Sparkle Week in New York Kicks Off

Though the weather in New York today was gloomy, the idea of a whole week’s worth of dazzling jewelry-related festivities and shopping opportunities helps to brighten the mood. I’m talking about the launch of the first-ever Sparkle Week, which kicked off with an editor’s preview and lunch today at the National Jewelry Institute’s latest exhibit, Time and the Jeweler’s Art, on display at The Forbes Galleries.

NJI president Judy Price gave interviews to the press while guests sipped wine and viewed the beautiful watches—Dior, Van Cleef & Arpels, and more—on display. Items include “luxury timepieces that display trends and portray personalities of fashion culture,” according to NJI. The exhibit is one of two the group will curate this year, and is open to the public free of charge from April 24 – June 27.

NJI president Judy Price 

Sparkle Week, meanwhile has the blessing of Mayor Bloomberg, who declared the city “the world capital of jewelry design, fabrication, and retailing” in a release. He’s encouraging visitors to take part in the retail festivities, which are conveniently available in an online calendar.

For industry, Sparkle Week is a means of trying to dismiss some of the pervasive doom and gloom news. Price declared it a way “to feel good about ourselves” and “an intent to get retailers to host in-store events that will bring customers into stores.” Some 75 retailers, including the Futurama Diamond Exchange on 47^th St., in all five boroughs are participating. Incentives for shoppers include discounts on purchases, gift with purchase, and more.

H.Stern’s Andrea Hansen was at the event, eager to see the watches, but even more eager to see happy faces and a brighter industry mood overall. “My girlfriends and I are so sick of all of this [bad news],” she said. “We’re having a get-together next week just to be supportive and positive to each other.”

Editor’s Note: I apologize for the lack of pictures, they weren’t turning out so well through the display cases. 

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