Consider this week’s agenda a master class in jewelry storytelling: Two juicy jewelry podcasts, a binge-worthy Netflix series, an educational survey of 20th century American studio jewelry, a deep dive into the complexities of recycled gold, and a reminder to visit a historic New York City jewelry and watch gallerist before it moves out of its beloved location (oh, what tales those walls could tell!).
LISTEN
Carol Woolton’s If Jewels Could Talk Podcast; Ongoing
The new If Jewels Could Talk podcast from jewelry historian, author, and British Vogue contributing editor Carol Woolton is a gossipy, story-driven ode to jewelry’s place at the intersection of history and culture. Episodes drop every two weeks; the most recent, titled “Superstitious Gems,” features Dr. Jeffrey Post of the Smithsonian and British jewelry designer Stephen Webster in a freewheeling conversation about the Tucson gem shows, the Hope Diamond, the Koh-i-Noor Diamond, “and whether stones can carry bad karma,” says Woolton. (Our two cents: Maybe. But so what?!)
Jewelry Journey Podcast on Mark Patterson; Ongoing
JCK’s All That Glitters columnist Amy Elliott wrote a coffee-table book (pictured) about the luxury jeweler Mark Patterson, which was published in October 2020. On this episode of the Jewelry Journey podcast, she and Josette Patterson, cofounder and creative director of the Newport Beach, Calif.–based brand, talk about the jeweler’s history, how the bridal and engagement jewelry market has changed over the years, and the advice the Pattersons would offer young jewelers.
WATCH
Five-Part Halston Series on Netflix; Ongoing
Netflix’s Halston, the latest show from prolific TV producer Ryan Murphy, chronicles the life of legendary fashion designer Roy Halston Frowick, whose slinky gowns and sharp day dresses defined fashion in the late 1970s and early ’80s. The five-part series features British actor Ewan McGregor deftly inhabiting the titular character. But for jewelry lovers, the scene-stealing performance belongs to French-born actress and model Rebecca Dayan, who portrays future jewelry legend Elsa Peretti as chic, a little droll, and wildly creative. This is must-watch TV at its most brilliant.
VISIT
Aaron Faber Gallery Before It Moves on May 25!
After 44 years at its 666 Fifth Ave. gallery, Aaron Faber is moving. “The building is undergoing a gut renovation, our lease has ended, and for the moment we are relocating to an upstairs salon and office nearby,” reads a post on the famed gallerist’s website. You’ve got two days to shop the gallery’s vast selection of estate jewelry, contemporary designers, and vintage watches. If your prime concern is artistry, you can’t go wrong with Aaron Faber.
ATTEND
92Y Survey of American Studio Jewelry: Tuesdays Starting May 25, 8 p.m. ET, $20 each (online)
Beginning on May 25, Toni Greenbaum, a New York–based art historian, leads this three-session survey entitled “Modernism à la Mode: The Roots of American Studio Jewelry.” She’ll explore the field from around 1940 to 1965, analyzing it within a historical, cultural, and aesthetic context. Lectures will cover makers throughout the United States, including both painters and sculptors who incorporated jewelry into their fine art practices and those whose primary focus was jewelry.
IAC Webinar on “Understanding Recycled Gold”: May 26, 12:15 p.m. ET (online)
Initiatives in Art and Culture president and founder Lisa Koenigsberg tackles the complicated story behind recycled gold in the organization’s latest webinar. Featured speakers include Alan Martin, responsible sourcing manager of the London Bullion Market Association (LMBA); Grant Angwin, an independent adviser to the precious metals industry; Aimee Boulanger, executive director of the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA); Pamela Fierst-Walsh, senior adviser for conflict and critical minerals at the U.S. State Department; sustainability consultant Christina T. Miller; and Mark Hanna, chief marketing officer of the Richline Group—aka all the gold industry’s big thinkers.
Top: Square octagon emerald and diamond ring in 18k yellow gold with 1.01 ct. Muzo emerald and 0.75 ct. t.w. diamonds, $7,325; Michelle Fantaci x Muzo
Follow JCK on Twitter: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Facebook: @jckmagazine
