Creativity, Resilience, and the Future of Jewelry at NYC Jewelry Week 2025

This panel features the four finalists from the 2025 Fashion Trust U.S. Awards—innovative jewelry designers from creative hubs like Brooklyn, New York, and the Caribbean. They’ll discuss how their origins shape their vision, building local and global communities, and navigating the challenges of small business today, from rising material costs to supply chain disruptions and shifting industry pressures.

Reut is a New York–based fine jewelry designer whose eponymous brand fuses art, technology, and sustainability through innovative craftsmanship. A Parsons graduate, she pioneered the world’s first permanent Black Gold via a patent-pending process redefining fine jewelry conventions. Her creative journey begins with hand-sculpted wax models that embrace natural imperfections, later cast through the ancient lost wax method. Inspired by organic forms like baroque pearls, Reut’s designs explore contrasts in color, texture, and shape, embodying poetic duality. Each piece is handcrafted locally using zero-waste, made-to-order practices that eliminate overproduction and support artisans—reflecting her commitment to responsible, forward-thinking luxury. Featured in Vogue Spain, Grazia, Who What Wear, and Surface Magazine, Reut stands at the forefront of sustainable innovation in jewelry design.

Beck is a fine jewelry brand founded by Venezuelan-born, Curaçao-raised designer Rebecca Zeijdel-Paz, whose decade of New York experience shapes her refined yet relaxed aesthetic. Debuting at Couture 2022 with the AWA collection, Beck quickly gained acclaim for merging Caribbean ease with meticulous craftsmanship. Its 18k gold creations, featuring vintage and repurposed stones, are showcased by top retailers like Twist, Elyse Walker, Muse, and The Seven, with a recent residency at Trove. Worn by Caribbean-American icon Zoë Saldaña, Beck celebrates cultural heritage and responsible luxury. The brand’s mission is to expand globally, innovate sustainably, and honor Caribbean artistry through timeless, conscious design.

Kia Schwan is an independent high jewelry Maison based in New York City, founded by Kia Schwaninger, a designer who specializes in creating unique, one of a kind pieces for private clients. Known for her decades of experience designing at some of the world’s leading high jewelry brands, Kia’s eye for exquisite craftsmanship, color, proportion and stone artistry have made her bespoke creations a must have for those in the know.

Bernard James is a Brooklyn-based luxury fine jewelry brand creating timeless, unisex pieces designed to last for generations. Rooted in inclusivity and self-expression, the brand bridges the gap for consumers seeking jewelry that reflects their identity and personal journey. With a focus on direct-to-consumer growth, selective wholesale partnerships, and a strong community, Bernard James fosters emotional connections through craftsmanship and authenticity. Each piece is intentionally designed to tell a story, embodying individuality while uniting wearers in a shared appreciation for artistry, legacy, and meaningful design.

Each November, NYC Jewelry Week proudly presents ‘The Week,’ a 7-day celebration dedicated to the art of jewelry. This annual festival invites a global audience to explore the world of jewelry through a dynamic mix of in-person and virtual experiences, spanning New York City and beyond. Our hybrid program features virtual programs streamed on YouTube alongside immersive on-site activities.

In-person, NYC Jewelry Week brings together leading figures in the jewelry industry to curate extraordinary experiences, including exhibitions, exclusive shopping opportunities, and retail collaborations. Attendees can also participate in insightful panel discussions that explore trends, challenges, and innovations in the field. Each event creates memorable jewelry moments that celebrate the creativity and craftsmanship of the industry.

Committed to inclusivity, many of our programs are free and open to the public. NYC Jewelry Week seeks to reshape how people view jewelry by inviting everyone to appreciate the artistry behind the scenes. Join us in celebrating the transformative power of jewelry and experience the beauty and innovation that define our community.

We look forward to welcoming you to NYCJW25!

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