LUXURY Privé’s new Manhattan digs recall an earlier era of jewelry shows

With new dates and a tony new venue, the LUXURY Privé New York show, taking place July 27–29, is poised to bring the industry full circle. The intimate event, which has moved to The Waldorf Astoria this year, recalls a time in the early 1950s, when the luxury hotel hosted the first New York Jewelry Show.

“Privé New York brings back the nostalgia!” says event director Desiree Hanson, adding that having all the exhibitors in one ballroom (rather than spreading them out across several rooms, as in previous shows) is one of the Waldorf’s key selling points. She’s also looking forward to Scott Lachut’s opening-day keynote presentation. As director of research and strategy for PSFK Labs, a New York City–based trend forecasting agency, he’ll present his findings on the future of retail.

On the show floor, myriad new exhibitors—Ziva Jewels, Cicada Jewelry, The Mazza Co., and Omi Privé—will be showing collections, while returning brands like Mastoloni and Frederic Sage will showcase some of their JCK Las Vegas best sellers.

“We will bring all our new signature items, including tassels, and colors like orange sapphires, blue topaz, and smoky quartz that we introduced this year,” says Ray Mastoloni, partner at Mastoloni.

For Brian Sage, a partner at Frederic Sage in Great Neck, N.Y., attending Privé means presenting more modern and larger engagement semi-mounts. “Bigger rings with 1.5 carat to 2 carat centers have been more popular, maybe because the economy is picking up,” he says. In the fashion arena, the focus is on salable price points in the $995–$3,995 range for self-purchasers.

Meanwhile, attendees won’t want to miss the American Hustle–themed welcome reception at the Waldorf on the first night of the show, from 6 to 8 p.m. Expect a chic, sexy 1970s vibe—and be sure to dress up. “Some of our male exhibitors have even talked about getting a perm for the full effect,” Hanson says.