Foot traffic on day three of the JA NY Summer Show appeared slightly down compared to the previous two days, however judging from the smiles on the faces of the exhibitors, this minor dip does not appear to have dampened spirits, nor affected business. Simply put, day three at JA has been a charm.

 

THE PAVILIONS

Couture

Showcasing the creations of over one hundred leading jewelry manufacturers and designers, the Couture Pavilion was wildly popular with visitors. The buzz from the floor on the Galleria level among these exhibitors was extremely upbeat. Many exhibitors, during the few lulls in activity, could be overheard voicing satisfied words about the seemingly non-stop activity and the overall attendee interest in their collections.

 

Diamonds

Loose diamond dealers on Diamond Way, as well as those in the New York Diamond Dealers Club (DDC) Pavilion, all seemed pleased with the show so far. Rounds, always popular with the buying public, retain their pre-eminence among the cuts wanted by buyers.

 

 Moshe Somek of United Diamond Manufacturers noted strong buyer demand for oversizes, those stone weights falling between price points such as 1.25 to 1.35 pointers. According to Somek, “they've been very much sought after here at the show." Buyers are looking for the price advantage of such value-priced goods.

 

Meir Dahan Shay of Pekard Diamonds, a company that specializes in natural colored diamonds, said, "Retailers are asking for pink. Pink, pink, pink. Crazy for pink! Cushions and radiants are the most popular cuts. Oh, and blues too, fancy blue. But not so much the yellows." Pinks ranging from 3.00 to 8.00+ carats in fancy and fancy intense are in highest demand and fancy yellow, only in the larger-sized goods, of five plus carats. Gali Amit, Pekard's international sales manager noted that, among their finished goods, colored diamond rings were far outselling any other pieces.

 

Kalpesh Sheth of Nice Diamonds, also a fancy colored diamond purveyor, expressed pleasure at, "seeing old customers and meeting a few new ones too. Traffic's been good and we're always happy to make a few new contacts."

 

Hersh Waisbord of Hersh Imports observed that, "smaller white goods, up to two carats, mostly rounds," were being sought. ”And the buyers all prefer certed goods. The paper they're looking for is GIA. No question about it."

 

Chaim Hammer of Chaim L. Hammer Diamonds, white goods dealers whose stock in trade are GIA and EGL certed off-makes selling generally at 45 percent to 50 percent back, a specialty niche, observed that, in his type of goods, the buyers were "looking at all cuts, not simply rounds. But, of course, my niche is very specific."

 

The usually cautious responses to information inquiries from members in the loose goods community seemed less guarded this year at JA. So attendees may not be the only ones charmed by the way this show is unfolding.

 

International

The aisles of the international pavilions all appeared well-trafficked. Hong Kong, by far, was the most popular with visitors, but Italy came a close second.

 

Italy's sleeper draw, at their pavilion, was an exhibit spearheaded by the Naples Consortium showcasing the city's cultural and artistic heritage entitled, "A Jewel for a Queen-Goldsmiths and Engravers from the Kingdom of Naples 1770-1860."

 

This exhibition, showcasing the art of today's Neapolitan and Torresi craftsmen who are keeping the traditional techniques of the artisanal goldsmith and jeweler alive through the creation of new jeweled masterpieces based upon antique models, with a modern sensibility, has been popular with visitors. Combining beauty and sophistication this survey of the guild crafts' heritage and their region's patrimony was a real draw.

 

The international pavilions appeared to be getting a good share of buyer interest at JA. For a regional show, attendees appeared to have a global savvy and openness to explore new global opportunities.

 

JA New York Show Director Drew Lawsky said, "Given the generally challenging marketplace for most, we are happy with the positive response at the JA Summer Show thus far."