October 2025, Part 2
Art Jewelry Forum is pleased to share the news that members of our community find noteworthy. Is something missing? The success of this compilation of compelling events, news, and items of interest to the jewelry community depends on YOUR participation. If you’re a member of AJF at the Silver level or above, you can add news and ideas to this bi-monthly report by going here. If you aren’t a member, but would like to become one, join AJF here.
JOIN US IN DALLAS FOR COCKTAILS: NOVEMBER 7, 2025!
AJF is traveling to Texas to celebrate the opening of Constellations. While there, we’ll host a meet-up for local jewelry enthusiasts! You’re invited to come chat over cocktails, and you should try our custom cocktail: The Mint Jewelep! At Atlas—Bishop Arts, 6–8 pm. Open to all, food is free, registration required. Register here.
ONLY THREE WEEKS LEFT TO APPLY FOR THE 2026 AJF YOUNG ARTIST AWARD
Supported by Michael and Karen Rotenberg, this competition recognizes innovative work created by an early-career jewelry artist (age 35 and under). For the fourth cycle in a row, it’s generously supported by the collectors Karen and Michael Rotenberg, whose collection focuses on the innovative use of alternative materials by emerging and mid-career artists. Prizes: US$7,500 for the winner; US$1,000 awards for each of the four finalists; a travel allowance of US$1,000 each for the winner and the finalists who travel to Munich to receive their award; exhibit at Platina during Schmuck 2026 for the winner and four finalists. Be bold, be seen! Apply by November 9, 2025. Info.
FEEL LIKE SEEING A JEWELRY SHOW?
Find listings from around the world on our dedicated exhibition page.
EVENTS
We have a dedicated page for them. Go here to see the list.
NEWS FROM OUR MEMBERS
LUCA ÀDIE IS NOW AN AJF MAKER
In their work, the artist incorporates stories from contemporary society and includes humor as a tool of humanization, to build community and poke fun subversively at established power structures. Check out their Maker page here. Thank you, Luca—we appreciate the support!
GALLERY TALK BY KATHLEEN KENNEDY, AT BJC ON NOVEMBER 14, 2025
Join the Baltimore Jewelry Center at 6 p.m. for a gallery talk about Kennedy’s solo exhibition, Love and Other Connections. This exhibition reimagines jewelry as sculpture, transforming iconic components—like heart charms, lockets, and clasps—into larger objects of weighted significance. These exaggerated forms become stand-ins for relationships, emotions, and, ultimately, people. Through this lens, jewelry’s role as a souvenir of connection is amplified and examined. More.
SPARKLING BREAKFAST, WITH GALERIE DOOR—NOVEMBER 2, 2025
As part of Obsessed!, the gallery will stage a performance by artist duo Hartog & Henneman, who transform everyday objects through playful twists that highlight humor, lightness, and immediacy. Anchored by a talk on collecting, both newcomers and enthusiasts will be guided through the first steps of living with jewelry: how to choose, where to begin, and how to care for pieces. Info.
BEYOND ADORNMENT: EARRINGS UNBOUND—NOVEMBER 16, 2025
Also as part of Obsessed, Thereza Pedrosa Gallery stages a one-day exhibition highlights earrings and wearable artworks as tools of empowerment and self-care at Make Hair Salon, in The Hague, Netherlands. Visitors will receive free hairstyling by Dries Anderiesse and on-site portraits wearing contemporary jewelry. Info.
OH THING, HELP ME!—AT FOUR, OCTOBER 24–NOVEMBER 15, 2025
Florian Weichsberger spends a lot of time thinking about our relationships with objects. In addition to the practical function, there’s often an emotional or spiritual connection to them. We fill an object with our wishes and hopes. It should bring us luck, the fulfillment of our dreams, or healing. In this latest body of work, Weichsberger explores everyday objects we no longer consciously notice. Weichsberger uses their characteristics to incorporate symbols or messages; an old brush bears a peace sign and a bookend gives us mental support. The former function is removed and a new one added, honoring the object and giving it a new reason to be on us. Info. Meet the artist at the opening reception October 24, 4–7 pm.
ARTIST TALK WITH JOLYNN SANTIAGO, NOVEMBER 8, 2025
In conjunction with the exhibition Jolynn Santiago | surroundings, Brooklyn Metal Works invites you to attend an artist talk by Santiago at In the Gallery. This event is free and open to the public. 640 Dean Street, Brooklyn, NY, US. More.
JEWELRY CODE: DATA AS WEARABLE ART, OCTOBER 2–DECEMBER 2, 2025
More than 60 artists from 28 countries—including Doug Bucci, Zhanna Assanova, and AJF member Erika Novak—will present jewelry and wearable objects based on data, from climate change and gender inequality to personal stories and collective memory. The exhibition, curated by Syldyr Project, highlights how data can be transformed into meaningful, wearable art. It’s the first international data art exhibition in Central Asia. At the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Astana. Info.
CALLIOPE, LISA & SCOTT CYLINDER’S EXHIBITION, WENT GANGBUSTERS!
The artists’ first exhibition in four years, on view at Philadelphia’s Gravers Lane Gallery, was a big success. “They sold one of their biggest pieces on opening night! The sea serpents seem[ed] to be the favorites,” said gallery employee Mia Chen. Calliope symbolizes their convergence of concepts and imagery taken from Greek mythology, the circus, and carousels. Emphasizing fantastical creatures composed of brass wind instrument parts combined with their fabrications, the works are irreverent, metaphorical, and playful, evoking notions of youthful wonder and discovery. More.
THE OPEN EYE PRESENTS FOUR RENOWNED BARCELONA ARTISTS
Thereza Pedrosa Gallery shows work by Ramon Puig Cuyàs, Silvia Walz, Judy McCaig, and Lluís Comín. Their works reflect the light, spirit, and diversity of the Mediterranean. Across wearable art, wall pieces, and sculptural forms, each creation reveals a unique perspective, shaped by the artists’ gaze and their intimate connection with the environment. More.
SHARON MASSEY: FRINGE, AT JEWELERS’WORK GALERIE
Her work will be on view at the Washington, DC, gallery October 18–November 15, 2025. Opening reception October 18, 12–4 pm. Info. Massey won AJF’s 2009 Emerging Artist Award.
KHANYA MTHETHWA REIMAGINES AN INDIGENOUS DRINKING VESSEL AS A 3D-PRINTED VASE
Across many indigenous cultures, the Ukhamba, or calabash, has long served to hold beer. In this piece, Mthethwa reimagines its form and function, from a utilitarian object to a decorative vase. Adorned with Swati symbols like the shield, it becomes a subtle keeper of culture and a reminder that heritage can live quietly and powerfully within our homes. Mthethwa won AJF’s 2023 Susan Beech Mid-Career Grant.
NYCJW’S SCHEDULE IS NOW ONLINE
From November 17–23, 2025, enjoy a variety of in-person events throughout the city, as well as online talks. This year’s theme is “Art Worn,” to celebrate the artistry inherent in jewelry. NYCJW highlights the individuals, brands, artists, and stories that inspire us and deepen our appreciation for this art form. More.
AJF MEMBER MARCIA CIRNE FEATURED AT GALERIA ALICE FLORIANO
The artist’s work is part of the gallery’s 10-year anniversary exhibition, and her work was the star of a recent gallery newsletter. Congratulations! Check out Cirne’s website here.
A SUNDAY TALK WITH NOON PASSAMA
This symposium marks the presentation of the Françoise van den Bosch Award 2024 to Passama, for valuable contributions made to contemporary jewelry. The lectures and performances—at the Stedelijk Museum, November 9, 2025, 2–6 p.m.—will focus on kinship, co-creation, and collaboration, all themes related to Passama’s work. With contributions from Ben Lignel, Clem Edwards, Isabel Wang Pontoppidan, and Amanda Pinatih. More.
BRYAN PARNHAM DIGS OUT IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
A year ago, Hurricane Helene wreaked destruction in the area. American Craft spoke with seven local craftspeople—several of them jewelers—about the aftermath, the recovery efforts that continue today, and the storm’s creative consequences. Parnham, who won AJF’s 2024 Young Artist Award, appears in the index images. More.
SHAPE, AT GALERIE DOOR, OCTOBER 18–NOVEMBER 18, 2025
With basic shapes such as triangles, spheres, or cubes, you can create new forms. The possibilities are endless. This new exhibition by Hartog & Henneman builds on that idea. The collection of individual basic elements in all kinds of sizes, both flat and three-dimensional—squares and cubes, triangles and pyramids, circles and cylinders, and spheres, arches, and beams—are made to be played with: stacked or arranged, tied or built. The rough texture and intentional imperfection of the elements emphasize the sculptural quality of each form. Translate your imagination into your own monumental, wearable form! More.
ANNUAL HOLIDAY SALE AT BJC—DECEMBER 5–7, 2025
Join the Baltimore Jewelry Center for its annual Holiday Sale, featuring work by 20 community members and instructors. Shop in-person from 5–8 p.m. on December 5; and from 12–6 p.m. on December 6 and 7. Select work from each artist will be available online. Info.
NEWS FROM ALL AROUND
FROM LOUISE BOURGEOIS TO YOKO ONO: JEWELLERY BY FEMALE ARTISTS
Features around 90 pieces created by 45 internationally renowned female artists. The works provide an insight into the art movements from the 1920s to the present day, from Surrealist icons Meret Oppenheim and Aube Elléouet to the critically acclaimed conceptual artist Alicja Kwade. The jewelry reflects contemporary artistic trends and at the same time provides surprising perspectives on the oeuvre of the individual artists. Each distills an artistic vision into a wearable statement. Some pieces captivate with minimalist aesthetics, while others command attention with expressive, sculptural presence or playful humor. At the Cologne Museum of Applied Arts (MAKK) November 21, 2025–April 26, 2026. Info.
CRISTINA FILIPE REVIEWED WARWICK FREEMAN: HOOK HAND HEART STAR
Her article—in Portuguese—published in Artecapital. Find it here.
VICKI MASON’S RECYCLED COSTUME JEWELRY REFLECTS ON DROUGHT
The maker participated in Bridget Kennedy’s annual project, Remade-Reloved, with the creative challenge of designing new jewelry from unwanted costume jewelry. A frequent writer for AJF, Mason referenced this quote from a meteorologist as she fabricated her amulets and talismans: “Unfortunately, we can’t squeeze the cloud … to wring out as much moisture as we can.” More, in Garland.
JEWELRY VAULT OPENS NOVEMBER 1, 2025
Explore the rich and sparkling history of jewelry in Philadelphia, PA, US, from colonial silversmiths to contemporary designers. In the Frances M. Maguire Hall at the Woodmere Art Museum. Info.
JEWELRY AND SILVERSMITHING SKILLS ARE DISAPPEARING
Silver spinning, chasing, hand engraving and polishing are now all listed on the Heritage Crafts Red List as endangered, states Goldsmiths’ Centre. If they aren’t passed on, they risk vanishing. The challenge is not only the scarcity of the skills themselves, but also the capacity of businesses to invest in training. Employers must balance teaching time with commercial demands. The Centre responds, here.
JEWELRY-FOCUSED EVENTS
THE JEWELRY BOOK: A CONVERSATION—NOVEMBER 19, 2025
Join Melanie Grant, the author of The Jewelry Book; Matthew Yokobosky, senior curator of fashion and material culture at the Brooklyn Museum; and Jonathan Wahl, senior director at the 92NY’s Jewelry Center, for a deep dive and conversation on the book, which features 300 of jewelry’s greatest names spanning more than 200 years. In person. More.
PAGES SPOTLIGHTING JEWELRY
FROM LOUISE BOURGEOIS TO YOKO ONO
This book, tied to the MAKK exhibition of the same name, presents about 60 jewelry works by some 40 internationally renowned female visual artists from the 1920s to today. It deliberately focuses on female standpoints, thus breaking with the male-dominated perception of avant-garde art jewelry. The pieces in the publication open up new, often surprising perspectives. Some captivate with minimalist elegance, others with their expressive, sculptural presence or playful humor. Each unique work consolidates an artistic vision into a small personal statement. More. Available in November.
COREEN SIMPSON: A MONOGRAPH
Simpson has done it all. Working for publications such as Essence, Unique New York, and The Village Voice, from the late 1970s onward, Simpson covered New York’s art and fashion scenes, producing portraits of a wide range of Black artists, literary figures, and celebrities. Her iconic jewelry, the Black Cameo, has been worn by everyone from the model Iman to civil-rights leader Rosa Parks. More.
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