JA New York’s last day featured The Big Pitch — an opportunity for designers to pitch their collection to a panel of experts for feedback in a Shark Tank-like setting.
The panel included five jewelry experts from across the country and various experience in the jewelry industry. It was composed of buyers Soraya Cayen of Cayen Collection, Jennifer Gandia of Greenwich Jewelers, Jeff Badler of Maurice Badler Fine Jewelry and jewelry writers Tanya Dukes and Rachel Garrahan — together their experience in the industry spans over several decades.
Designers who pitched their collections to the panel included: Rene Escobar, Wondrous Designs, Joon Han, PsOne, Pursuits, Dana Bronfman, MetalurJ, Patrizia and Angela George Jewelry.
During their pitches, designers gave insight into their inspiration for their collections and what their creative process was. Then the audience watched and listened as the panel gave feedback about each collection. They talked about price points, collection cohesion and materials used.
“The panel gave really priceless advice, they were very serious while I was presenting but I could tell that they were very interested in what I had to say. I felt really comfortable. I’m really glad I participated in The Big Pitch,” Patricia Rahme of Patrizia Jewelry beamed.