Happy New Year! I hope you had a joyous holiday season and that your 2022 is off to a great start! I Industry reports have indicated that fine jewelry sales saw exceptional growth throughout 2021 and without a doubt, the jewelry created by many of our exhibiting companies played a big part in sparking consumer demand.

The two companies showcased in this month’s Company Spotlight have long been a go-to resource for retailers wanting to source the exact product that their clients are seeking. For over 40 years, A&P Afarin has been servicing its clients with both fashion and bridal jewelry that appeals to a wide range of tastes and styles. H.J. Namdar boasts three generations of experience in offering exquisite diamond essential jewelry to its loyal clientele, including a collection of authorized Forevermark jewelry. Both companies go above and beyond expectations in offering exacting customer service to their long-standing retail partners, ensuring the continued growth and prosperity of our industry as a whole.

After a brief stint away, in July of 2021, Mark Lind rejoined Emerald as JA New York Group Show Director. Prior to joining the JA New York team, Mark was part of the Emerald Design and Medical groups for close to 5 years and boasts over 15 years of experience working in live events. A well-rounded trade show executive, since joining JA New York, Mark has begun to quickly familiarize himself with JA New York exhibitors and attendees and has embarked on understanding the fine jewelry industry as a whole. One of his primary goals is to meet each of you in person at our upcoming events and in one-on-one meetings throughout the year.