ColumnistsJan 21, 2025
Peter Smith: Sales Training’s Dirty Little SecretPeter Smith pulls back the curtain on the often misinterpreted, and sometimes maligned, world of sales training.
Events & AwardsJan 31, 2017
Dana Bronfman Wins FGI Rising Star Award
The jewelry designer, who is exhibiting at JCK Tucson, was honored last week at the Fashion Group International’s annual awards luncheon.
Here is one of Dana Bronfman’s bracelets, featuring her signature cut-out motif.
New York--Last Thursday, Fashion Group International honored its 2017 class of “Rising Stars” at its annual awards luncheon in New York.
The organization recognizes emerging designers at this event every year, in categories spanning fashion and accessories.
This year, Brooklyn-based designer Dana Bronfman received the Rising Star Award in Fine Jewelry.
“Winning the award was such an honor and a thrill,” Bronfman told National Jeweler. “It was the most exciting moment of my career to date. To be recognized by the very competitive fashion and jewelry industry is such a huge deal.”
Not long ago, the San Francisco native was pursuing a career in the nonprofit sector, though she felt a creative draw toward jewelry-making.
“I make an effort to keep philanthropy as a big part of my life and business, but creating jewelry is my passion and an amazing means to be able to give back,” Bronfman explained.
Her passion took her to the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts in San Francisco, where she studied her craft from the ground up. Her time at Revere led to stints working with other designers in her home town and in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
In 2014, Bronfman came to New York to take some jewelry classes, and the trip proved serendipitous.
“I became so inspired,” said Bronfman. “I felt that it was the time to start my own line.”
Bronfman’s “Holy” pendant
Three years later, retailers such as Roseark, ZFolio, Regina Jewelry and Treasures, Memo Online and Sucre NYC carry her line, and she’s exhibited at JCK Tucson and Metal + Smith.
Bronfman describes her aesthetic as “quietly bold.” She works mainly in 18-karat gold and diamonds, infusing wearable pieces with uniqueness via her signature cut-outs.
“My collections have used gold and diamonds in a way inspired by industrial architecture as well as my experience as a bench jeweler; the balance between structure and movement has categorized my line,” she said.
This year, Bronfman is venturing into color with “non-traditional colored diamonds and gemstones,” which will be on display at JCK Tucson from Feb. 1 to 4.
The designer hopes that recognition from the FGI will help set her apart from the many young fine jewelry brands who approach retailers.
“I feel industry awards like this do help independent designers by helping them to receive exposure and publicity and, ultimately, credibility,” she said. “I feel encouraged to know that the industry knows I am here to stay, and that the future holds lots of excitement.”
Bronfman’s line retails between $295 and $15,000.
Her designs will be on display in the Design Center at booth DC19 at JCK Tucson.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
TrendsJan 21, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Decadent Mocha MoussePantone’s 2025 Color of the Year takes the form of jewelry through gemstones and enamel that look just as delicious as mocha mousse.
Policies & IssuesJan 21, 2025
These Designers and Retailers Are Raising Money for LA Wildfire Relief From raffles to auctions to donations, the industry is working to aid charities in Los Angeles amid the raging wildfires.
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
SourcingJan 21, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Adds 2 Board MembersJulia Hackman Chafé and Monica Elias have joined the organization’s board of directors.
Weekly QuizJan 16, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsJan 17, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Rise 14% in Holiday QuarterThe company, which owns Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, had a record Q3, with sales topping $6 billion.
CollectionsJan 17, 2025
Piece of the Week: Picchiotti’s Transformable ‘Classic Blue and Green’ NecklaceThe necklace features a sapphire drop weighing more than 9 carats that detaches to transform into a ring.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday CampaignA Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
MajorsJan 17, 2025
Tiffany & Co., CFDA Name First Winner of Jewelry Designer AwardJameel Mohammed, founder of Afrofuturist brand Khiry, will receive a cash prize and a one-year paid fellowship with Tiffany & Co.
IndependentsJan 16, 2025
Lux Bond & Green to Open Sixth LocationThe 127-year-old jeweler is planning to open a new store in Mystic, Connecticut.
WatchesJan 16, 2025
Timex Launches Collection of National Park WatchesThe watches’ dials feature artwork celebrating the vibrant energy and unique landscapes of six of America’s national parks.
AuctionsJan 16, 2025
Elizabeth Taylor’s Diamond Line Bracelet Going up for Auction Offered by U.K. auction house Woolley & Wallis, the yellow diamond bracelet was a gift from Taylor’s good friend Michael Jackson.
EditorsJan 15, 2025
The Jewelry I’d Bid On in Christie’s Iris Apfel AuctionAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite fashion jewelry pieces from the upcoming “Unapologetically Iris” auction.
MajorsJan 15, 2025
Macy’s to Close 66 Stores as Part of Turnaround StrategyThe closures are part of the retailer’s plan to close 150 locations over a three-year period.
Policies & IssuesJan 15, 2025
JVC Debuts Guide to Americans with Disabilities Act ComplianceThe online guide is available for free and written with the jewelry industry in mind.
GradingJan 14, 2025
GIA CEO, President Susan Jacques to Retire at the End of 2025The grading lab said the search for her successor is underway.
ColumnistsJan 14, 2025
Jules Kim: Building Bridges Between Creators and IndustryIn this special op-ed, designer Jules Kim calls on big brands to collaborate with independent creators instead of copying their designs.
GradingJan 14, 2025
Former SSEF Director Henry A. Hänni DiesA pioneering figure in gemology, he is remembered for his spirit of generosity, curiosity, and joy.
FinancialsJan 14, 2025
Signet Jewelers Lowers Q4 Guidance After Holiday Sales Fall ShortThe peak selling days leading up to Christmas did not meet the jewelry retailer’s expectations.
MajorsJan 14, 2025
Edouard Schneider Joins Messika as Chief Brand OfficerSchneider brings over 20 years of luxury and fashion industry experience to his role as a key member of the brand’s global leadership team.
SourcingJan 13, 2025
Zambia Reinstates 15% Export Duty on Precious Gemstones, Shocking GemfieldsGemfields said the Zambian government revoked the 2019 suspension of the tax with no warning.
TechnologyJan 13, 2025
Ultrahuman Unveils Luxury Smart RingWith versions in 18-karat gold and platinum, the wearables company is blending health technology and fine jewelry.
Policies & IssuesJan 13, 2025
Brandee Dallow Elected President of Ethical MetalsmithsThe executive brings more than two decades of industry experience to the role.
IndependentsJan 13, 2025
The Seven Pops Up in Palm BeachThe New York City-based retailer is bringing its curation of jewels to a pop-up shop at Love Binetti in Palm Beach, Florida.
Policies & IssuesJan 10, 2025
Jewelers Relief Fund Reopened to Aid Victims of LA Fires Created by JA and DCA, the fund is collecting money for jewelry businesses damaged by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.
TrendsJan 10, 2025
Piece of the Week: Elsa Jin’s ‘Mozi’ BroochAdrien Brody received his first Golden Globe while wearing the “Mozi” brooch, which depicts a spill of traditional Chinese calligraphy ink.
SourcingJan 10, 2025
De Beers, GJEPC Partner to Promote Natural DiamondsThe pair will work together to support independent retailers in India with marketing assets, training materials, and other tools.
