Vintage Shows That Belong on Your Calendar

The Original Miami Beach Antique Show

Next edition: January 11 to 15, 2024
Where: Miami Beach Convention Center, Florida

This huge multi-hall extravaganza is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2024. If you don’t mind getting lost navigating the displays of home décor and vintage art, you’ll find hundreds of world-renowned antique and vintage dealers who are happy to greet you.

They’ll even tell you where else to look if they don’t have the item you’re seeking. The goods on offer range from accessibly priced Victorian jewelry to high-ticket signed pieces. There is also an educational series each morning before the show opens, which covers a lot of informational ground.

The Palm Beach Show

Next edition: February 15 to 20, 2024
Where: Palm Beach County Convention Center, Florida

Of the 140-plus international vintage dealers at this show, 35% feature rare, original jewelry from the Georgian era through contemporary times, with many exhibitors dealing in coveted signed pieces from Art Deco through the mid-20th century.

Palm Beach is also a destination stop, and with the 2024 show taking place over Presidents’ Day weekend, the city has a range of planned events. For those who live in cold climates, the show provides an excellent reason to travel to sunny Florida when the weather is most pleasant, with outdoor dining and a chance to sightsee in the evenings.

Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show

Next edition: May 30 to June 2, 2024
Where: Wynn Las Vegas, Nevada

This is one of the few trade-only shows on the antique and vintage circuit, with dealers flying in from across the globe to exhibit and buy authentic period jewelry. While it does get busy, it is a bit less hectic without the consumer attendance, allowing participants to cover the show more efficiently.

Its relocation last year to the Wynn — which is also home to the annual Couture jewelry show — is a welcome change, as it enables retailers who buy both estate and contemporary designs to shop one venue.

New York City Jewelry & Watch Show

Next edition: October 24 to 27, 2024
Where: Metropolitan Pavilion, New York

Small and easily navigable, this show is nonetheless brimming with leading estate jewelry and watch vendors. All of its approximately 100 exhibitors deal in jewelry, and you can make leisurely decisions as you peruse Georgian through modern designs, including many signed pieces.

The fair is open to the public, so booths may get busy at times, but getting around is super easy in Manhattan, and the venue’s central location means you can take in the city sights and return later. Just don’t let your dream jewels slip away.

The Winter Show, a Benefit for East Side House

Next edition: January 19 to 28, 2024
Where: Park Avenue Armory, New York

Celebrating 70 years as the longest-running art, antique and design fair in the US, this show is truly like visiting a museum, with rare, authentic jewels spanning antiquity to today. There are over 65 internationally renowned dealers in the fine and decorative arts.

Special benefit events include the opening night party on January 18, which attracts collectors, celebrities and the press, and Young Collectors Night on January 25. All proceeds go to East Side House Settlement, which provides life-changing programs for communities in the Bronx and northern Manhattan.

TEFAF New York

Next edition: May 10 to 14, 2024
Where: Park Avenue Armory, New York

Ten years ago, The European Fine Art Foundation (TEFAF) — whose long-running show in the Dutch city of Maastricht remains a prestigious hub for art, antiques and design — brought the fair to Manhattan. The organizers felt that New York, as one of the world’s most vibrant art markets, provided an ideal setting for the fair outside of The Netherlands.

It is a beautiful show to walk; exhibitors have their own specialized gallery settings, and although the antique and vintage turnout is better in Maastricht, the New York edition is still lovely, well organized and inspirational.

Main image: Cartier Love bracelets. (The Original Miami Beach Antique Show)

This article is from the November-December 2023 issue of Rapaport Magazine. View other articles here.