The Hamptons Will Be Sparkling

The inaugural Hamptons Jewelry Show, showcasing over $40 million in fine jewelry and luxury art collectables, will be held at Southampton Elks Fairground on Thursday, August 2, through Sunday, August 5. There will be wine and spirits tastings, open bar, a live DJ, and outdoor dining with food provided by Chef Collette from the Inn Spot.

Over 80 designers from around the globe will gather in a spacious 20,000-square-foot Jewelry Pavilion, thanks to show director and curator, Eleni Prieston, who has nearly four decades of fine jewelry experience.

Jewelry prices begin at $500 and soar to heights north of $1 million. An idyllic location for the discerning jewelry collector and lifestyle aficionado, guests have the benefit to buy direct and save, cutting out the middleman and the oftentimes tremendous markups.

Hamptons Jewelry Show owner, Rick Friedman, is a familiar name in the Hamptons. A true pioneer, he created and produced popular shows like ArtHamptons, which expanded nationally, and the Hamptons Contemporary Design and Decor Show. After spending some time around jewelry collecting, Friedman realized jewelry shows were geared solely towards retailers and wholesalers. That’s when his entrepreneurial spirit kicked in.

“I thought, ‘What if there was an event that was open to the public but had the top jewelers from across the world?’ That was the genesis. We discovered that manufactures of a sophisticated level are having a sales challenge with brick and mortar stores. And they struggle virtually because you can’t buy a fancy ring online, you have to see if it fits,” Friedman noted.

In recognizing this challenge, he offered a solution, the Hamptons Jewelry Show, a breakthrough expo that brings buyers directly to the wholesalers. The show is now sold out to vendors and there is a waiting list.

The show is divided into three sectors, antique and estate sector, artisans and goldsmith sector, and international large-scale brand sector. The three typically don’t come together under one roof. That’s all about to change. “The public doesn’t really care which is which. They want a beautiful piece for the right price,” Friedman said, while coordinating the event he vetted applicants, curating the show that aims to provide a specific quality, reputation, and price point.

More importantly, the Hamptons Jewelry Show is bringing the finest jewelers from all around the globe to one location, a unified marketplace for multinational curiosity. “The public would never meet these people. It’s great to meet an international designer and build that relationship. Some people are actually changing their business model for us. Louis Newman, a top diamond dealer for 70 years in the trade only, is now opening up a division to the public.”

David Friedman, of Louis Newman and Co. and Jewelry Buyers of America, commented, “We are a 70-year-old firm spanning three generations, and have been dealing exclusively out of New York City — with our own buying offices in Belgium and Israel— directly to stores and dealers. The Hamptons Jewelry Show will be the first time we are bringing our extensive collection to the public, and I am very excited to take part in it. The transition through this process from business to business, to business to consumer, has been smooth, thanks to executive director Rick Friedman and show director Eleni Prieston.”

“I would have to say the only regret I have is that I didn’t get a bigger booth. Guests can expect an excellent selection of very well-priced, fine diamonds and diamond jewelry from both Louis Newman and Co. and JBA. I have so much faith in the pricing of our classic diamond jewelry and estate pieces that I am offering a seven-day money back guarantee to buyers at the Hamptons Jewelry Show,” Friedman added.

Vendors include Abbott & Austin Estate Jewels, Beauvince Jewelry, El Tasador, Glass Art Illuminations, Heritage Auctions Luxury Lounge, Jewelry Buyers of America, KarenAsh New York, Louis Newman & Company, Mikaelian’s Jewelry Inc., Paris Station Estate Jewelry, Shauna Burke, and The Rapaport Collection.

In true Hamptons form, this luxurious event also aids in philanthropic efforts. On Thursday, August 2, the opening night party, from 6 to 9:30 PM, will benefit the Ellen Hermanson Breast Center at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital. The following night, Friday, August 3, from 6 to 8 PM, attendees will “Crack the Vault,” holding a code to a locked sale with a piece of jewelry valued at $7500 inside, donated by Hammerman Brothers, with proceeds going toward Family Service League. The Hamptons Great Gold Rush Jubilee on Saturday, August 4, from 6 to 8 PM will benefit The Retreat, a shelter for women who are victims of domestic abuse.

With an unprecedented level of security for the Hamptons, the event requires every patron to have IDs with them upon admission, as armed guards will be present at all entrances. Southampton Elks Fairgrounds is located at 605 Country Road 39. Visit www.hamptonsjewelryshow.com or call 631-283-5505.

@NikkiOnTheDaily
Nicole@indyeastend.com