If you’re not too tuckered out from your adventures at JCK Tucson and your final destination after the show is in the New York City area, plan a visit to Metal & Smith on Monday, Feb. 5.
Over the course of a few seasons, the intimate jewelry trade show has successfully cemented its rep as a venue for emerging designers and low-profile lines hoping to grow their retail presence. A unique feature of the Winter 2018 edition of the show is a special section devoted to alternative bridal jewelry, perfect if you’re looking to pick up a new collection or a one-of-a-kind engagement ring for a specific client.
Dubbed The White Row, the assortment gathers eight hand-picked designers that are as far from mass-market as you can get. And while this octet may be petite, it also promises to be a nexus of the latest engagement ring trends.
With names like Everett from NYC and Point No Point Studio from Seattle, The White Row largely represents the tastes of the young and hip, making any of the designers a smart addition to your portfolio of bridal brands. Will 2018 be the year you add moss-green sapphires and salt-and-pepper diamonds to your offerings? Better keep an open mind.
As in previous years, Metal & Smith will convert to a pop-up shop model open to the public for one day only on Feb. 6. The show’s producers are counting on considerable consumer traffic, mainly due to the designers getting the word out via their Instagram feeds. This is where their current customer base resides, and Metal & Smith is a chance for fans and followers to meet the talent, handle the rose-cut diamonds and handmade recycled gold settings in person, and, perhaps, be compelled to buy on the spot in preparation for a Valentine’s Day proposal.
Below, a sneak peek at what to expect.
Sullivan Engagement Ring with rose-cut diamond and 0.20 cts. t.w. accent diamonds in 14k yellow gold, $3,950; Everett
Madeline Engagement Ring in 14k rose gold with 1.15 ct. salt-and-pepper diamond, $2,183; Point No Point Studio
Deep Blue Sapphire Sun Ring with 2.45 ct. oval sapphire and pear-shape accent diamonds in 14k yellow gold, $2,000; Yuliya Chorna Jewellery
Stacked from top to bottom: pear-shape white topaz engagement ring in 14k yellow gold, $440, rose-cut diamond wedding band in 14k yellow gold, $1,850, and 18k yellow gold band $1,200; Anna Cavalheiro Fine Jewelry
(Top: Atticus engagement ring with 1.15 ct. old mine cut diamond center stone, shown with Luceat and Stella Luceat stacking bands, all in 18k rose gold, prices upon request; Vena Amoris Jewelry)
Follow me on Instagram – @aelliott718
Follow JCK on Instagram: @jckmagazineFollow JCK on Twitter: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Facebook: @jckmagazine
