Two fantastic news items for you today. First, i had the best time at the New York City Jewelry and Object Show. Secondly, it is returning in a couple of weeks.!
So don’t despair if you missed these treasures in November, because you’re about to get another chance in April!
What was the November New York City Jewelry and Object Show like, you might ask? Don’t worry, I’m going to show you.
Why is the New York City Jewelry and Object Show unique and exciting for jewelry lovers? The NYCJAOS, unlike most major jewelry shows, was created by jewelry enthusiasts for jewelry enthusiasts. Konstantinos Leoussis was a jewelry lover himself and is also an antique jewelry dealer, talented designer, and respected jewelry collector.
NYCJAOS was created by someone with experience in both exhibiting and shopping at shows. This ensures that the show is designed to take into consideration both the dealer’s and shopper’s experiences. Booth sharing and lower booth fees allow small-time dealers to participate. Delicious food is also available on site, so shoppers can browse and shop all day.
The November New York City Jewelry and Object Show was a three-day event. I met many dealers and shoppers, and I kept hearing the same thing: This show had the most positive vibes I’ve ever experienced. The show was relaxed and friendly, with a manageable number of attendees. It felt welcoming to everyone.
Enough talking! Now I’ll show you my jewelry.
We’re going to kick things off with TWO TIARAS, just so that you immediately understand how great the New York City Jewelry and Object Show was (you know how much I love a tiara).
This vintage beauty is a small classic tiara with hairpins to anchor it in your glamourous updo. Ishy antiques, my friend, gave me this immediately after I arrived at their booth. You get me.
The second piece was more unique and required a close-up. This piece is characterized by alternating malachite and pearl drops (!!!) A textured golden spiral sits atop this piece.
I’ve never seen anything quite like this piece. What are these little malachite figures and why are there on this tiara??? I’m utterly delighted and I am dying to know who created this piece back in the day and why.
While we’re on the subject of antique jewels so good that I’ve never seen anything like them before (of which there were several at the New York Jewelry and Object Show), how about this Victorian era snake necklace from Halle’s Jewels?
I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Victorian snake necklaces in this style before, but I’ve never ever seen such a pristine, opulent one in person. Look at that flawless blue enamel, the enormous, lush colored gemstones in the snake’s head, the perfection of its sinuous gold scale-like links! Big swoon.
New York City Jewelry and Object Show is also home to contemporary art and jewelry dealers as well antique jewelry vendors. This makes for a fun and diverse shopping experience.
Eyeba NYC is one of the modern brands that caught my attention (heh). This contemporary designer makes jewelry out of real prosthetic eyes – both vintage blown glass eyes and more modern prosthesis – and the results are both eerie and beautiful.
And now for something completely different…what do you think of this incredible piece?
It’s a bit of an enigma, so while the dealer, DK Bressler, thinks the majority of the piece dates to the Arts & Crafts movement, it’s possible that parts of it may be earlier or later – the amethyst briolette was likely a later addition and I do wonder if that stunning enamel-adorned pearl could be from an earlier piece.
What a wonderful collection of glowing gems! This kind of jewelry mystery is my favorite.
Yes, S is the first initial of my last name, and no, I can’t remember why I didn’t buy this absurdly beautiful S monogram turquoise, diamond, and pearl pendant from Sandy Jacobs Antiques.
It’s spectacular. It may have been even more spectacular originally? Are you able to see the empty loops on the bottom of both the longest turquoise swags? I wonder what was there originally. Pearl drops, perhaps?
The November New York City Jewelry and Object show was the first time since the pandemic that I’ve gotten to see a lot of my favorite antique jewelry dealers, including the inimitable Grace of Jewels by Grace. She gave me a big hug and placed her diamond headband over my head. I was then allowed to touch everything in her case.
Art Deco rings are my favorite. Who could resist two such beauties? The only drawback is that it’s nearly impossible to choose between them. Perhaps that’s how I managed to walk away without them.
Grace of Jewels, by Grace, was kind enough to allow me to try the beautiful old mine cut diamond earrings Grace wore that day.
I think they are badass when worn the same way. This photo shows 14 carats worth of diamonds in one earlobe. Can you believe it?
Also, aren’t they perfect with my own antique paste riviere? That’s a personal collection piece I’ll be taking to my grave.
What about Victorian diamonds and old Victorian jewelry? Keyamour’s earrings are incredibly glamorous.
These beauties are articulated, so the garlands of diamonds that the hands are clasping actually sway back and forth with the wearer’s movement. Add to that all the luscious old diamonds and the hands ruby rings and I’m swooning.
Keyamour’s booth was in the front row of the New York Jewelry and Object Show. So I had the opportunity to look inside her cases each day as I walked through. It was a great relief to finally catch her without being mobbed so I could try out these earrings.
I have a particular weakness for masquerade jewelry, and this antique locket from Marilyn & Co. is an exceptional example of the genre.
Look at the detail: the gray and white strands of the lady’s hair, the lighter lace or silk edging at the hem of her black mask, the sparkle of her diamond eyes! If I was the lucky caretaker, I’d spend all day looking at it and making up stories of who she could have been or what she may have done while disguised.
I have an entire Pinterest board dedicated to maskrade jewelry. Click here to see it.
This exquisite brooch caught my eye immediately from where it was glowing quietly in the display case at Abbot & Austin’s New York City Jewelry and Object Show booth. This brooch features my favorite stone: vibrant green demantoid garnets.
Isn’t that color extraordinary? I bet a lot of people would assume these are emeralds, but they’re actually garnets doing what garnets do best.
Pat Novissimo from Lowther Antiques is another international dealer who I was happy to see, for the very first time after the pandemic. Pat is a legend in the antique jewelry industry, and for good reason: her collection of exceptional older antique pieces – think Georgian and earlier – is unparalleled.
Pat allows very few of her pieces to be photographed as she mostly sells them to other dealers. But she was gracious enough to allow me to document some, such as this early enamel pendant with religious symbols.
If you were worried my “balancing too many rings on one hand” skills had gotten rusty, don’t worry – I’ve still got it!
Aren’t these diamond and pearl rings lovely? They’re all vintage and antique finds from Abbot & Austin, and they all go beautifully with my own wedding set (if I do say so myself).
This Edwardian Dream is from Basilio Jewelry. I met this dealer at the New York City Jewelry and Object Show.
This piece is a perfect example of all that I love about the jewelry of this era. The delicate platinum work, perfectly woven pearls and the elegance of the bow inspired platinum details on the pearl chain are just a few of my favorites.
Before I returned it, I did spend some time stroking these smooth woven pearls. The riviere belongs to me.
If you’re looking for that same Edwardian feeling in a piece of jewelry that’s accessible to a wider range of budgets, may I draw your attention to this little beauty from Marilyn & Co.?
It has the same dreamy light-as-air Edwardian style and a deliciously lumpy pearl, but it’s a pendant suitable for daily wear, rather than a giant showstopping sautoir.
Now a jump backwards in time 130 years or so…to these absolutely wonderful antique Iberain bow earrings from Sandy Jacobs Antiques. I love this style and I know many of you do too – Iberian earrings are incredibly collectible and they’re getting harder to find every day.
These babies are my favorite because of the chunky, lush emeralds. They look like they’ve just been recovered from a shipwreck and I mean that in the BEST way.
The only way I could show this extraordinary treasure by DK Bressler was as a collage. I had to see it from every angle.
It’s a vinaigrette, a jewel that opens up to reveal a hidden compartment covered with a decorative screen. When confronted with unpleasant odors, the wearer could open the vinaigrette to smell the scent through the screen.
What a stunning enamel! This is a vinaigrette queen.
There are so many more treasures from the New York City Jewelry and Object Show that I can’t possibly show you all of them…so here’s a slideshow of some of the ones I didn’t have time to properly feature here.
And if you’re keeping track at home: yes, my friends, the New York Jewelry and Object Show is the first time I’ve successfully covered a multi-day jewelry show since my health collapsed in 2018.
My last attempt was in early 2019…and I came home from that trip so sick that I couldn’t remember most of what I’d seen and I needed six weeks in bed to recover. I’m so grateful for the progress that I’ve made since getting my real diagnosis and working with the right doctors.
The way I travel to shows has changed dramatically over the years. I now have to do daily physical therapy in hotel rooms, use wheelchairs at airports, wear compression socks and braces hidden under my clothes. I also rely on clients to ensure I have everything I need (thanks Konstantinos!)), getting infusions to keep my energy up, and constant invaluable help from Mr. DitL (the world’s best assistant and husband).
Even though I had to learn new ways to do things, it feels great to be able return to something I love.
It’s enough about me!
Are you planning to take a trip of your own for the next New York City Jewellery and Object Show in 2024? It’s returning to the Metropolitan Pavilion April 18-21, 2024. On their website, you can find out more information or buy tickets via Eventbrite.
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