that “Every single designer who has been curated here is truly amazing. I can’t say enough good things about each and every one of them, their unique aesthetics and the unique things they bring to this industry.”
The Latest
He’s remembered as a “font of passion,” leaving behind a legacy of dedication to his craft and community.
The first one will take place next month during the Jewelers of Louisiana’s and Mississippi Jewelers Association’s conventions.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
The redesigned boutique features interactive displays and a workshop space for hands-on learning about watchmaking.
There is a willingness to comply with new government-mandated regulations, with an insistence that they should be practical and realistic.
A combination of factors is driving growth in the industry despite the precipitous drop in prices across the board.
Ho Brothers offers scalable solutions for the future of custom jewelry.
The zone’s modernization will enhance and increase India’s jewelry manufacturing capabilities while aiding small and mid-sized businesses.
By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
The company plans to invest $25 million in marketing initiatives to boost awareness around its namesake and licensed brands.
Optimism about the current state of the economy was offset by anxiety around inflation and the political environment.
The former WJA executive director is MFM’s new managing director.
DDG encourages retailers to educate customers on the positive impact of purchasing natural diamonds.
Highlighting the most iconic Tiffany collections, it’s inspired by the company’s late window designer, Gene Moore.
Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen explore how jewelers can save time and money by using AI to analyze engagement and create content.
The retailer previously turned down an $8.4 billion offer in 2018.
The Florida store’s owner Miguel Gonzalez is retiring.
The lab stresses the importance of accurate identification, as the difference in price is “substantial.”
The brand also plans to expand its retail footprint from 138 to 200 stores over the next three years.
Longtime employees Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice have received promotions.
Three guests joined National Jeweler and Jewelers of America to discuss trending time periods, spotting reproductions, and more.
Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere join the company with 50 years of combined experience.
The trendy, metallic earrings wink at classic spring colors.
JSA said a man and woman pulled the safe out of an Oakland jewelry store but couldn’t quite get it into their van.
The miner’s March auction generated $19 million.
Helen McCluskey will succeed H. Todd Stitzer when he meets his 12-year term limit in June.