In this exclusive panel, moderated by Melanie Grant, Executive Director of the Responsible Jewellery Council, we explore the inspirations behind these designers’ visions. Key questions will probe their unique influences, the future of jewelry in relation to technology, and how collaboration with other fields can enhance luxury narratives. Join us for an engaging conversation!
Participants:
Gwen Beloti is the founder and creative director of namesake women’s gold jewelry brand, Gwen Beloti jewelry. At a young age she fell madly in love with jewelry, with a particular affinity for gold because of its luster and luxe appeal. Before exploring jewelry making, Gwen was a self-taught and formally trained clothing designer.
Inspired by her background in fashion, Gwen curates a line of jewels today that are lusterful and full of texture. With a wide range of ring sizes, and chain lengths, and visual representation of diverse women of all sizes, Gwen prioritizes curating a golden experience for all golden beauties.
Symoné Currie is the designer and creative director behind Metal x Wire, her fine jewelry brand founded in 2021. With a background in Architectural Engineering, her designs embrace timeless styles, juxtaposing the organic with the architectural and unifying sensual softness with clean linearity. Crafted in New York, Currie’s work is inspired by a global perspective and offers versatility for the modern wearer. Her design approach is rooted in three core pillars: Form, Function, and Fantasy. Through her creations, she aims to evoke a sense of timelessness while inspiring the wearer to embrace their unique style and unleash their creative spirit.
Bernard James is a Brooklyn-born luxury designer with a passion for exploration and craftsmanship. Guided by the motto “find the beauty in everything,” his work highlights the delicate balance of contrast. Bernard has always been drawn to the intimacy of jewelry and the sensuality it evokes. Each meaningful detail distinguishes the wearer, creating a unique and personal experience. Captivated by the ability to translate abstract concepts into elegant, enduring accessories, he found his sense of community in SoHo, where aesthetics connected diverse individuals. His career pivoted to jewelry during a long-term mentorship with a family friend while in college. From this fusion of ideas, the Bernard James brand emerged, grounded in quality, authenticity, and individuality. His logo, a mirror, symbolizes reflection on both personal and societal levels, provoking thought and sparking conversation.
Jessenia Landrum‘s jewelry journey began in 2016 with an internship for a Brooklyn jewelry designer, where she fell in love with the art of handcrafting pieces as a bench jeweler. This experience fueled her passion, leading her to take metalsmithing classes and refine her craft. In 2019, Jessenia officially launched her brand, Jevela, which started with a few handmade creations and quickly expanded into a Demi-Fine jewelry line.
As her business and expertise grew, Jessenia transitioned into the Fine jewelry industry, offering luxurious and intricately designed pieces. Her journey has taken her around the world, allowing her to create custom jewelry for special moments and build meaningful connections through her brand. With Jevela, Jessenia has established a flourishing company that emphasizes craftsmanship, beauty, and community, showcasing her evolution as both a designer and a businesswoman.
Argentine native, Rosario Navia founded her eponymous Argentine-American fine jewelry brand in 2019 with a focus on bespoke, later launching her first fine jewelry collection in October of 2020. With sculptural, diamond-forward designs, Rosario brings a fresh perspective to diamond essentials. She draws from her decade-long career as a merchandiser in New York City’s fashion industry and her background as a GIA Graduate Gemologist to create dynamic and cohesive collections that build upon her distinctive aspirational yet effortless style. Rosario designs with a sensibility that combines
modern and unexpected silhouettes to create jewelry that transcends gender norms. Each Rosario Navia piece is meticulously designed and handcrafted in New York City using 18 karat gold, platinum, and hand selected natural diamonds. With names like Mara and Fabi, her collections pay homage to her strong Latin family who influence her.
Amina Sorel founder of Amina Sorel Fine Jewelry & the eponymous Maison Sorel, a dynamic force in the world of high jewelry, blending femininity with grace, quick wit, and deep expertise. She is a GIA-certified gemologist, who draws inspiration from her French royal heritage to infuse her creations with unparalleled elegance.
Prioritizing personal expression and authentic individuality, shaping the brand’s unique approach. Her profound knowledge of gemology and innovative spirit redefine traditional notions of value, encouraging wearers to embrace their own unique identities. Amina’s impressive credentials include the Lorraine Schwartz NDCxEDDI Emerging Designer Award, recognition as one of Jewelers of America’s Top 20 Jewelers Under 40, and participation in the Jewelers of America Washington DC Legislative Summit, among other accolades.
Each November, NYC Jewelry Week proudly presents ‘The Week,’ a 7-day celebration dedicated to the art of jewelry. This annual event invites a global audience to explore the world of jewelry through a dynamic mix of in-person and virtual experiences, spanning New York City and beyond.
