This week brings the heat! Sustainability discussions meet shopping opportunities meet an icy-hot podcast about the power and purpose of hip-hop jewelry. Our advice? Don’t miss any of it.
LISTEN
The Jewelry District Podcast, Episode 80 (ongoing)
In the latest episode of The Jewelry District, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates speak to Vikki Tobak, author of Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History, and Jules Kim, owner and designer of Bijules Jewelry. Both women discuss how they came up in the New York City club scene and how it influenced their careers. Vikki talks about the early days of hip-hop and how its connection to jewelry began and evolved, while Jules examines jewelry styles that have their origins in African and African American culture, and the beauty of their evolution through time.
BID
Hindman Auction of Gold Boxes: Oct. 18, 10 a.m. ET (in person and online)
Hindman’s sale of “Gold Boxes and Vertu from the Estate of a Prominent Kansas City Collector” includes “a breadth of pieces from the 18th and 19th centuries—snuff boxes, boîtes à portrait, nécessaires, and more—that demonstrate impeccable technical craftsmanship,” JCK contributor Annie Davidson writes in a recent preview. “The pieces—often in gold and adorned with enamel, mother-of-pearl, and other jewels or exotic materials—were typically presented as imperial gifts or purely indicators of wealth.” Retailers, is there a better way to present your jewels? We think not!
ATTEND
Gem X x The Jewelry Edit x Diwali: Oct. 17, 4 p.m. ET (in person)
Diwali, India’s magnificent Festival of Lights, takes place on Oct. 24, but you can celebrate in advance with the crew from Gem X and The Jewelry Edit. TJE founder Rosena Sammi is hosting the exclusive launch of the site’s “India Edit” collection at her pop-up shop at 485 Fifth Avenue. The collection features five cutting-edge Indian designers: Hanut Singh, Studio Renn, Estaa, Agaro, and Misho. Attendees will also be able to enjoy a tasting of the Vikas Khanna x Elements Truffles Signature Holiday Truffles with chocolatier Alak Vasa.
IAC Webinar on Why Climate Matters: Oct. 19, 12:15 p.m. ET (online)
Initiatives in Art and Culture offers a solutions-based approach to challenges facing the precious metals, gem, and jewelry trades. IAC founder and president Lisa Koenigsberg and Richline Group’s chief marketing officer, Mark Hanna, are joined on this “Why Climate Matters” webinar by John Mulligan, director and climate change lead at the World Gold Council, and Kirsten Hund, head of carbon neutrality at the De Beers Group.
Stuller x GCAL Webinar on Lab-Grown Diamonds: Oct. 19, 2 p.m. ET (online)
On this webinar, GCAL and Stuller discuss the benefits of 8X Lab-Grown Diamonds, a premium option in the lab-grown marketplace that comes with an interactive GCAL grading certificate.
MJSA Webinar on Tips to Troubleshoot Production Challenges: Oct. 20, 1 p.m. ET (online)
If you’ve hit some snags in your production process, you may want to sit in on the MJSA’s latest webinar, “Troubleshooting Tips for Smoothing Out Production.” Presenters will offer both established and novel techniques for improving your production efficiency and quality. ($50)
Plumb Club Webinar on Adopting a Sustainability Strategy: Oct. 20, 1 p.m. ET (online)
In its latest webinar, “How Retailers Can Add Business Value Through Adopting a Sustainability Strategy,” the Plumb Club invites executives from the Responsible Jewelry Council—including interim executive director John Hall, senior standards manager Suzanne Brooks, and assistant standards and training manager Charlotte Stanbridge—to discuss the ways in which sustainability has enhanced their retail members’ business and sales. Attendees will also learn a practical step-by-step approach to help implement sustainability into their business strategy.
SHOP
Space 85 Pop-Up at The Jewelry Library in NYC: Oct. 20–21 (in person)
The jewelry collective and online retailer Space 85 is staging its first pop-up at The Jewelry Library at 1239 Broadway (Suite 800) in New York City this week. The curated collection will feature artisan jewelry handcrafted by emerging artists in New York—including Alex Story, i seira, Laura Caspi, Lori Anne Designs, Mejia Jewelry, Patricia Kolodny, Ruth Edelson, Sandrine B. Jewelry, Shari K. Stadel, and Susan Hamilton Meier. Stop by to meet the designers, enjoy a drink or light bite at Thursday evening’s “Sip and Shop Reception,” and, of course, peruse the merch. On Friday at 2 p.m., the designers will be answering questions submitted to them when people RSVP.
Ethical Gem Fair NYC: Oct. 20–22 (in person)
For the first time, the Ethical Gem Fair is coming to New York City. The three-day event will be held at Brooklyn Metal Works, a metalsmithing studio and gallery, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Organized by the Ethical Gem Suppliers, a collective of like-minded gemstone suppliers who share a commitment to responsible sourcing and transparency throughout the gemstone supply chain, the fair will also feature educational talks each morning from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Baltimore Art, Antique & Jewelry Show: Oct. 20–23 (in person)
Billed as “the most comprehensive collectors event in the mid-Atlantic region,” the Baltimore Art, Antique & Jewelry Show returns to the Baltimore Convention Center this week for its 40th edition. Antique and estate jewelry is featured prominently among the show’s vast selection of furniture, American and European silver, major works of art, Asian antiquities, porcelain, Americana, glass, textiles, and contemporary fine crafts.
Top: One-of-a-kind Flower Child ring with Australian opals and conch pearl center in 18k rose gold, $14,900; Emily P. Wheeler
Follow JCK on Twitter: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Facebook: @jckmagazine
