We recently announced that MJSA’s renowned Expo is being reimagined as a pavilion within the JA New York show floor, beginning at our Spring 2025 event. Taking place March 16-18th at the Jacob Javits Center, the addition of the MJSA Showcase pavilion will provide greater convenience to both exhibitors and attendees of JA New York, literally breaking down the walls of our previous co-locations.
We have always prided ourselves on our longevity serving the industry; with a history that dates back over 100 years, JA New York is a well-entrenched go-to for connecting designers, manufacturers and brands with motivated buyers from across the globe. MJSA’s legacy in servicing the needs of anyone who designs, makes or repairs jewelry, coupled with its storied past, perfectly aligns with our show’s vision for creating a robust and comprehensive marketplace catering to the nuanced needs of our entire industry.
We caught up with MJSA’s President and CEO, David Cochran, to learn more about MJSA’s past, to get his perspective on the benefits of partnering with JA New York, and to hear about some of his favorite New York City moments (hint: they involve food!).
JA New York: Can you give us some background about MJSA Expo? When did it start? What was the motivation behind organizing an expo? We’d love some detail about Rhode Island’s status as the “birthplace” of jewelry manufacturing in the U.S.!
David Cochran: The MJSA Expo in New York dates back to 1968, but MJSA’s “Expocentric” dedication to connecting buyers and sellers goes back much further than that. As you note, Rhode Island, along with southeastern Massachusetts (specifically the Attleboro area), was at one time the “fashion jewelry capital”—as far back as the late 1800s that region led the nation in the commercial production of costume jewelry, notably silver as well as plated and gold-filled pieces. Even then, MJSA (or New England Manufacturing Jewelers’ Association, as it was known at the time) was dedicated to exhibitions—it actually sponsored an exhibit of jewelry at the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago.
MJSA’s first actual “Expo” took place in 1959 at the Sheraton-Biltmore Hotel in Providence, Rhode Island. The motivation—not just to connect buyers and sellers, but to create a true community experience—obviously resonated: That first show filled up more than two floors and attracted fashion jewelry manufacturers from across the country, and Expo Providence went on to become an annual event. By the 1960s, MJSA had grown well beyond its New England roots, and in 1968 it established a new Expo at the old Americana Hotel in New York City, which was a powerhouse in fine jewelry. For decades after, the two were a powerful one-two combination connecting buyers and sellers throughout the industry. By the early 2000s, Expo New York had become the primary and sole showcase for both fashion and fine jewelry suppliers to the trade. That legacy now lives on in the MJSA Showcase pavilion at JA New York.
What is the primary purpose of the MJSA Showcase at JA New York? We’d love a brief snapshot of your exhibitors and attendees.
DC: In short, MJSA Showcase provides those who design, make, and repair jewelry with what they need to do their work: the latest-generation tools and technologies, superior supplies, and expert services. Our exhibitors offer everything from alloys, findings, and chains to the equipment needed to turn those basic elements into finished creations. The pavilion also includes some of the finest subcontractors who can provide their skills and expertise wherever needed. As you can imagine, the Showcase attendees encompass a wide swath of the jewelry industry—recognized volume manufacturers, designers and artisans making one-of-a-kind jewelry, even retailers offering custom work and bench services. They appreciate the chance to see the latest innovations. They also value the accumulated wisdom of our exhibitors, who can help with specific problems and offer practical business advice. The MJSA Showcase will help you to “make it” in every way.
Why is it beneficial to have an MJSA Pavilion in NYC?
DC: As the world capital of commerce, New York City exudes a unique energy the minute you step out of a taxi, and that energy translates to transacting business. And as the jewelry capital of the U.S., there is no better place to transact business! As the old adage says, “Go where the buyers are,” and New York City definitely has the buyers—some of the top U.S. designers and manufacturers are located there. Our exhibitors, especially those from outside the region, like New York because they can tie in their show appearance with visits to clients in the city and surrounding region. Add in the access to world-class cuisine and culture, and it’s a no-brainer to be in New York City.
From your perspective, what are the benefits of partnering with JA New York?
DC: From the first year we began co-locating with JA New York, we saw the difference it made to have our two complementary shows unite in a way that encompassed the entirety of the jewelry experience, from raw materials to finished lines. Some of our members thanked us for offering a “one-stop shopping” experience—and that experience will only be enhanced by having our pavilion right on the show floor. Everything will now be within a few steps.
Can you tell us three words you’d use to describe New York City?
DC: Energizing; unlimited opportunity
Do you have a favorite NYC restaurant? A favorite experience? A favorite NYC moment you can share with us?
DC: Locally, I love Keen’s Steakhouse. Its rich history as a pipe-smoking club, with a membership that has included Babe Ruth, Teddy Roosevelt, and Albert Einstein, makes it uniquely interesting.
I’m also excited by and looking forward to the reopening of other longtime favorites that sadly closed due to the pandemic—in particular, the 21 Club. One of my favorite memories of NYC was my first visit to “21,” on my 21st birthday, and touring its Prohibition-era wine cellars. They were hidden behind a brick wall—if one cellar was discovered, there was a second concealed cellar under the adjoining building! There’s only one New York.
