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This year marks the 40th anniversary of the New Designer Gallery! We’re excited to once again showcase an incredible group of artists within this unique pavilion, and we’re going to introduce each of those artists here on the blog. But before we get to that, we wanted to take a moment to give a little background into the creation of this transformative concept, and also, take a trip down memory lane with some of the New Designer Gallery’s most well-known veterans.

In 1977, when the Director of the JA Show, Mort Abelson, saw a need to breath new life into these events, the concept of designer fine jewelry brands simply didn’t exist. There was a clear divide in the industry—the “big commercial shows” like the JA Show were intended to showcase staples like diamond studs, diamond line bracelets and watches, while jewelry artists were largely relegated to craft and gift shows held in tents and barns in the countryside.

With diligence, patience and what can only be described in hindsight as a clear vision, Mort Abelson sought out the who’s who of jewelry artists and invited them to exhibit within the JA Show’s newly minted, New Designer Gallery.

At first, it wasn’t an easy sell. Your average, retail buyer at the time had a reputation for asking the weight of a design and making an offer based on the day’s gold or silver prices. The concept of paying for the labor of hand-crafted jewelry or a designer’s “vision” was foreign to this world.

But gradually, a shift began. As more and more designers launched their careers in whatever area of the event they could install the New Designer Gallery, increasingly buyers saw the value in showcasing this ever-evolving work to their clients. And the presence of these artists on the show floor created a subtle change in the overall dynamic of the industry as a whole, upping the “cool factor” and opening doors for buyers whose vision extended beyond the commercial. Over time, the New Designer Gallery became the focal point of buzz, energy and excitement within the show.

40 years later, the buzz, energy and excitement of the New Designer Gallery continues. 40 years later, the New Designer Gallery remains a community of artists and the birthplace of solid relationships that persist throughout the years. 40 years later, the New Designer Gallery continues to be the heart of the Designer Fine Jewelry Movement.

The JA New York Summer Show is taking place July 23-25th at the Jacob K. Javits Center. Click here to register to attend!