JCK Jewelry Agenda: Week of May 4

By Victoria Gomelsky | May 01, 2025

The spring sales season heats up this week with major jewelry and design fairs in Geneva and New York, a pair of personality-driven auctions, and a deep dive into one of the trade’s foundational styles. May the fourth be with you!

ATTEND

A Conversation About Diamond Engagement Rings: May 7, 7:30 p.m. ET, in NYC (in person and online)

*Marion Fasel’s book* The History of Diamond Engagement Rings

Join jewelry historian Marion Fasel, Tiffany & Co.’s Christopher Young, and gem dealer Benjamin Zucker at the 92nd Street Y in New York to hear about the history of diamond engagement rings from the 15th to the early 20th centuries. The wide-ranging discussion will explore the development of diamond shapes, significant ring styles, as well as the rings of famous people, such as the crowned-heart design poet Elizabeth Barrett received from Robert Browning around 1845 and the Tiffany ring Franklin Roosevelt gave Eleanor Roosevelt in 1904. In-person tickets for the event start at $25, streaming access at $20.

SHOP

GemGenève International Gem and Jewelry Show: May 8–11 (in person)

Ocean Flame conch pearls — *Conch pearls by Hong Kong–based exhibitor Ocean Flame*

A trade show organized by industry insiders, GemGenève opens this week at Geneva’s Palexpo convention center. In addition to seeing the show’s high-end exhibitors—including gem dealers such as 100% Natural by Nassi and B&B Fine Gems as well as leading jewelers such as Saboo Fine Jewels and IsabelleFa—make time for the event’s robust education series, which covers subjects such as the history of tubogas, the Cartier Collection, and “How Art Deco Jewelry Defied Convention.”

TEFAF New York: May 9–13 (in person and online)

Margot McKinney Hearts Desire rubellite aqua tanzanite peridot earrings — *Empress earrings in 18k white gold with rubellite, kunzite, aquamarine, tanzanite, peridot, and diamonds, price on request; Margot McKinney*

The 11th edition of TEFAF New York opens this week at the Park Avenue Armory. A concurrent TEFAF Online will feature a selection of the works on display at the armory, along with programming, stories, and other content from the TEFAF community. Amid the prestige art and design gallerists, look for jewelers such as Ana Khouri, Anna Hu, and Hemmerle to showcase their finest pieces.

BID

Johnny Cash Auction: Through May 12 (online)

June Carter Ring — *June Carter Cash’s ring in 14k white and rose gold with a round brilliant-cut diamond and round-cut rubies, estimate $8,000-$12,000*

Bid on fine jewelry and watches—or artwork, vehicles, and other objects—once owned by country music legend Johnny Cash in K-Bid’s auction, open through May 12. “Fine jewelry connected to the legendary ‘Man in Black’ will be among the rare items offered,” writes JCK contributor Annie Davidson Watson. “Cindy Cash, daughter of the iconic singer-songwriter, is auctioning personal property from her father’s storied life and career, providing fans and collectors a unique opportunity to own a piece of music history.”

The Collection of Barbara Taylor Bradford Auction: May 7, 10 a.m. ET

*Verdura swan brooch in platinum and 18k gold with baroque cultured pearl, diamonds, emerald, and enamel, estimate $10,000–$15,000*

Best-selling author Barbara Taylor Bradford’s collection of jewelry, furniture, decorations, artwork, books, and memorabilia from her elegant Manhattan apartment goes on the block this week at Doyle. The sale will feature several of her captivating gem-set bird brooches, including a swan by Verdura (above), a parrot clip brooch, and a cockatrice brooch.

Top: Emerald bead and diamond ring in 18k yellow gold, $4,500; Trésor Collection