I have two fantastic pieces of news for you today, darlings: first, I had the BEST time at the inaugural New York City Jewelry and Object Show, and second, the event is happening again just a few weeks!!

So don’t despair if you missed these treasures in November, because you’re about to get another chance in April!

How was the November New York City Jewelry and Object Show, you may ask? Don’t worry, I’m going to show you.

The first ever New York City Jewelry and Object Show.

Why is the New York City Jewelry and Object Show (NYCJAOS) unique and exciting? Unlike most big jewelry shows today, the NYCJAOS was created by a jewelry lover, for jewelry lovers. Its founder, Konstantinos Leoussis, is a jewelry collector himself, as well as a respected antique jewelry dealer and talented jewelry designer.

As a show designed by someone who exhibits and shops at shows, NYCJAOS truly takes both the dealer and shopper experience into account in its design. Lower booth fees and the possibility of booth sharing means that a much wider range of small time dealers are able to participate, and delicious food sold on site means that shoppers can stay and browse all day.

I spent three days at this the November New York City Jewelry and Object Show, and there was one piece of feedback I heard over and over from both dealers and shoppers: this show had the best vibes of any show anyone had attended in a long time. It was friendly and chill, of a manageable size, and felt truly welcoming to all.

Enough talk!! I will show you the jewelry now.

We’re going to kick things off with TWO TIARAS, just so that you immediately understand how great the New York City Jewelry and Object Show was (you know how much I love a tiara).

This antique beauty is a classic small tiara, complete with hairpin to anchor in your glamorous updo. Thank you to my friend Ishy Antiques for handing this to me immediately upon my arrival at your booth. You do understand me.

The second tiara was more unusual and absolutely required a closeup. This remarkable piece features a design of alternating pearl drops and carved malachite heads (!!!) atop a textured golden swirl.

This piece was also from Ishy antiques and I have never ever seen anything like it. Who are these tiny malachite men and why are they on this tiara??? I’m utterly delighted and I am dying to know who created this piece back in the day and why.

While we’re on the subject of antique jewels so good that I’ve never seen anything like them before (of which there were several at the New York Jewelry and Object Show), how about this Victorian era snake necklace from Halle’s Jewels?

I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Victorian snake necklaces in this style before, but I’ve never ever seen such a pristine, opulent one in person. Look at that flawless blue enamel, the enormous, lush colored gemstones in the snake’s head, the perfection of its sinuous gold scale-like links! Big swoon.

The New York City Jewelry and Object Show also welcomes contemporary jewelry and art dealers alongside antique jewelry vendors, for a diverse and exciting shopping experience.

Eyeba NYC was one of the contemporary brands that really caught my eye (heh). This contemporary designer makes jewelry out of real prosthetic eyes – both vintage blown glass eyes and more modern prosthesis – and the results are both eerie and beautiful.

And now for something completely different…what do you think of this incredible piece?

It’s a bit of an enigma, so while the dealer, DK Bressler, thinks the majority of the piece dates to the Arts & Crafts movement, it’s possible that parts of it may be earlier or later – the amethyst briolette was likely a later addition and I do wonder if that stunning enamel-adorned pearl could be from an earlier piece.

How wonderful are all those glowing, foil-backed gems? I love this kind of beautiful jewelry mystery.

Yes, S is the first initial of my last name, and no, I can’t remember why I didn’t buy this absurdly beautiful S monogram turquoise, diamond, and pearl pendant from Sandy Jacobs Antiques.

It’s spectacular. And may have originally been even more spectacular? Do you see those empty loops at the bottom of the two longest turquoise swags? I wonder what originally dangled there. Pearl drops, perhaps?

The November New York City Jewelry and Object show was the first time since the pandemic that I’ve gotten to see a lot of my favorite antique jewelry dealers, including the inimitable Grace of Jewels by Grace. She greeted me with a huge hug, plonked her diamond headband on my head, and let me fondle everything in her case.

Of course I found some Art Deco rings to fall in love with. Who could resist these two beauties?? The only drawback is that it’s nearly impossible to choose between them. Perhaps that’s how I managed to walk away without them.

Grace of Jewels by Grace was also kind enough to let me try on the stunning old mine cut diamond earrings she was wearing that day.

I think they look badass worn on the same side. I have 14 carats of diamonds on one earlobe in this photo! Can you even?

Also, aren’t they perfect with my own antique paste riviere? That’s a personal collection piece I’ll be taking to my grave.