Modern Jewelry Trends

Whether you are a jewelry designer or jewelry retailer, whether you are a passionate fashionista or a newfound recessionista, we could all use a little spring business inspiration and education.

On Friday, March 6, 2009, the Women’s Jewelry Association will host its sixth annual “Women in the Know” Conference at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Actress and jewelry designer Jane Seymour will deliver the conference’s keynote address entitled “Translating Talent in the Arts to Jewelry.” Perhaps most recognized for her TV role as Dr. Quinn, Seymour recently created the “Open Hearts by Jane Seymour” fashion jewelry collection for Sterling Jewelers.

Other presentations during this year’s conference include sessions on strategies for succeeding in a downward economy; how research can improve business; creating a sustainable career; and using on-line social networks to promote your products or services. There will also be a lunch presentation by some of the women of The New York Times best-selling book The Necklace: Thirteen Women and the Experiment That Transformed Their Lives, by Cheryl Jarvis.

If you still haven’t gotten your fill, an afternoon keynote panel discussion entitled “Passion with Purpose” will be comprised of a selection of women who have successfully built their businesses while making contributions to important charitable, social, and environmental issues. Panelists include Lita Asscher of Royal Asscher of America, Janet Goldman of Fragments, and designer Kendra Scott.

Women in the Know runs from 8:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday, March 6, 2009, and is open to all industry professionals. Pre-registration is $200 for WJA members (prior to February 27) and $225 for non-members. For more information, call (708) 361-6266 or visit www.womensjewelry.org.

1stdibs, an on-line marketplace for furniture and home accessories, has such a following among collectors that many visit every Wednesday, when new items are posted on the site. Now 1stdibs is entering the jewelry market, offering a marketplace of estate and new jewelry and watches from dealers and designers, including Kentshire Galleries, Tony Duquette, A La Vieille Russie, Camilla Dietz Bergeron, Julius Cohen, and others. Like the furniture selection, items are offered by dealers and sorted by physical location, so you can search the inventories of dealers in New York, Philadelphia, or London only if desired. You can contact the dealer directly to negotiate or get more information. The new jewelry marketplace is potentially as addictive as the furniture version for collectors of specific types of jewelry or eras. Unlike eBay, the quality is uniformly high, but then again so are the prices.