Articles Events ExhibitionsFebruary 25, 2026 By Bebe Bakhshi

Palm Beach Show 2026: Poised, Polished, Palm Beach

From the moment I stepped inside, beginning at the grand entrance where guests are welcomed by a striking, monumental blue heron sculpture, the tone was set. The heron, graceful yet commanding, felt symbolic of Palm Beach itself — poised, elegant, and quietly powerful. It stood there almost like a guardian, signaling that what awaited inside was something thoughtfully curated and deeply intentional.

Palm Beach in February carries a certain glow. The light feels softer, the energy elevated yet relaxed. Returning to the Palm Beach Show this year reminded me why it continues to hold such a distinct place on the luxury calendar. It is not simply a fair. It is an experience that blends art, design, history, and jewelry into one seamless narrative.

While the show presents an impressive breadth of fine art and important antiques, for me the jewelry remains a central thread. From rare diamonds to exceptional colored gemstones, from signed vintage treasures to contemporary interpretations, the calibre was immediately apparent. What makes Palm Beach compelling is the way these worlds coexist. Historic pieces with provenance sit comfortably beside modern creations that reinterpret tradition for today’s collector.

One of the moments that stayed with me was seeing houses like Ruchi New York, whose work beautifully bridges old and new. Their approach to repurposing antique elements and heirloom stones into contemporary one-of-a-kind pieces feels incredibly relevant. There is something powerful about giving historic diamonds a second life, about combining past craftsmanship with present design language. It transforms jewelry from object into narrative. It feels personal, intentional, and deeply aligned with how modern collectors think.

Collectors moved through the aisles with clarity. Some arrived with specific pieces in mind, others allowed discovery to guide them, but what united them was discernment. Conversations extended beyond aesthetics into provenance, sourcing, and design philosophy. The Palm Beach Show encourages that level of engagement. It invites you to slow down and truly look.

The VIP Opening Night set the tone beautifully. Veuve Clicquot champagne flowed generously, Golden Goat’s caviar offerings added a celebratory indulgence, and Belvedere vodka martinis quickly became a favorite. Yet beyond the glamour, what made the evening magnificent was the atmosphere. Socializing with collectors, reconnecting with industry peers, and walking the aisles while appreciating art and jewels in that first reveal of the show created a distinct energy. It felt elevated, yet warm. Intentional, yet effortless.

What I appreciate most about Palm Beach is its balance. It is luxurious, but never intimidating. Knowledge is shared generously. Stories are told openly. Jewelry is presented not as spectacle, but as artistry and legacy. Whether it is a rare diamond, a signed historic jewel, or a reimagined heirloom crafted into something entirely new, the emphasis is on meaning.

The broader context of art and antiques only enhances that experience. Seeing jewelry in dialogue with sculpture, painting, and design reinforces its cultural relevance. It reminds you that these pieces are part of a larger creative continuum.

As the show came to a close and I walked back past the towering blue heron at the entrance, the symbolism felt complete. Like the heron, the Palm Beach Show stands poised and assured. It does not compete for attention. It commands it through presence alone.

It offers not only remarkable objects, but connection, conversation, and continuity.

And that is why it continues to resonate year after year.