Inside NYC Jewelry Week: Innovation, Inclusivity, and Craftsmanship with Founder Bella Neyman
I’ve long admired Bella Neyman, not only for her incredible work as the founder of NYC Jewelry Week, running from November 18–24 this year, but also for her multifaceted roles as a curator, writer, and influential voice in the jewelry industry. When I finally had the chance to meet her in person at the Mahnaz Gallery during a Galentine's Day event, it was like putting a face to the inspiring persona I had long respected from afar. Bella’s impact on the jewelry world is profound—her ability to merge creativity, storytelling, and inclusivity is unparalleled, and it was a privilege to sit down and chat with her.
As I continue to build this small but engaged community, my goal has always been to demystify the often insular jewelry industry for you. Many of you come from fashion-adjacent spaces, curious but unfamiliar with this world. The annual event is especially unique because it welcomes everyone—professionals, collectors, and enthusiasts alike—making it the perfect opportunity to introduce you to her incredible work and the ethos behind it.
In our conversation, we discussed her journey, the mission of the event, and her thoughts on the ever-evolving landscape of jewelry. We also explored how she fosters a space for innovation and inclusivity, bringing jewelry to the forefront of design and fashion conversations.
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This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Tell us a bit about your journey—how you became involved in the jewelry world and what inspired you to start NYC Jewelry Week?
I like to say that jewelry found me. While I was earning my master’s degree, I didn’t take any jewelry classes—my focus was on decorative arts and design. My first job after graduate school was at a gallery that sold important 20th-century jewelry, from Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier to David Webb. I became fascinated by the stories behind these pieces—who designed and wore them. As I learned more about jewelry craftsmanship, I discovered many designers, both historic and contemporary, whose work intrigued me. That led to writing about jewelry and eventually starting a blog in 2008.
Over the years, I curated exhibitions and became more involved in contemporary art jewelry, focusing on both the ideation and creation of pieces. Eventually, I became the director of a jewelry gallery in the Meatpacking District, which exposed me to the challenges faced by independent jewelers. I realized that many talented designers weren’t getting the recognition they deserved, and I wanted to create a platform for them.
At the same time, I was traveling to small, niche jewelry events in Europe. I remember describing one to a friend in Paris who had never heard of it, even though it was happening in her own city. It struck me that we didn’t have anything like this in the U.S., and my husband asked, “Why don’t you?” That was a lightbulb moment. When I returned to New York, I spoke with my friend and future business partner and we decided to create NYC Jewelry Week—a platform that welcomes everyone, from big brands to independent designers, showcasing the incredible variety of work in the jewelry world, regardless of price point or style.
Who is NYCJW designed for?
NYC Jewelry Week is for consumers, which is what sets it apart from similar events in Europe that are often insular and academic. Think about Fashion Week for example—everyone knows it’s happening, but the general public doesn’t actually get to attend. We wanted to create something where everyone is welcome, not just industry insiders.
Our goal is to help jewelers sustain their businesses by getting their names out there and selling their work. We believe there’s something for everyone at every price point and taste. We want people to feel like this event is for them—to access a wide variety of designers and engage with industry professionals. Even industry organizations want to connect with consumers and raise awareness. Unlike trade shows, where consumers can’t participate, our event serves as a conduit for those important conversations.
NYCJW is now in its seventh year. How has it evolved over that time, and what are some of the most significant changes or areas of growth you've seen since its inception?
The evolution doesn’t have a straightforward answer. Our focus has always been on quality over quantity—it's about showcasing strong work and presenting strong voices. Each year is unique, especially given the challenges the industry and the world have faced in the last couple of years, including the pandemic and various global events.
I often hear, 'Oh my God, it's grown so much!' While the number of events may be similar, our reputation has built trust among participants. Some people who were initially unsure have now embraced our vision, realizing that we’ve been around long enough to know what we’re doing and that they want to be part of it.
We strive to present something new each year, highlighting different types of work and ensuring we don’t repeat ourselves. One year, we might feature a well-known designer, and the next year could focus on emerging talent. There’s enough room to showcase a variety of styles.
How do you curate the event programming for NYCJW?
We start by issuing an open call for designers, students, and retailers, which closes in early summer. The rest of the summer is dedicated to curating the program, reviewing applications, and identifying a guiding theme. This year, we received so much interest that we confidently decided to close the call early; we felt we had enough excellent programming.
As we’ve evolved over the past seven years, we’ve become more mindful of ensuring visibility for all programs. We aim to avoid over-scheduling similar events, allowing attendees to enjoy everything they want to without conflicting times. While we're still learning and adapting—making mistakes along the way—our focus remains on quality over quantity. We prioritize well-attended events, so I’m perfectly fine with a smaller schedule as long as the seats are full and participants have a great experience.
What factors influence your selection process for programming? How do you gauge what will resonate with attendees and keep a pulse on their interests?
Our focus is on strong storytelling, craftsmanship, and vision. Many brands apply to participate, but since we’re not a trade show, it’s not just about showcasing a collection in a booth. We want to know each brand's story and how it connects to their work. Every designer and jeweler enters this field with something meaningful to express, and we want those narratives to shine through in their applications.
Jewelry is an investment and an incredibly personal purchase—it's something you wear and must feel a deep connection to. Therefore, we strive to present work that embodies these qualities, allowing consumers to leave feeling that their experience was truly special. Ultimately, we want them to walk away inspired, with a newfound appreciation for the craftsmanship and stories behind the pieces.
In addition to inspiring attendees, NYCJW also emphasizes education. Can you share more about the educational components, such as the panels, and how they contribute to the overall experience?
Our goal is to educate consumers by showcasing the leading voices in the jewelry industry. We hope attendees to walk away with a deeper understanding of not just the designs, but the creators behind them. While their names may be known, their personal stories often remain untold.
As a design historian, I’m passionate about these narratives. Each year, we host a range of events—talks, book signings, panels, and exhibitions—that delve into the journeys of jewelers. Unlike fashion, where designers often achieve household-name status, the jewelry industry lacks that level of visibility. By focusing on their inspirations and careers, we aim to bridge that gap and help people connect with designers on a personal level. This year, for example, we're hosting a program with David Yurman and Fern Mallis, which I’m especially excited about. Though many know the Yurman brand, few realize David started as a jeweler working from a bench in his home, like so many others.
Can you share some highlights of what to expect this year and what you're most excited about?
NYCJW event schedule is live!
We’re partnering with Fashion Trust US to highlight the connection between fashion and jewelry by hosting a conversation featuring this year’s award winner, MoAnA Luu of ManLuu, and finalists including Ashley Moubayed of Don’t Let Disco. Additionally, Kristen Bateman, author and founder of the jewelry brand Dollchunk, Kristen Bateman will moderate a discussion on maximalist jewelry. Both events will take place at the Museum of Arts and Design on Tuesday, November 19, as part of one of our key days of talks during the week.
While most of our events are free and open to the public, we do have a few invite-only gatherings due to limited capacity. One such event is our kickoff breakfast at Bergdorf Goodman, featuring jewelry designer Catherine Sarr of Almasika. Catherine will share insights into her brand and discuss her work. Later in the week, Stellene Volandes will interview the incredible designer Solange Azagury-Partridge following the launch of her debut book. This event is open to the public. There are so many great events planned this year that it's hard to narrow them down!
Will there be shopping opportunities as well?
We are partnering with Misfit Diamonds on what we are calling a “Misfits in the Wild” jewelry walk during NYC Jewelry Week. Misfits in the Wild is a week-long treasure hunt that takes jewelry lovers on an adventure through New York City, encouraging exploration of local jewelry retailers. Participants will be provided with access to a treasure hunt app leading them to QR codes displayed at each retailer’s location. Misfit Diamonds will be giving away a 1.08-carat Salt & Pepper Champagne diamond to the jewelry walk shopper that visited the most destinations!
Jewelry historian, author, editor, and founder of The Adventurine, Marion Fasel, collaborated with a group of jewelers, including Ten Thousand Things, to create new collections using platinum, a material they don’t typically work with. The Platinum Guild International USA provided the platinum, and the collections debuted at this year's Couture show in Las Vegas. This offers consumers a fantastic opportunity to see and purchase these unique pieces. In addition to the jewelry being available for sale, we’ll also have a talk moderated by Marion.
Can you tell me about any special recognitions or awards happening this year? Are there any notable brands or individuals being recognized at this year's Jewelry Week?
One of the highlights I look forward to every year is an equity award, sponsored by David Yurman. It’s called the Here We Are (HWA) Exhibition Award; this year’s recipient is Jam + Rico. Lisette Scott, the founder, has been with us from the very beginning, and it’s been amazing to watch her brand evolve. She’s an impressive businesswoman, and I have the utmost respect for her. I’m particularly excited because she will be presenting her newest collection, which is deeply inspired by her Caribbean heritage.
What are some of your most memorable NYCJW stories or moments from the past seven years?
There isn’t one specific moment that stands out, but there's a feeling that keeps repeating. It’s incredibly humbling when I’m at one of our events or in room with a group of people who don’t know who I am or what I do, and I overhear them saying, "This is amazing, this is so great." That feeling—knowing we created something that people show up for, spend their time and money on—is indescribable. It’s a labor of love, a passion project, and realizing how much people appreciate it is the most memorable part for me. It reminds me that they’re here because of something we created, and that’s an incredible feeling.
Thank you for reading. I highly, highly encourage you to visit NYC Jewelry Week’s website and register! Be sure to RSVP to any programs you're interested in, as spaces are limited. Everything you need is on the website, including a virtual program. The schedule is live now, so sign up and claim your spot! And shoot me a DM if you're attending any of the events—I’d love to see you there!
xx Veronica
