The 26th annual MAD About Jewelry event is poised to captivate audiences with an impressive display of contemporary artistic adornments. This year's showcase emphasizes innovative materials, distinctive shapes, and a rich palette of natural hues, bringing together 45 jewelry creators from over 20 nations to redefine the boundaries of modern jewelry design.

Scheduled from May 5th to May 9th, this unique jewelry pop-up is hosted at the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) in Manhattan. The event not only serves as a marketplace but also as a cultural hub where enthusiasts and collectors can discover both emerging and established artisans, as highlighted by curator Bryna Pomp.

Pomp, renowned for her extensive global search for groundbreaking jewelers, dedicated considerable effort to selecting this year's participants, reviewing nearly a thousand artists. The exhibition will feature a special opening preview on Tuesday at Robert, the museum's top-floor restaurant, offering attendees a chance to interact with the artists directly. This benefit event supports the museum's educational initiatives and future exhibitions. Additionally, a luncheon and panel discussion on Thursday, hosted by MAD chair emerita Barbara Tober, will include insights from prominent figures such as Lynn Yaeger, Judy Geib, and senior curator Barbara Paris Gifford.

For a quarter-century, MAD About Jewelry has been instrumental in recognizing jewelry as a legitimate and dynamic contemporary art form. The Museum of Arts and Design holds the distinction of being the sole American institution with a dedicated gallery for jewelry exhibitions, continuously expanding its collection of modern and contemporary artistic pieces.

While curator Pomp refrains from naming favorites, she proudly presents a selection of featured artists for 2026. Among them is Eunhee Cho from Korea, who employs traditional Korean jiseung techniques—twisting and weaving paper—to craft exquisite, delicate jewelry. Egyptian artist Fatma Mostafa, with her background in fine art painting, integrates embroidery with metal to produce colorful and expressive pieces. Andrea de Navarrete of Argentina, operating under ADNJewelry, transforms discarded aluminum coffee capsules into stunning, eco-conscious jewelry, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability.

Pomp also draws attention to the work of Amy Findlay from Scotland, a strong proponent of pins and brooches. Findlay's creations are inspired by insects, utilizing hand-carving and lost-wax casting to produce strikingly lifelike brooches. Danish brand Monies, a half-century-old institution now directed by Karl Monies, son of the founders, continues to lead in innovative design. Dora Haralambaki of Greece masterfully uses bronze and acrylic finishes to elevate simple floral motifs into sophisticated contemporary art. Lastly, Colin Lynch, founder of Keane New York in the United States, repurposes borosilicate glass, typically used in lampworking, to fashion bold and colorful jewelry pieces.

This year's MAD About Jewelry exhibition continues its legacy of celebrating the transformative power of jewelry, showcasing its evolution as a vibrant and integral part of the contemporary art world.