A Dazzling Debut: The Hamptons Jewelry Show Promises a Summer Spectacle of Wearable Art
The Hamptons in July is a sensory tapestry—the scent of salt air mingling with blooming hydrangeas, the distant rhythm of waves crashing on pristine beaches, and the sophisticated hum of a community that appreciates the finer things in life. This summer, a brilliant new thread is being woven into this vibrant fabric. Prepare to be captivated as the inaugural Hamptons Jewelry Show (HJS) makes its grand entrance, poised to become the must-attend event for connoisseurs of exquisite craftsmanship and breathtaking design.
From July 24th to the 27th, the sprawling, verdant 17 acres of the Southampton Fairgrounds will transform into a veritable treasure trove. Organizers are billing this as far more than a simple trade show; it’s a “high-caliber” celebration of wearable art, designed to surprise, delight, and inspire jewelry lovers from across the region and beyond. With over 80 distinguished exhibitors gathering under elegant, gallery-style tents, the show promises a dazzling journey through eras, aesthetics, and price points, all in a setting that epitomizes Hamptons chic.
The Visionaries Behind the Sparkle
At the helm of this ambitious new venture are two seasoned industry experts: show producer Rick Friedman and esteemed curator Hilary Joy Diaz. Friedman, the powerhouse behind the wildly successful Hamptons Fine Art Fair, brings an unparalleled understanding of the local market and its discerning clientele. His vision for the HJS is clear and compelling.
“Frankly, a direct-to-the-public, high-caliber jewelry sale where our guests meet with the creators is a wish come true for locals,” Friedman explains with palpable excitement. He emphasizes the unique opportunity for personal connection that lies at the heart of the show. This isn’t about browsing jewels behind glass in a sterile environment; it’s about engaging with the very artists and dealers who live and breathe their craft. “Each and every designer at the HJS, quite frankly, is worth publicizing,” he asserts.
Friedman anticipates the inaugural event will draw a crowd of around 4,000 visitors. He sees this as the perfect sweet spot: “big enough to be exciting but small enough that you can visit favorite vendors and gab with friends along the way yet still see most of the show.” This intimate yet buzzing atmosphere is by design, ensuring a comfortable and rewarding experience for every guest. With an estimated 600,000 people in the Hamptons during that peak summer weekend, the HJS is strategically positioned to be the premier attraction. “We appear to be the lead event that weekend,” Friedman notes confidently.
A Curated Constellation of Exhibitors
The true brilliance of the Hamptons Jewelry Show lies in its meticulously curated roster of exhibitors. Hilary Joy Diaz has assembled a diverse and prestigious group of designers, dealers, and artisans, ensuring a breathtaking variety of offerings that cater to every taste, from the avant-garde collector to the lover of timeless classics.
Masters of Modern Design and Gemstone Artistry
Prepare to be mesmerized by contemporary masters who are pushing the boundaries of jewelry design. The show will feature luminaries such as Tamsen Ann Ziff of Tamsen Z, a gemstone specialist renowned for her audacious use of color and sculptural forms. Her pieces are not mere accessories; they are powerful statements, celebrating the raw, vibrant beauty of the earth’s most spectacular treasures.
Joining her is the legendary Cornelis Hollander, a De Beers Award winner whose innovative designs and mastery of tension settings have earned him international acclaim. Hollander’s work is a study in modern elegance, where diamonds and precious metals appear to float, creating pieces that are both architecturally bold and ethereally light. Also making a notable appearance is the Thailand-based Mousson Atelier, known for its intricate, often whimsical creations that blend European craftsmanship with exotic inspirations, resulting in jewelry that tells a story.
Curators of Timeless Treasures and Vintage Glamour
For those whose hearts beat for the romance and history of bygone eras, the show presents a formidable collection of dealers specializing in estate and vintage jewelry. The Mahnaz Collection will showcase its expertly curated selection of artist-made and designer jewelry from the 20th and 21st centuries, offering a rare opportunity to acquire pieces with a rich provenance and unique character.
Veteran dealer Rick Shatz will also be on hand, bringing his discerning eye and impressive inventory of significant estate jewels. This is where collectors can unearth forgotten masterpieces, from Art Deco marvels to retro-chic statement pieces, each with its own unique history waiting to be continued.
The Art of Horology: A Nod to Watch Aficionados
Recognizing that the art of personal adornment extends to the wrist, the HJS has also included experts in the world of fine timepieces. Phigora Watches, a trusted name in luxury pre-owned watches, will present an exceptional collection of horological icons. Whether you seek a vintage Rolex, a classic Patek Philippe, or a contemporary Audemars Piguet, this is a prime opportunity for watch enthusiasts to find their next grail piece and connect with knowledgeable dealers.
An Unparalleled Setting: The Hamptons Experience Redefined
The show’s location and amenities are as thoughtfully considered as the jewelry itself. The Southampton Fairgrounds, conveniently located just a two-hour drive from New York City, provides a lush, open-air backdrop. The event will be housed within a series of spacious, climate-controlled, gallery-style tents, ensuring a comfortable viewing experience regardless of the summer heat.
Rick Friedman emphasizes that the ambiance is key to the event’s appeal. “The location will also make the event enjoyable,” he adds. Beyond the tents, guests can relax and socialize in beautifully arranged outdoor spaces, complete with upscale dining options and a full bar. Imagine discovering a magnificent sapphire ring and then stepping outside to discuss its beauty with a friend over a chilled glass of rosé—this is the elevated experience the HJS aims to deliver.
Art for the Body: A Natural Evolution from Canvas to Creation
The Hamptons Jewelry Show is not appearing in a vacuum. It is the brilliant successor and companion to Rick Friedman’s other major cultural contribution to the area, the Hamptons Fine Art Fair. Having grown that event from 3,000 to 15,000 attendees since its inception as ArtHamptons, Friedman possesses an intimate knowledge of his audience.
“After 19 years of producing the major fine art fair here in the Hamptons, we know what your guests want. And we have an enormous respect for the Hamptons branding,” says Friedman. “So with our new HJS, we are shifting from fine art to wearable art and presenting the best and most respected artists, artisans, and goldsmiths in the nation.”
This strategic pivot from “art for the wall” to “art for the body” is a stroke of genius. “Our primary target are our affluent art fair guests who love jewelry,” he explains. The connection is seamless and synergistic. “The timing is perfect, as all our 15,000 [art fair] guests are invited gratis to the Hamptons Jewelry Show two weeks later at the same location. We also bolstered the Hamptons Jewelry Show solo ad campaign by including it with the art fair ad campaign.” This ensures a built-in audience of qualified, art-savvy collectors who are primed to appreciate the craftsmanship and artistry on display.
Friedman firmly believes the Hamptons is the ultimate stage for such an event. “Hamptonites are basically fashion-forward, jewelry-savvy, demand beautiful things, and can acquire what they please. This is the perfect setting for buyers and sellers of jewelry and watches, and opens up and defines an important product category here locally.”
Giving Back: Jewelry with a Purpose
Adding a layer of community spirit and philanthropic goodwill, the Hamptons Jewelry Show will also serve as a platform for fundraising for two beloved local cultural institutions. Guests can feel good knowing that their attendance supports the vibrant arts scene of the East End.
The festivities kick off with the Opening Night Preview on Wednesday, July 24th, which will benefit the Longhouse Reserve, the stunning 16-acre sculpture garden and arts center in East Hampton. This exclusive first look offers a chance to browse and buy before the general public, all while supporting a vital local institution.
Then, on Saturday, July 26th, the glamour continues with the “Going for the Gold” party. Hosted by the influential Hamptons magazine, this glittering affair will benefit the Parrish Art Museum, a cornerstone of the region’s cultural landscape dedicated to collecting, preserving, and interpreting the art of the East End. These charitable partnerships underscore the show’s commitment to being an integral and supportive member of the Hamptons community.
Your Invitation to a Summer Spectacle
The Hamptons Jewelry Show is more than an event; it’s an experience. It’s a rare chance to meet the creators, to touch and feel their work, to hear their stories, and to acquire a piece of art that you can carry with you forever. Mark your calendars for a weekend of unparalleled beauty, discovery, and connection. This July, the brightest gems on the East End won’t just be in the sun and the sea—they’ll be waiting for you at the Southampton Fairgrounds.
