Ivanka Trump Moves Jewelry Boutique Downtown

The Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry boutique.

Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry has been expanding in a number of ways during the past year. The brand has released fine jewelry collections aimed at different markets. In addition, Trump herself has been traveling the world promoting the company’s collections to new audiences. To coincide with this expansion the brand recently moved from its “jewel box”-sized space on Madison Avenue to a 2,400 square-foot, bi-level boutique in SoHo giving its uptown chic a downtown vibe.

One of the standalone jewelry display cases.

The New York flagship store at 109 Mercer St. that opened in late November has many of the same luxurious and feminine qualities of the prior store along with dedicated spaces for a lounge, bridal jewelry and special events. Designed by NY3Design, the space uses art deco and classical elements in black and white (the colors of the brand) along with large touches of Ivanka Trump’s signature coral, and light brown and cream tones. And, of course, there are plenty of mirrors.

The VIP room and lounge.

The store houses nearly all of the Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry collections along with accessories from some of her other product lines. Entering the long narrow space, the first items shown are designed to be accessible to younger jewelry lovers, such as those who live in the neighborhood. Strolling along a custom-designed white carpet with black patterns (created by ABC Carpet & Home), the space narrows a bit where there’s a full-length mirror on the left and a mirrored wall on the right with shelving and spaces that contains more upscale jewelry designs along with Ivanka Trump handbags and other accessories. In between is an updated version of standalone antique display case, using a curved solid white frame topped with a separate glass case. These standalone displays are located throughout the store.

The stairway that leads to the bridal salon.

As you continue the space opens again to a small lounge area. The area is a place where men can wait while their significant other is shopping. The folks at Ivanka Trump swear that men are welcome but this is a store designed for women (even the lounge area). Beside the lounge there’s a separate “VIP” room for private consultations. This area contains Trump’s new Downtown jewelry collection, created specifically for the new store. 

The view of the bridal salon from above.

Past the open space a large Schonbek chandelier hangs overhead. Beneath it is the lower level, which serves as the store’s dedicated bridal salon. You descend into the space on a stairwell. The bridal area contains individual display cases showing Trump’s wedding bands along with ethically sourced engagement rings and bridal jewelry. Comfortable sofas, chairs and tables, and even a makeup table, giving a touch of home, are located throughout the area. This space is large enough for bridal parties and other special events, including the “Champaign Saturdays” that were popular at the Madison Avenue store.

The furnishings inside the bridal salon.

What’s next for the jewelry brand? A move to China? Stay tuned.

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ICA Moves Headquarters to Hong Kong

Members of the board of directors of the ICA and staff of the new Hong Kong office. Photo credit: ICA

In another example of Asia’s newfound dominance in the jewelry industry, the International Colored Gemstone Association has moved its international headquarters to Hong Kong from New York. The new offices are located in Hong Kong's gems and jewelry manufacturing district and are run by a team of English and Chinese speaking staff, led by Daniel Leung, executive assistant to the president.

The ICA, which will maintain a presence at a new location in New York, says the decision to move its head office is aimed at bringing the organization into closer touch with the rapidly expanding Asian markets, and to actively participate in the further development of the colored gemstones and jewelry industry in the region. In addition, ICA is seeing an expansion in its membership in Asia, and the Hong Kong offices will enable it to better serve them, says ICA President Wilson Yuen.

"This was not a decision that we made easily, and it followed a great deal of debate," Yuen says. "Our international offices have been based in New York for many years. But we felt that we could not ignore the trends that are sweeping our industry and the global economy in general.

"Asia in general, and China in particular, is claiming a larger role in international business, and it is imperative that we are based in the heart of the region to enable us to provide a comprehensive service to our membership and to the industry,” he adds. “This is what it is expected of the ICA.”

The transition being overseen by former ICA executive director, Barbara Wheat.

The new Hong Kong offices were opened July 9 at a special in-house inauguration ceremony attended by ICA board of directors. 

ICA is a non-profit worldwide organization that represents the global colored gemstone industry. Founded in 1984, it’s now comprised of almost 700 gemstone dealers, cutters and miners from 47 countries.

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