A new business has opened in Downtown South Orange. Called the South Orange Jewelry and Art Exchange (SOJAX), a grand opening celebration was held from 10am to 8:30pm on Thursday. SOJAX is located at the former location of the Robyn Ross Women's Clothing and Jewelry Boutique.
The exchange will feature several local artists and jewelers, who will be operating independently in a shared space.
Owner Ross Fields, the former co-owner of Robyn Ross, told Essex County Place that after his wife Robyn moved on to another career, and the store was closed, he "tried to figure out how to transform the space". Fields said he was inspired by jewelry exchanges in Midtown Manhattan's Diamond District. "Jewelry and art go hand in hand", Fields explained, "The arts community is very big in this town. Once I got the concept, it was well welcomed by the community".
Vendors slated to be part of the exchange include Arts Unbound, Compelling Images Fine Art, Robyn Ross Designs, Michelle Billete Design, Pamela Bloom Jewelry, The Exceptional Artisan, ASG Creations, and Goldstein Jewelers.
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