Store at MAD Adds Fine Jewelry

As we’ve long contended, fine jewelry is an art form. And now one of New York City’s preeminent institutions, the Museum of Arts and Design, is reinforcing that idea. For the first time ever, the Store at the Museum of Arts and Design has introduced fine jewelry from artists who hail from all over the world. Called “Redefining Fine Jewelry,” the collection features handmade work from Lika Behar, Denise Betesh, Roule & Company, Tony Malmed, Hannah Blount, Lilly Fitzgerald, Serhat Geridonmez, Joan Hornig, Todd Pownell, and Suneera. All of the designers use the highest-quality precious metals and nontraditional gemstones and the pieces have unique stories. “What sets us apart from a Barneys or a Bergdorf is the reinterpretation of fine jewelry to a younger crowd,” explains Franci Sagar, vice president and director of retail and brand development at MAD, noting people embraced the idea of buying fine jewelry at a museum immediately. “They want to express their individuality.” Sagar goes on to say the museum is in a unique position to give these artists a venue in New York City where brick-and-mortar real estate is prohibitively expensive. “It’s giving a marketplace to a whole new genre,” she says. “We are able to give a voice to these people.”