Experience CMD in Person: Help Us Pop-Up All Over the Map

If you’ve been following CMD for a while, you’ve probably noticed something shifting over here.

After years of doing traditional wholesale, large markets and nonstop event schedules, I’ve been slowly moving toward something that feels far more aligned with where I want this brand to go next: smaller gatherings, more intentional connection, more personal experiences and events that actually feel like us. Honestly, it’s way more my speed.

There are now quite a few ways to experience CMD in person, try on stacks, start custom conversations or even host us in your own space.

First Things First: What Is The Ring Bar?

The Ring Bar is essentially my entire world packed up and brought to life in person. It’s a small physical bar handcrafted out of plywood, and I now own two of them. One lives in the Bay Area and one stays closer to home for drivable events. It lays flat, sets up in no time and, yes, it’s also the cutest thing ever.

You get to try things on, stack rings in real time, experiment with combinations, ask questions, see the craftsmanship up close and actually feel how the jewelry wears on your hand. There’s a huge difference between seeing jewelry online and experiencing it in person, especially when stacking is involved.

People often arrive thinking they want one thing and leave completely surprised by what they fall in love with once they start trying pieces on. That’s the magic of The Ring Bar.

These gatherings have also become something bigger than shopping. They’re places for conversation, connection, storytelling and styling, and they’re often where future custom or Reconstruction projects first begin.

Open Hours at The CMD Shop

One of the easiest ways to experience CMD in person is during Open Hours at The CMD Shop in Asbury Park.

The shop itself is a little hidden gem tucked upstairs off street level. During scheduled Open Hours, you can stop by without booking ahead, try on the collection, build stacks, shop in person and spend some time with me and the team in a relaxed, drop-in environment.

These days are especially great if you’ve never seen the jewelry in person before, want help building a stack or are curious about sizing and styling. They’re also a natural place for conversations about future custom and Reconstruction projects to begin. Found some golden goodies in your jewelry box? Bring them along and let’s take a look.

You can always find upcoming Open Hours, pop-ups and events here.

CMD Pop-Ups & Collaborations

Then there are the pop-ups.

These have become one of my favorite parts of CMD because they allow me to bring The Ring Bar into spaces that already have their own personality, creativity and sense of community.

Some recent favorites have included a pop-up at the ever-talented Linda Fahey’s ceramics studio in San Francisco, a collaboration with my old friend and insanely talented interior designer Lauren Nelson, and one hell of a 20th anniversary celebration in Asbury Park. I’m always scheming about what might come next.

I’m especially interested in collaborations that feel thoughtful, intimate, design-forward and community-oriented. Think creative spaces, studios and independent businesses we genuinely love.

A beautifully designed home. A ceramics studio. A wine bar. A creative workspace. A restaurant. An interior design showroom. A wellness space. An outdoor gathering. A women’s group. A dinner party with incredible people. Some of the best ideas don’t fit neatly into a category.

What I’m less interested in these days is the traditional wholesale model, crowded trade shows and giant convention centers. Those experiences helped CMD get where we are today, but I’m much more drawn to gatherings where people can slow down, try things on and actually connect with one another.

And yes, I’ll travel for the right collaboration. I’ve even brought The Ring Bar into private homes and gardens for intimate gatherings built around jewelry, design and community. That’s exactly the kind of thing I want more of.

Want to Host CMD?

This is the part where I officially ask for your help. Do you have a really cool space? A creative business? A community that loves jewelry, fashion, design, art or craftsmanship? A group or gathering that would enjoy a Ring Bar experience? A reason to bring people together?

I’m always interested in hearing about aligned spaces and collaborators around the country, especially experiences that feel personal, creative, warm and memorable.

I’ll bring The Ring Bar, the jewelry and the energy. Together, we can create something that feels uniquely yours and unmistakably CMD.

Reconstruction Parties Are Officially a Thing

One thing I’ve realized recently is that people have so much to say about the jewelry sitting unworn in their drawers. Customers bring things like broken chains, old engagement rings, inherited pieces, single earrings, outdated settings, jewelry from past relationships and pieces that still hold meaning but no longer feel wearable.

While true custom and Reconstruction projects require dedicated one-on-one design time, a gathering can be an incredibly fun way to start the conversation.

Bring your less-loved heirloom jewelry, old gold, inherited pieces or mystery jewelry-box collections, and I can take a look through what you have in person.

Sometimes there’s a diamond hiding in there that deserves a completely new life, enough recyclable gold for a meaningful credit toward a future piece, or simply something whose potential you haven’t recognized yet.

These gatherings aren’t about designing the final piece on the spot. They’re about seeing what you have, talking through possibilities and beginning to imagine what could come next. From there, anyone interested in moving forward can schedule individual design time to go deeper into the Reconstruction process. These conversations have become some of the most emotional and meaningful parts of my work.

One-on-One Custom & Reconstruction Appointments

If you’re ready for more focused design time, I also offer one-on-one appointments in person at The CMD Shop or virtually from anywhere.

These appointments are reserved for more involved projects including Special Occasion jewelry, wedding bands, custom work, Reconstruction projects and jewelry redesigns. Some people come in with a fully formed vision and others arrive with a tangled pouch of jewelry and absolutely no idea where to begin. Both are very welcome.

If you aren’t sure whether your project is a fit, you can begin with a complimentary 15-minute consultation.

And yes, many Reconstruction projects can absolutely begin virtually if you aren’t local. I’ve worked with clients all over the map for years, and we’ve got the process fine-tuned.

The Future of CMD

What I’m building now is less about retail in the traditional sense and more about creating places for connection through jewelry.

The internet is amazing, obviously. It has allowed CMD to exist and grow in ways I never could have imagined.

But there’s something irreplaceable about gathering in real life. Trying things on, telling stories, passing rings across a table and talking about old jewelry, future heirlooms and the lives attached to them.

That’s the direction I’m moving toward.

So if you have a space, an idea, a collaboration or a community you think would love CMD, I’d truly love to hear from you.

Let’s pop this thing up all over the map!

Forever roaming,
Colleen

 

© Colleen Mauer Designs. All rights reserved.
Published: June 23, 2026
Updated: August 26, 2026