CollectionsApr 17, 2025
John Hardy, Athena Calderone Partner on Art Deco Decor-Inspired CollectionInterior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.
EditorsAug 02, 2012
JA’s New Designer Gallery brings fresh designs to the table
The New Designer Gallery pavilion at the JA New York Summer Show is exciting. The entire show in itself is exciting, with a plethora of designs to see, but the NDG offers show-goers something different--jewelry makers who are truly fresh,...
The New Designer Gallery pavilion at the JA New York Summer Show is exciting.
The entire show in itself is exciting, with a plethora of designs to see, but the NDG offers show-goers something different--jewelry makers who are truly fresh, sometimes exhibiting their collections in a tradeshow setting for the first time, energetic and eager to share what they’ve got. For many attendees, it’s like hearing there’s a new kid in school--everyone wants to find out what they’re all about.
The NDG also has the ability to exponentially launch a designer’s career. Established in 1977 by the late Mort Abelson, the NDG brought to the forefront what today are very well known names in the industry: David Yurman, Penny Preville, Steven Lagos, Etienne Perret and others.
This year’s show saw 12 designers exhibiting for the first time at JANY. Check out their designs below.
Naomi Blumenthal brought her ocean-inspired collection to the show, displaying pieces made in 18-karat yellow gold and based on fossils from the sea.
“It’s really fun to meet the other new designers, they’re unexpected bonds,” Blumenthal says of meeting fellow designers in the New Designer Gallery pavilion. “There’s no competition because all of our styles are so different.”
A cuff by Naomi Blumenthal.
United Kingdom-based designer Polly Wales offers alternative wedding bands and engagement rings made in 18-karat gold with gemstones, “mostly sapphires,” she says. Her technique of casting gems directly into gold result in pieces “that resemble natural gem encrusted forms, like sparkling geodes split open, or discoveries from the deep.”
A ring by Polly Wales.
Russian-born designer Leon Megé took first place this year in the American Jewelry Design Council’s New Talent competition at the JANY Summer Show. Now based in New York, he primarily works in platinum and incorporates vividly colored gemstones into his designs, which range from engagement rings to fashion jewelry.
Mini engagement ring charms by Leon Megé.
Pierre Yves is a Canadian designer working in a range of materials, from 18-karat gold, sterling silver and stainless steel to black lava pearls, amethyst, beryl and sapphires. A teacher at the École de Joaillerie de Montréal, or the Montreal Jewellery School, Yves is influenced by modern architecture and strong lines.
A cuff by Pierre Yves.
Sterling silver designer Bree Richey, who was the winner of the inaugural Future of Design business incubator contest earlier this year, showcased her
newest pieces at the show. Richey’s design aesthetic includes a three-dimensional sidewall, which gives her pieces a unique look.
Bracelet by Bree Richey.
Offering pieces in sterling silver and 14-karat yellow gold, exhibiting brand Liv Haley brought colorful, everyday pieces to the show, including rings, earrings and necklaces featuring semi-precious gemstones and diamonds.
The brand was established by sisters Olivia and Hali Thornhill, who selectively choose the gemstones they include in their designs by features such as color natural inclusions, which “give them character.”
A silver, diamond and turquoise ring by Liv Haley.
Designer Michelle Fantaci versatile pieces that range from delicate and feminine to edgy and geometric. Offering fashion and non-traditional wedding rings, Fantaci also offers custom work in a variety of materials.
Platinum earrings by Michelle Fantaci.
Elizabeth Garvin, who was recognized with the Mort Abelson New Designer of the Year Award at the JANY Summer Show, takes her inspiration from ocean currents and weather patterns she became fascinated with while growing up in New England.
Her pieces, made in sterling silver, gold and palladium with diamonds, are Garvin’s literal translations of growing up on the coast.
A ring by Elizabeth Garvin.
Jennifer Reeves designs in 18-karat gold fused with argentium sterling silver, an alloy consisting of 92.5 percent silver, germanium and copper.
“I took a metalsmithing class and I fell in love,” Reeves said of designing. “I love working in metal.”
Earrings by Jennifer Reeves.
Samantha Louise Larkins of Samantha Louise Designs got her first taste of tradeshow life at JANY, showcasing the 18-karat gold designs of her five-year-old brand. A lover of color, Larkins’ pieces incorporate rainbow and gray moonstone, pink sapphires and aquamarine, to name a few stones.
The designer said her charm necklaces had been very popular at the show.
“We found that the staples are doing awesome, but charms are killing it as well,” she said.
An interchangeable charm necklace from Samantha Louise Designs.
Designer Ralph Masri’s black rhodium-plated sterling silver pieces allow deeply colored gemstones to serve as the centerpiece.
“I wanted to create my own lace patterns and make jewelry from it,” he says. “I love detail, the intricacy and finesse of things, and I wanted my jewelry to reflect this.”
Masri features cabochon gemstones as the focal point of his designs, “to bring them out. I think they’re underrated.”
Ralph Masri’s ring is made in solid 18-karat rose gold.
Designer Jeannie Hwang left the corporate world to pursue her passion of making jewelry, landing an apprenticeship with a master jeweler before opening her own studio in San Francisco, where she is currently based.
Hwang works in 18 and 14-karat gold, palladium, precious gemstones and organic materials such as stingray skin. A more unique element of her designs, however, is the use of inverted diamonds.
“I wanted to do something different, and one day I lined up the diamonds upside down and I liked how it looked,” she says.
Although she designs for both men and women, Hwang says she considers many of her pieces to be unisex.
Hwang’s Eclipse hammered band is made in palladium with inverted princess-cut black diamonds.
More on Editors
The Latest
FinancialsApr 17, 2025
Movado Group to Increase Prices to Offset Tariffs ImpactDuring a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.
Lab-GrownApr 17, 2025
NDC Launches Its Diamond Learning CenterThe free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2025
Jewelers of America Requests Tariffs Testimonials from MembersThe feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.
Weekly QuizApr 18, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TechnologyApr 17, 2025
Technology Therapy Group Expands AI Training for Jewelry RetailersThe online sessions are designed to teach jewelers to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to grow their business.
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Catbird Expands to ChicagoThe opening marks the jewelry retailer’s first location in the Midwest.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
CollectionsApr 16, 2025
Foundrae’s First Commitment Jewelry Collection Unites Through LoveThe “United in Love” collection offers tangible mementos of hearts entwined with traditional and non-traditional commitment heirlooms.
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Indiana Jeweler to Host Black Jewelry Designer Pop-UpRobert Goodman Jewelers will hold a “Black Jewelry Designers and Makers” event on April 27.
MajorsApr 16, 2025
WJA Announces Board Members, New Chicago Chapter PresidentThe announcements follow a tumultuous start to 2025 for WJA, which saw a wave of resignations following controversial statements about DEI.
AuctionsApr 15, 2025
23-Carat ‘Golconda Blue’ Heads to AuctionThe historic fancy vivid blue diamond set to headline Christie’s Geneva sale next month could sell for up to $50 million.
FinancialsApr 15, 2025
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Slip 2 PercentLVMH CFO Cécile Cabanis also discussed the effects of tariffs so far.
CrimeApr 15, 2025
Jon Hamm Plays a Jewel Thief on Apple TV+The “Mad Men” and “The Morning Show” star steals jewelry, art, and handbags from his wealthy neighbors in “Your Friends & Neighbors.”
SourcingApr 15, 2025
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2025 BoardThe organization has reelected Kalpesh Jhaveri as president.
FinancialsApr 14, 2025
Movado to Restate Years of Financials Due to ‘Misconduct’ in Dubai An investigation found that the former managing director of Movado’s Dubai branch overstated and prematurely recorded sales.
CollectionsApr 14, 2025
Sauer Embraces Emptiness Through ‘Ma’ CollectionThe collection pays tribute to the Japanese philosophy of Ma, studying balance, stillness, and the interplay between presence and absence.
IndependentsApr 14, 2025
Illinois Jeweler Closing After 45 YearsMari Lou’s Fine Jewelry in Orland Park, a suburb of Chicago, is closing its doors.
GradingApr 14, 2025
GIA Expands Overseas Services as Tariffs Kick InGIA’s labs in Dubai and Hong Kong are now accepting larger diamonds in light of the “logistical challenges” presented by the new tariffs.
AuctionsApr 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Replica of Princess Grace’s Wedding EarringsThese earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels, featuring the same design as a pair worn by Princess Grace, are up for auction at Woolley & Wallis.
Recorded WebinarsApr 11, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Saving Time With AITwo experts share how artificial intelligence tools can help retailers run a more efficient business.
SourcingApr 11, 2025
Mikimoto Names New President, CEO for U.S. DivisionKentaro Nishimura, who has been with the pearl company since 1997, has been promoted to president and CEO of Mikimoto America.
WatchesApr 11, 2025
Bulova Documentary Now on Amazon Prime“America Telling Time: 150 Years of Bulova” explores the storied history of the American watchmaker.
Policies & IssuesApr 10, 2025
Trump Presses Pause on Higher Tariffs for 90 DaysAn across-the-board tariff of 10 percent remains in place for all U.S. trading partners, except China.
MajorsApr 10, 2025
Brilliant Earth Taps Influencers, Their Moms for Mother’s Day CampaignBrigette Pheloung and Tania Sarin, and their mothers, star in the campaign wearing medallions they co-designed.
MajorsApr 10, 2025
Pary LeVian, Matriarch of the LeVian Family, Dies at 96LeVian is remembered for her unwavering commitment to her family, community, and helping others.
Events & AwardsApr 10, 2025
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Debut This SummerThe retail show is open to the public and will run July 24-27.
