Jewelry in America: A Panel Discussion at NYC Jewelry Week 2024

Explore craft in America and the influences that create our decorative identity and define our aesthetic. View works by legendary American jewelry makers Paulding Farnham for Tiffany & Co., Marcus & Co., Raymond Yard, and others upcoming for sale in Heritage’s Holiday Jewelry Auction, followed by supported discussion from industry experts about the history and relevance of jewelry design in America.

Ruth Peltason is a respected author, editor, jewelry historian, and lecturer, spanning the arts, publishing, & luxury markets, where she has worked with distinguished critics, high-end collectors, leading arts organizations, auction houses, and museums. With Abrams Publishers for 16 years, she was Sr Editor Dir. of Design & Style Books, and today runs Bespoke Books, focusing on the visual arts. She created the David Webb archives and, in 2015, in association with VCA, helped launch L’École, School of Jewelry Arts in the U.S. An adjunct professor at the Sotheby's Institute of Art, written for numerous publications, including Air Mail, Antiques, Vanity Fair, Sotheby's, the Natural Diamond Council, Rapaport, 1stdibs, and the ASJH. Books on jewelry include The Art of David Webb: Jewelry and Culture; Elizabeth Taylor: My Love Affair with Jewelry; David Webb: The Quintessential American Jeweler; and Living Jewels. Forthcoming books, Jewelry Beyond Beauty: The Power of Design and The Jewelry Wardrobe.

Lisa Koenigsberg is President and Founder of Initiatives in Art and Culture (IAC), where she established multi-disciplinary conference series on visual culture and launched its web-based webinars and other offerings. A commitment to authenticity, artisanry, materials, sustainability, and responsible practice characterizes her work. She’s held leadership positions at NYU, serving on the faculty, at several major museums and the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission.

A frequent speaker, she has organized symposia and special sessions at universities, museums, and professional organizations throughout the US and abroad, including at the State Art Collections of Dresden, NYU, City University Graduate Center, the Smithsonian Institution, Norton Museum of Art, and the UN. She has organized and chaired sessions at the American Assoc. of Museums, Goldsmiths Company (London), Yale Univ, Art Gallery, Aspen Institute, Jewelry Industry Summit, and JCK. She holds graduate degrees from Johns Hopkins and Yale (PhD).

Sarah Davis is the Director of Communications & Museum Relations at Siegelson, where she spearheads strategic communication initiatives and fosters meaningful connections between the museum and its diverse audiences. As a core member and speaker of the GemX Club, Sarah shares her expertise in luxury goods, fine jewelry, and art book publishing with a global community of cultural professionals.

Her expertise and passion for storytelling in the arts and luxury sectors, is showcased in her publications, including Anna Hu: Symphony of Jewels Opus II (Vendome Press) and Jeweled Splendors of the Art Deco Era: The Prince and Princess Sadruddin Aga Khan Collection (Thames & Hudson).

Angela M. Hedges is the founder of AMH Luxury Consulting, LLC, where she leverages her extensive expertise in the luxury jewelry sector to provide bespoke consulting services. With a profound knowledge and passion for jewelry, Angela has established herself as a trusted authority in the industry. Prior to founding AMH Luxury Consulting, Angela dedicated 16 years to Harry Winston, serving as the Director of Archives & Estate Jewelry. In this role, she was responsible for curating and managing the prestigious archive, preserving the legacy of one of the world’s most esteemed jewelry maisons.

Angela is a sought-after speaker and consultant for luxury brands and collectors alike. Her commitment to quality and passion for vintage treasures continue to drive her success in the luxury consulting arena.

Katherine van Dell is a jewelry specialist and Gemological Institute of America graduate gemologist. Katherine is Director of Jewelry for Heritage and Co-Director of Heritage’s Palm Beach office. She began her career in Philadelphia at Freeman’s. She later joined Rago Auctions and was instrumental in departmental growth as head of the jewelry department. Katherine then joined Doyle as a Vice President and jewelry specialist based out of Palm Beach, Florida. As a specialist, Katherine is constantly informed by her understanding of basic construction, aesthetics, and historical context. A graduate of the Tyler School of Art at Temple University, Katherine studied metalwork, bench craft and art history in her undergraduate studies and later obtained her graduate gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America. Katherine regularly speaks and writes on a broad range of topics relating to jewelry and the history of jewelry.

Each November, NYC Jewelry Week proudly presents ‘The Week,’ a 7-day celebration dedicated to the art of jewelry. This annual event 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.

Host or Publisher NYC Jewelry Week